Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge is one of only two national wildlife refuges that protect sites occupied by the bog turtle, a federally-listed threatened species. The Northeast Region's Hudson River/New York Bight Ecosystem Team, in cooperation with the New Jersey Endangered and Nongame Species Program, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and volunteers from Wallkill River, have funded a research project that has provided critical information on bog turtle habitat use and population structure at the refuge.

The project used radio telemetry to monitor three turtles in locations across the refuge. Consequently, the turtles' hibernacula have finally been located. This discovery led to the first-time observation of bog turtles mating on the refuge. The female turtle will be closely monitored next spring to find and protect its nesting site. Additionally, the turtles were found using a far greater area of wetlands than has previously been predicted. In fact, the turtles spent significant periods in areas previously considered unsuitable for bog turtles. This information is critical for protecting habitats and implementing management practices at the refuge. As a result, Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge managers are better prepared to aid in the recovery of this threatened species.

NORTHEAST REGION, U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE -- Conserving the Nature of the Northeast