In a muddy turtle rescue at the Potomac Science Center, slow and steady wins the race

George Mason University’s Potomac Science Center on Belmont Bay is a destination for environmental science research within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Wildlife abounds on the waterfront habitat. 

Slightly inland from shore, on a recent day in early March, the retention pond next to the center needed to be emptied to make changes to the drainage system. As the water was slowly pumped out, the pond became mucky, muddy, and messy during the process.

Though draining a pond can be important for maintenance, the process may inadvertently harm the wildlife that make their homes in these human-made water features. The Mason Nation was ready to rescue some of the creatures affected. 

Tanya Finch, who works with the nonprofit Animal Education and Rescue Organization (AERO), led the turtle rescue with help from nearly 20 George Mason student, faculty, and staff volunteers. AERO helps rescue and rehabilitate native Virginia wildlife, and the volunteers caught and rehomed turtles and fish into the Occoquan River. 

Finch and George Mason volunteers conducted a similar turtle rescue early last fall, when another pond near the Potomac Science Center was drained for maintenance. Many turtle species need to be near water for survival, and they sometimes need help getting there. 

During the recent turtle rescue event, volunteers spent the day collecting nearly 60 turtles from the pond. The species rescued included painted turtles, musk, red-eared sliders, cooters, and a large snapping turtle.

The rescue efforts continued as more turtles emerged. 

The next day, graduate student Rachel Kelmartin saw a contractor in the pond area, struggling to remove more turtles from the mud. Kelmartin is studying environmental science and policy and works in the Fisheries Ecology Lab—so she is accustomed to going into the water and getting to work. Kelmartin put on waders, helped net another 25 turtles, and released them into the Occoquan River.

“I once counted over 250 turtles on the banks of the drainage pond in a single day,” Kelmartin said. “This little pond has the capacity to support a lot of life.” 

During winter, turtles burrow into the mud for brumation, which is similar to hibernation in mammals, Kelmartin said. After the pond was drained and the sun warmed the mud, the turtles started to emerge.

Walking trails meander around the Potomac Science Center and are frequently used by local residents. “Many of the turtles are habituated to humans, and during warmer months, they watch walkers ambling along the trail,” said Cindy Smith, professor of environmental science and policy. “Belmont Bay residents were pleased to see that so many turtles were rescued and relocated.”

Rylee Ledoux, an undergraduate student majoring in environmental science, also joined the rescue effort. She said the hands-on experience made her reflect on the ways that habitat disruption affects wildlife.

“Experiences like this not only reinforce what I’ve learned in my studies, but also highlight the importance of staying engaged and advocating for thoughtful environmental practices,” Ledoux said.