What We Do

“Everyone likes box turtles.”

— Archie Carr, Turtle Biologist

During construction projects in Northern Virginia that include deforestation, the sites are required to have perimeter erosion control measures, often black plastic silt fence, often reinforced with chain link. Most of the displaced wildlife can escape by climbing, jumping, or flying out, but what about the turtles? Eastern box turtles often get barricaded in where they exhaust themselves trying to escape, desiccate in the sun, or get eaten by roving predators.

Turtle on dirt near a black fence

Construction Sites

We work with construction contractors to gain access to these sites and have volunteers walk the perimeter in search of critters that need a helping hand.

Group of people wearing safety helmets and high-visibility vests outdoors, standing on grass with tools, possibly involved in a construction or environmental project.

Wildlife Partnerships

We work with A.E.R.O. Animal Rescue for any injured wildlife and K2C Wildlife for assistance with venomous snakes we may encounter.

Child pointing at a small turtle held by a woman at a table, surrounded by seated adults.

Community Involvement

We give presentations to local community groups on the important work that we do, and how everyone can get involved.