Box Turtle Conservation Project

The Group is partnering with postdoctoral researcher Dr. Anna Thonis to study the threats eastern box turtles face and save the local population from extinction.  

Relentless development pressure has resulted in a devastating loss of habitat for wildlife across eastern Long Island and beyond. The remaining habitat where eastern box turtles, Terrapene carolina, live and breed is often fragmented by high traffic roads. This presents a dangerous challenge as these reptiles need to cross busy roads to reach freshwater ponds in summer and leafy burrows in winter.  

As a result, the Group has significant—but only anecdotal evidence—that more turtles are injured or killed by motor vehicles every year. 

To establish a proactive conservation program, the Group is partnering with postdoctoral researcher Dr. Anna Thonis, affiliated with New York University’s Winchell Lab, to begin research on the local box turtle population in late spring 2026. 

Box turtles are usually hidden from view or well camouflaged, making them extremely difficult for humans to find. To locate enough turtles for Dr. Thonis’ research, she partners with Bark and Code owner and trainer Dr. Kris Hoffman, a wildlife detection dog handler and the owner of Labrador retrievers Newt and April, who are expertly trained to find turtles quickly and safely.  

The findings from these surveys will help the Group determine a conservation management plan that includes preserving more land, restoring wildlife habitat, and advocating for the construction of turtle tunnels (wildlife underpasses) in areas where they are most at risk of being hit by vehicles.

What You Can Do

Dr. Thonis and the Group are conducting field studies on the North Fork in late spring 2026. We’re also collecting data on turtle road crossings on the North Fork. Whether a turtle is alive, injured, or deceased, every observation is valuable. The community can help by reporting all sightings below. 

Volunteer for Field Surveys:

• Sunday, May 24

• Wednesday, May 27

• Tuesday, June 2

• Thursday, June 4

Find details and registration information here.

If you spot an injured or deceased turtle, contact Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons (631.779.3737) or Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center (631.728.9453). 

This project is supported by North Fork Side by Side.