Science for Everyone Lecture Series April 19, 2011

Wisconsin boasts 11 turtle species of which 3 are state-listed, including the Blanding's turtle. Preferring shallow, organic, saturated aquatic basins, Blanding's turtles are threatened by drainage of wetlands, development, and removal of females through vehicle-collisions. WDNR wildlife expert, Dick Thiel, will report on findings of a 20-year investigation of Blanding's turtle population biology at Sandhill Wildlife Area, where there are relatively few human threats to the species. In that time he mentored high school and college-aged undergraduates in studies that have added to our knowledge of this fascinating creature. His students asked such questions as: How do they survive hibernation in areas without oxygen? In hibernation, are they freeze-tolerant? How much space does an individual turtle require? How many breeding females are in the population? Come and learn the answers to some of these important questions. Location: Cedarburg Cultural Center