Fifteen volunteers and many more friends and family members teamed up for this year’s diamondback terrapin hatchling count and release at Nockum Hill. Between August 8 and Sept. 7, 390 hatchlings were released from the excluders to start their journey to Hundred Acre Cove.
The Doug Rayner Wildlife Refuge at Nockum Hill is the only established nesting ground for the diamondback terrapin in Rhode Island. The diamondback terrapin is classified as endangered by the state.
Female terrapins emerge from Hundred Acre Cove in June to lay their eggs in the protected preserve. Volunteers count the eggs and place them in protected excluders until they hatch in August.
Thanks to Charlotte Sornborger for overseeing the program for a 23rd year. And thanks to all the volunteers.