A Tale of Two Turtles

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Two Terrapin hatchlings were raised by STEAM teacher Antonia Perry with her students at the Bournedale Elementary School. Antonia sent NECWA the update below recapping this season's head start success. Each of Teacher Perry's classrooms got to name the turtles so they had multiple names by the end of their head start season. This head start program was supported by the Bourne Cultural Council and we thank them for their interest on behalf of the students at Bournedale Elementary. What an amazing experience for them!


Turtle A and Turtle B enjoyed each other's company as Teacher Antonia kept them together in a 20 long aquarium tank with about 6 inches of water. They had their own waterfalls, air bubbler, climbing and basking structures, and so much more. What a fabulous set-up for these two babies.





"Bournedale Elementary School's PK-2nd graders, under the guidance of their STEAM teacher, Antonia Perry, have completed their fourth year participating in the New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance's Diamondback Terrapin Headstarting Program. The students partnered with NECWA to care for their hatchlings and improve the chances of survival for this threatened species.



Through observing and measuring the terrapins, the young learners have gained knowledge of wildlife biology and a sense of environmental responsibility. Celebrating their release and return to the original nesting site was essential to understanding the health and wellness needs of our area's only brackish-water turtle.


Participating in this program is an opportunity for students to apply science and engineering skills in a real-world context. This hands-on experience transforms them into environmental stewards and deepens their love for wildlife. More importantly, it inspires them to advocate for future preservation, showcasing the program's long-term impact on ecological awareness."


A big thank you to the Bourne Cultural Council and the Mass Cultural Council for supporting this head start program. It is so clear that these types of experiences and opportunities are so important for our young learners in so many ways. 


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