Maryland’s first diamondback terrapin nesting sanctuary on public land was named for Governor Parris N. Glendening, in recognition of his commitment to protecting Maryland’s natural resources and his pledge to preserve the State’s Reptile, the diamondback terrapin. Students from Princess Anne’s Washington High School participated in the ceremony and attended a program held on the island as part of their study of the diamondback terrapin.
Biologists believe that the population has likely been declining across the bay as the result of human encroachment, habitat loss and possibly pressures from predators. Janes Island State Park is already home to several terrapin nesting areas and was selected because of the long nesting history. During nesting season, in the spring, a two - mile strip of sandy beachfront will be off-limits to foot traffic and dogs. The Parris N. Glendening Nesting Sanctuary at Janes Island State Park will help secure the diamondback terrapin’s natural habitat
Washington High School students received a $1000 grant from the retail chain Wal-Mart to raise and study terrapin hatchlings in their classroom. In addition, the Chesapeake Bay Trust donated $200 for associated costs with the project. The diamondback terrapin hatchlings were donated by the Assateague Coastal Trust. In the spring, the students will return to Janes Island and release the terrapins back in to the wild and witness nesting habits on the island.
This educational program at Washington High School gives students an opportunity to study the biological and historical significance of the terrapin to Maryland’s way of life and economy. During today’s ceremony, students participated in a class on the island that focused on fishery management issues of the terrapin and different way to preserve the turtle.
In 2000, Governor Glendening created the Diamondback Terrapin Task Force to study issues related to the species and asked them to make recommendations on measures to protect and enhance the species. In June of this year the Governor outlined a long-tern conservation plan for the terrapin.
One goal of the long-term conservation plan was to establish a voluntary network of terrapin nesting sanctuaries on private land. Currently, more than 20 such sites in the State of Maryland. The Parris N. Glendening Terrapin Nesting Sanctuary is the first such project on publicly - held land.
Posted: 12-4-2002
