The N.C. Arboretum celebrates state reptile at third annual Box Turtle Day

Due to its botanically-diverse landscapes and natural woodlands, The North Carolina Arboretum, a public garden located within the Pisgah National Forest just south of Asheville, is home to more than 30 different reptile and amphibian species, including North Carolina’s official reptile, the Eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina). While these turtles may be recognized as a state symbol, their presence continues to decline due to habitat destruction, mortality from automobiles and diseases such as ranavirus. Currently, they are classified as “vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources and are identified as a “priority species” on the North Carolina Wildlife Commission’s Wildlife Action Plan. In an effort to honor these iconic reptiles and bring awareness to conservation efforts and programs, the Arboretum will host its third annual Box Turtle Day, May 21, 2016, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Since 2013, the Arboretum has marked and released 39 adult box turtles and 13 juveniles as a way to track and monitor the population size, health and status of the species on the Arboretum’s 434-acre property. The box turtle research conducted at the Arboretum is part of a collaboration with The Box Turtle Connection, a long-term study focused on box turtles in North Carolina. All box turtle research performed at the Arboretum is overseen by its youth education department in an effort to contribute to the conservation of box turtles and inspire future herpetologists. When Arboretum campers, students or volunteers encounter these friendly reptiles during their visit, they help measure, weigh and return any found box turtles with the assistance of trained staff. As part of this year’s Box Turtle Day, families and children will learn ways to contribute to these conservation efforts by recording and sharing their own observations online through iNaturalist.org or by participating in the Arboretum’s newest citizen science program, ecoEXPLORE.

“Box Turtle Day is centered around creating opportunities for children to connect with nature and better understand how these species play an important role in North Carolina’s heritage and our biodiversity,” explains Jonathan Marchal, youth education manager at The North Carolina Arboretum. “By educating children with hands-on activities and letting them personally interact with these animals, they are able to form a personal bond with the natural world and hopefully serve as future ambassadors for these species.”

Other activities at Box Turtle Day will include guided box turtle telemetry tracking, crafts, storytelling and a hike along the Arboretum’s TRACK Trail, which was developed in partnership with the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. In addition, the Savory Thyme Café will be onsite with food and beverages available for purchase from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Arboretum gardens. Special guests include members from Kids in Park, The HERP Project and Carolina Box Turtles. Box Turtle Day events are free to the public; the Arboretum’s standard parking fees still apply. For more information on the event and the full schedule, please visit ncarboretum.org.

About The North Carolina Arboretum

Each year more than 500,000 visitors experience the Arboretum’s gardens, trails, exhibits and plant shows, educational programs, demonstrations and lectures. The Arboretum’s ability to meet its mission and enrich the visitor experience is made possible by a community of supporting resources – from members, volunteers and staff to state and local funds, tribute gifts, grants and community partners.

The central mission of The North Carolina Arboretum, an affiliate institution of the 17-campus University of North Carolina system, is to cultivate connections between people and plants. A standard $12 per vehicle parking fee is required for non-members. Special events and after-hours activities may require additional fees. For more information, please call (828) 665-2492 or visit www.ncarboretum.org.