As children from across Maryland head back to school, students
from 32 schools are welcoming baby turtles to their classrooms!
Through the National Aquarium’s Terrapins in the Classroom
program, hatchling diamondback turtles are collected from Poplar
Island and placed in schools across the state. This year’s
terrapins hatched in late July and early August. Aquarium staff
cared for them until they began to eat regularly. This week and
next week, the terrapins are being delivered to their new
schools! A terrapin hatchling Students are charged with
collecting growth data on the terrapins, observing their
behavior, and researching their natural history. Along the way,
they learn basic husbandry (animal care) skills and gain a
unique connection to the Chesapeake Bay. At the end of the
school year, students will release their terrapin back on Poplar
Island. Last school year, Matthew Floyd, an eighth grader from
Lime Kiln Middle School, made a special connection with the
terrapin at his school. Nicknamed “Leo” by th