As part of the construction and development of 11600 American Dream Way, we recently dewatered our ponds to better manage stormwater retention and the growth of invasive plants, weeds, andvines. At the suggestion of a Fairfax County Wildlife Specialist, we partnered with Tanya Firth of Tanya’s Turtle Project to ensure that our turtles were properly rescued.

Tanya Firth and her incredible volunteers from the local neighborhoods began their rescueoperation on Saturday, September 7th, and proudly rescued ten turtles. As the volunteers began toget a better idea of how the turtles responded to the pond dewatering, they could more easilyintervene as the turtles began to make their move. On Sunday, September 8th, the group rescued26 turtles!

On Monday, September 9th, Kelly Geer, a licensed wildlife control officer went to the site in latemorning and saved three turtles. She found the construction crew trying to help a Great Blue Heroncaught in the brush, tangled in fishing line with a hook stuck in its leg. She assisted the crew insaving the heron and went to transport the bird to Blue Ridge Wildlife Center. She was told by the crew about more turtles trying to escape by the brick wall. Tina was able to call Aleca, one of hervolunteers, who went to their rescue. She was able to save an additional 18 turtles. The turtle count for Monday was 21, and a Blue Heron!

Tanya’s volunteers kept up their great work, and on Tuesday, September 10th, volunteer Kelly found an additional 18 turtles, including one musk turtle. On Wednesday, September 11th,volunteer Aleca found six, and Kelly found 20, also including one musk turtle, for a total of 26. OnThursday, September 12th, an additional 13, including three musk turtles, and on Friday the 13th,they found one musk turtle.

Many thanks to Tanya Firth and the Tanya’s Turtle Project volunteers! They      rescued a total of 115 turtles and one Blue Heron from the ponds. We are proud to have partnered with Tanya on thisimportant project and are grateful for everyone’s help in ensuring our turtles are safe!

If you would like to volunteer to assist Tanya in her work to save turtles in the region, please visit her website at:

www.aeroanimalrescue.org/programs/tanyasturtleproject/.