Part 2: “Turtle Tales” Bonus Features & Citizen Science Opportunity!
Thanks to the handiwork of Robin FitzClemen, WREN, and other partners, we have four new bonus videos to share!
Northwestern pond turtles are one of two native turtle species in Oregon and can be found basking on logs or swimming in creeks, rivers, ponds, or wetlands. These reptiles are declining in numbers, though, in the Long Tom Watershed, the Willamette Valley, and across Oregon. Northwestern pond turtles have been identified as a species of concern in the Oregon Conservation Strategy. In our second installation of “Turtle Tales: A Story of Conservation” check out these Bonus Features, which include ways to engage as a citizen scientist in helping to document pond turtle populations and nests in Oregon, how to identify different species of turtles, and a virtual “360” tour of Golden Gardens Ponds in northwest Eugene.
Jump to the following four “Turtle Tales” Bonus Features!
- Northwestern Pond Turtle Identification
- Northwestern Pond Turtle Citizen Science Project
- iNaturalist Tutorial Video courtesy of Middle Fork Willamette WC
- Interactive 360 views video of Golden Gardens
How to Identify Northwestern Pond Turtles?
Watch this video to learn more about how to identify northwestern pond turtles and how to tell them apart from both native and non-native turtles such as the western painted turtle, the red-eared slider, and common snapping turtle. Thanks to Chris Yee at ODFW for narrating and providing this information!
Northwestern Pond Turtle Citizen Science Project
You can add to the knowledge of northwestern pond turtle populations and their conservation trends in Oregon by participating as a citizen scientist! Laura Maloney of WREN talks more about an exciting project to report turtle sightings and sign using the iNaturalist app.
iNaturalist Tutorial Video
Watch this short video by Molly Shea of the Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council to learn how to use the iNaturalist app.
Take a Virtual “360” Tour of Golden Gardens Ponds!
- What signs of human activity can be found?
- What makes these ponds an ideal habitat?
- Which of the images presents evidence of northwestern pond turtle nests and what makes that area a good nesting spot?
- Can you spot any northwestern pond turtles?
This learning opportunity is presented in partnership with our friends at WREN, and this project was made possible in part with grant funding from the Benton County Soil & Water Conservation District. The “How to Use iNaturalist” video is shared courtesy of the Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council. Thank you to our partners!
We also want to thank the knowledge, creativity, and generosity of the people who helped make these videos happen: Sara Crawford, Robin FitzClemen, Lauri Holts, Laura Maloney, Amanda Reinholtz, Molly Shea, and Chris Yee
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Part 1: The Pond Turtles of Golden Gardens: A documentary by Robin FitzClemen! Scroll down and click play to watch!
Northwestern pond turtles are one of two native turtle species in Oregon and can be found basking on logs or swimming in creeks, rivers, ponds, or wetlands. These reptiles are becoming harder to find, though, as their populations dwindle in the Long Tom Watershed, Willamette Valley, and across Oregon. Northwestern pond turtles have been identified in the Oregon Conservation Strategy as a species of concern.
In this first of a two-part “Turtle Tales” series to bring you the story of northwestern pond turtle conservation, we’re excited to debut Robin FitzClemen’s documentary, The Pond Turtles of Golden Gardens. This six-minute short film highlights conservation efforts at this City of Eugene-managed park to lend a helping hand to this rare reptile, and some of the key people involved in these restoration efforts. You’ll hear from City of Eugene ecologist Lauri Holts, ODFW wildlife biologist Chris Yee, and our very own Amanda Reinholtz. You’ll also see plenty of footage of adorable turtle hatchlings! So grab your popcorn and enjoy!
Please share this link with your friends and family to spread the word about Northwestern Pond Turtles, and get them excited for Part 2 on October 20th!
We want to extend a special thanks to Robin FitzClemen for generously allowing us to share this footage with the community. Robin is a lifelong resident of Oregon and a recent graduate from Journalism Master’s program at the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication. Robin’s focus is on immersive multimedia science stories. The Pond Turtles of Golden Gardens was Robin’s terminal project in the program. In addition to his interest in filmmaking, Robin has explored non-traditional formats for telling rich science stories. His research into the use of board games as a communication led to the development of a game about the effect of climate change on wildfires, which received grant funding from the Wayne Morse Center for further development. When he isn’t taking photos of turtles, Robin is often working in the Cascades Raptor Center’s wildlife hospital or enjoying the Oregon wilderness. Robin is actively looking for work in communications and you can see more of his work at www.robinfitzclemen.com.