Education and Outreach for the Blanding's Turtle (Emydoidea Blandingii)

Education and Outreach for the Blanding's Turtle (Emydoidea Blandingii)

"Blanding’s turtles are a declining species in Michigan and are listed as a species of special concern. Humans are the main cause of their decline due to automobiles and habitat destruction. Greater awareness and knowledge of Blanding’s turtles should increase concern for the species. Conducting interpretive educational Blanding’s turtles programs will increase knowledge and awareness of Blanding’s turtles in participants. The purpose of the project is to provide Blanding’s turtle knowledge to park visitors to encourage stewardship, enhance visitor experience, and contribute to the State Park Explorer Program. Interpreter and live animal training was acquired and the Blanding’s turtle program was developed. The program was presented eight times at Harrisville State Park in addition to guest presentations at neighboring parks. Key concepts about Blanding’s turtle conservation were presented using a live Blanding’s turtle to spark interest in participants. A voluntary multiple-choice survey was then given to participants in order to assess knowledge gained from the educational program. A total of 162 park visitors attended the program and there was an overall survey response rate of 46%. Based on the survey responses, it was shown that participants gained knowledge of Blanding’s turtles from the program and grasped the key concepts presented. All the materials and results from the project were submitted to the Explorer Program for future use. In addition, guest presenting for other Explorer Guides gave them the ability to adapt and conduct a Blanding’s turtle program in the future and at parks throughout Michigan. The use of a live Blanding’s turtle amplified the interest of participants and helped to make enduring connections to the species."

Allen, Sam

Biology

Lake Superior State University

2015

Dr. Glowinski

Copyright Sam Allen: All rights reserved. LSSU use only.

application/pdf

English

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S20220517009