A concerned community member recently reached out after discovering a snapping turtle trapped in a fenced enclosure near their HVAC condensers while attempting to nest.
We are here for a quick response when situations like this arise. Wildlife becoming stuck, disoriented, or nesting in unsafe areas is more common than many realize, especially during active seasons like spring and summer. Recently, we’ve seen a noticeable increase in turtle nesting across the island, and this event reminds us how important it is to stay alert to the needs of our local wildlife.
Michele, our Marine Debris Coordinator, responded immediately with members of the FIRST team. Ph.D. student Tyler McMahon is a permitted wildlife handler and authorized to assist with the safe relocation of wildlife safely. Tyler was able to relocated the turtle to Duck Pond, where it can nest safely among many others this season.
While this story involves a snapping turtle, the Conservancy is available to help with any wildlife situation. Our goal is to protect and support all wildlife on Fishers Island.
If you come across any wild animal in distress, trapped, or nesting in a dangerous spot, please reach out.
Contact Us
Anna White [annarwfic@gmail.com] | [575-915-5969]
receiving the first Conservancy medal, honoring his contributions to our understanding of biodiversity, conservation, and sustainable gardening practices. While on the island, Professor Tallamy will be giving an illustrated talk on native planting best practices, offering tours of the Parade Grounds, and will be available for some very limited home site visits. Dr. Tallamy has been a key advisor to the Fishers Island Conservancy in the transformation of the Parade Grounds, lending his ecological expertise and guiding the use of native plants to maximize insect and bird biodiversity. His contributions have helped shape the site into a living example of habitat restoration, and his involvement has inspired continued efforts to expand native planting across the island. The Parade Grounds and Demonstration Garden now serve not only as habitat but also as educational resources for visitors and residents alike.
Dr. Tallamy’s simple message that native plants support diverse insect populations, which help sustain birds and other wildlife, has resonated with home gardeners across the country. His seminal book, “Bringing Nature Home,” has garnered widespread acclaim and serves as a guide for homeowners, landscapers, and conservationists, encouraging the use of native plants in gardens and urban environments. His second book, Nature’s Best Hope, became a New York Times bestseller and further established his role as a national leader in ecological gardening and grassroots conservation.
promoting conservation and sustainability. He has collaborated with organizations like the National Wildlife Federation to develop programs that encourage home gardeners to create habitats for wildlife. He is also the co-founder of the Homegrown National Park initiative, a grassroots movement that encourages people to partially convert lawns into native plant gardens, reflecting his commitment to changing how we view and interact with our landscapes. His educational and environmental stewardship has inspired countless individuals to rethink their gardening practices and the ways they contribute to local ecosystems.
works to trap the cats for spay and neutering in order to control the population and improve the overall health of the feral cats going forward. Feral cats can destroy songbird populations. The FIWMD is committed to supporting the amazing work done by the Conservancy with the Parade Grounds bird sanctuary.
