Lake George Turtle Monitoring Project

The Lake George Turtle Monitoring Project, a volunteer monitoring program, began in 2007. The goal of the program is to gain a better understanding of turtle populations within the Lake George Watershed. The collected data will help determine turtle population size and distribution, as well as provide insight into turtle movement patterns and habitat use. This information will help state wildlife managers take effective conservation action to ensure continued biodiversity.

Since 2007, over 75 volunteers have been trained as "certified turtle monitors." The program is coordinated with the Endangered Species Unit of the New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation and an independent field biologist, Karen Robbins, who has been researching map turtles on Lake George for many years.

While in the field collecting data, volunteers use a pocket field guide to turtles of the Lake George watershed. Monitoring is conducted in “snapshots” similar to the popular Christmas Bird Count program.

Volunteers count turtles in their chosen location for one day during each of these weeks: Memorial Day, the third week in June, Independence Day, and Labor Day. Observations are taken anytime during these weeks, for a total of four days of counting.

A photo by Joe Harrigan, LGTMP turtle monitor

Currently, we are not collecting data for this program. However, we would still love to hear about your turtle sightings. Feel free to send us photos of the turtles you saw and information as to where on Lake George they were spotted.

Check out our Invaders Watch program to find out how you can help monitor for other animals and plants on Lake George.