Author Archives: Tessa Marie Caltagirone

I had a great experience with this class and loved the volunteer work. I volunteered with my group at Nolde Forest and we were in search of turtles. My group went to Nolde for the first two days together and we learned about different types of turtles and how and what to do if we find one. I went to Nolde three times and spent about two hours each time hiking the trails and looking for turtles. I even went to the painted turtle pond and thought there would be some turtles sun bathing on the wooden logs but unfortunately I did not find any turtles throughout my trips to Nolde Forest. I searched in the leaves and a little off the trail but did not see any turtles. I also, went on different days of the week and at different times along with a change of weather. I found it very interesting to learn about the different types of turtles and what their markings mean. However, I did find many other animals and got to see other things in nature, jut no turtles. I love being outdoors and hiking, therefore this volunteer work was the best for me. I would recommend this course and this volunteer work to anyone. I hope that one day, if I go back to Nolde Forest that I will find a turtle.

On Thursday April 19th, 2018 I went to Nolde for my last few hours of volunteer work to search for turtles. I went from 2:00-4:00 p.m and hiked to the “Painted Turtle Pond” and through “Owl Loop Trail”. Earlier that day it did rain but it cleared up by the time I went to hike around. Unfortunately, throughout my visits there I did not find any turtles. I did enjoy being outside and appreciating nature.

Earlier that morning on April 19th, my group presented our project in the Gaige lobby and talked about the research and volunteer parts of our project. I think our poster and powerpoint turned out beautifully and it seemed like people really did like hearing about the research we did and what our volunteer work was all about.

Below is a picture of our presentation in the Gaige lobby. 

At the beginning of this project my group spent two hours at Nolde Forrest with two different park rangers (on different days) on exactly what we were to do while searching for turtles. We learned about the different types of turtles that may be at Nolde. Also, we were informed about what the markings on the turtle’s backs mean. We were also shown how to exactly handle a turtle if we see one.

On April 10th I went to Nolde Forrest in search of turtles. On Monday, April 10th I did not expect to see any turtles because it was still chilly out and even snowed a little bit the day before. I even hiked to the “Painted Turtle Pond” in hope of finding at least one turtle. Sadly, there were no turtles to be found that day. I was there from 1:30-4:00 p.m and went on multiple trails and moved some leaves with my feet but did not find any turtles. I did however, find a frog, tadpoles, birds, and even empty beer cans throughout my hike.

On April 12th I went back to Nolde Forrest and tried my same route while also adding in another trail (“Owl Loop Trail”) and went at a different time of the day (12:15-2:45 p.m) hoping turtles would be out this time.This day was warmer and the sun was in and out more throughout the day. I was more hopeful of finding a turtle this time due to the change in weather. Unfortunately, no turtles were spotted this day either. However, the weather was beautiful and it was a perfect day for a hike.