Blanding’s Turtle
Blanding’s turtles are one of seven listed turtle species categorized as endangered or threatened in Illinois. The Nature Museum is committed to restoring the population of this endangered native species and help reestablish ecological balance to the area.
Since 2008, the distinctive yellow throat, chin, and apparent permanent smile of the Blanding’s turtles in the Mysteries of the Marsh exhibit have been a staple of the Nature Museum experience. But the Museum’s involvement with the Blanding’s goes beyond the Museum’s walls.
About the Blanding’s Turtle
Blanding’s turtles have a very distinctive appearance that makes them easily recognizable to those who are lucky enough to come across one—just look for the bright yellow chin and charming smile. Unfortunately, Blanding’s turtles’ grins are becoming less prominent in Illinois due to habitat degradation and over-predation, particularly by raccoons, which are thriving due to human population increases. The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Living Collections team is working to protect Blanding’s turtles through a headstart program that allows the turtles to continue living in the wild.
What are we doing to help?
"The most rewarding moments are when the turtles are released, after rearing them for a year, knowing these state-endangered turtles will have a better chance at survival."
LALAINYA GOLSDBERRY
Funders for the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum of the Chicago Academy of Sciences' work with the Blanding’s turtle include the Vanderpoel Foundation and Art Cherolia.