The Bog Turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii), a critically endangered species, has found a champion in our Senior Herpetologist, Stan Boder. Stan is not just passionate about these creatures; he is also a Qualified Bog Turtle Surveyor through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania. This recognition is significant, given the Bog Turtle’s precarious status.
Listed as threatened since 1997, the Bog Turtle is among the most imperiled species in North America. Found from Vermont to Georgia and as far west as Ohio, these turtles are particularly vulnerable in Pennsylvania, where their habitat intersects with suburban development.
Bog Turtles are the smallest turtles in North America, easily identifiable by the bright yellow or orange blotches on each side of their head and neck. They thrive in wet meadows and boggy areas, feeding on small invertebrates. However, they face numerous threats, including habitat destruction and invasive species.
To protect these turtles, the USFWS mandates comprehensive surveys within their range. These surveys are critical for assessing habitats and determining the presence of Bog Turtles. They are divided into three phases:
Phase 1: Evaluating wetland suitability based on soil, hydrology, and vegetation.
Phase 2: Conducting visual surveys in suitable habitats to confirm the presence of Bog Turtles.
Phase 3: Trapping efforts in dense vegetation areas or where visual surveys are inconclusive.
Stan Boder, with his specialized training and permits, is at the forefront of these efforts. He conducts these surveys and plays a pivotal role in on-site construction monitoring to ensure the protection of these habitats.
Stan’s dedication exemplifies our commitment to conservation. Through his work, we’re not just complying with regulations; we’re actively participating in the preservation of a species that is an irreplaceable part of our natural heritage. Join us in celebrating Stan’s contribution to the protection of the Bog Turtle. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these remarkable creatures.
To learn more about our incredibly talented team of herpetologists and how EnviroScience can help you properly navigate federal and state regulations that protect threatened and endangered species on your next project, visit our Reptile & Amphibian Survey webpage.
Few environmental firms in the country retain EnviroScience’s degree of scientific know-how, talent, and capability under one roof. The diverse backgrounds of our biologists, environmental engineers, scientists, and divers enable us to provide comprehensive in-house services and an integrated approach to solving environmental challenges—saving clients time, reducing costs, and ensuring high-quality results.
Our client guarantee is to provide “Excellence in Any Environment,” meaning no matter what we do, we will deliver on our Core Values of respect, client advocacy, quality work, accountability, teamwork, and safety. EnviroScience was created with the concept that we could solve complex problems by empowering great people. This concept still holds true today as our scientists explore the latest environmental legislation and regulations and incorporate the most up-to-date technology to gather and report data.
EnviroScience expertise includes but is not limited to aquatic surveys (including macroinvertebrate surveys and biological assessments); ecological restoration; ecological services (including impact assessments, invasive species control, and water quality monitoring); emergency response; engineering and compliance services; endangered mussel surveys; laboratory and analysis; stormwater management; threatened and endangered species; and wetlands and streams (including delineation and mitigation). Further, EnviroScience is one of the few biological firms in the country that is a general member of the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) and offers full-service commercial diving services.
