Turtles
Summary
The Turtlers project is focused on finding and mapping turtle sightings in Chicago. We look for turtles daily and record certain relevant factors, such as location, species, and estimate size. Most of the data was collected around North Pond, as that is where we found most success with finding turtles. However, we also collected data around South Pond, Pickerelweed Pond, and the Lily Pool.
As a result of our project, we are learning more about turtles in Chicago. Factors such as species, size, location, and behavior give us insights into the lives of turtles. Usually, when you see a turtle, they are basking or swimming, but we want to figure out more about what else they do, like patterns of activity or where and why they do the basic things we see them doing. Our group is finding turtles in Lincoln Park, and we are learning a lot more about them.
If you want to help develop this project, you can contribute by recording data in the Chicago area on turtles with the materials listed. You can record and send in data using a device with Epi-Collect.
1.) Download Epicollect+ and search for the project titled “Turtlers”
2.) Find turtles in or around bodies of water in Chicago.
3.) Use Epi-Collect to record data about any turtles you find
Record this data:
a.) Picture of the turtle and its surroundings
b.) Location of the turtle (Latitude & Longitude)
c.) Field Number
d.) Time
e.) Date
f.) Species
g.) Size estimate
h.) What are the turtles doing?
i.) Water Quality
j.) Additional Notes (If Necessary)
4.)Sync the data
You Will Need:
-Binoculars
-A camera
-Epicollect+ app