Terrapin Time on Skidaway
IMAGE: Happy Heroes – Twins Dylan and Forest Acker hold Archibald, a wayward diamondback terrapin whom they rescued from the cold this past January while golfing on Terrapin Point. (photo: Amy Collings)
Thousands of tiny terrapin eggs that were rescued by Skidaway Audubon volunteers will soon hatch, having incubated in protective hatcheries all summer. But if an egg is well hidden, that hatchling will be on its own. Except for one lucky little terrapin named Archibald.
Archibald was rescued by Landings residents Dylan and Forest Acker, sixth grade twin brothers, while golfing on Terrapin Point with their father, Dr. Brent Acker. They spotted the tiny newborn, and gave it a name. But they knew it needed more than a name. It needed protection. It was January.
“Diamondback terrapins usually hatch in late summer or early fall, but sometimes there are a few stragglers,” said Lisa Isenhour, co-chair of Audubon’s Diamondback Terrapin Rescue Project. “Hatching so very late, little Archibald most likely would have died from the cold had the Ackers not rescued him.”
Archibald’s luck continued, as he was placed in the care of Dr. Kathryn Craven, a professor at Georgia Southern University who conducts research on sea turtles and diamondbacks. His tail was stunted by the cold temperatures, but with Dr. Craven’s expert help, Archibald recovered and was ready to go back home. So in April, Dylan and Forest wished him luck, said good-bye, and released Archibald into the marshes off Terrapin Point hole # 3.
All Landings residents will have the opportunity to bid farewell to a tiny terrapin in the coming months as Audubon’s hatcheries begin to brim with newborns. Community hatchling releases, a highlight of every summer at The Landings, will be held, weather permitting, at Sunset Park on the following dates:
Thurs., Aug. 6 at 5 p.m.
Thurs., Aug. 20 at 5 p.m.
Thurs., Sept. 3 at 5 p.m.
Thurs., Sept. 17 at 5 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 4 at 3 p.m.
Participants will learn about these extraordinary terrapins and will have an unforgettable, hands-on experience with a baby turtle before carefully releasing the tiny newborn into the wild. Online registration is required and will open July 1. The events are open to all Landings residents, however, children must be six years of age or older to participate and to handle a hatchling. Due to the popularity of these events, Audubon asks that registrations be limited to one date per family. Parking is limited. Golf carts recommended. Dogs prohibited. Hatchling releases are free but donations are welcome.
Starting July 19th, you will be able to register online by CLICKING HERE.
The Skidaway Audubon project has become an exemplary initiative and has received several awards. The successful initiative contributes to The Landings Golf & Athletic Club’s certification as an Audubon International Cooperative Environmental Sanctuary. It also is generating meaningful data being used by researchers to aid in the recovery of the species.
The rescue work is conducted by a team of dedicated volunteers under a GA Department of Natural Resources permit. Years ago, the diamondbacks were used to make turtle soup and were harvested nearly to extinction. In 2003, commercial harvesting of diamondbacks was banned. Skidaway’s highly successful initiative is a bright spot along the eastern seaboard, where terrapin numbers are still in steady decline.
Starting July 19th, you will be able to register online by CLICKING HERE.
To donate and become a member of Skidaway Audubon CLICK HERE.
To volunteer CLICK HERE