Upcoming Events

Daily Road Patrol Volunteers-Citizen Science Program

We are looking for reliable, dedicated and passionate volunteers for our Citizen Science Program!  As citizen scientists, you are a vital part to continuing the success and furthering the research of not only the Margate Terrapin Rescue Project but other organizations that have been following our work and using our research in their own areas.  Citizen scientists are those in the community who volunteer and contribute their time/resources towards scientific research in conjunction with scientists and researchers.  Since we are a small group, we cannot perform all the research ourselves. You may be asking, but what exactly does the Citizen Science Program entail?  Well... 
  • Perform daily road patrols (walking or driving or combination) looking for any crossing terrapins, injured terrapins and unfortunately deceased terrapins as well.
  • Collecting data on any sightings (alive, deceased, injured and nesting)
  • Marking and protecting terrapin nests with predator exclusion cages  (after they have laid their eggs) 
  • Taking injured terrapins to permitted wildlife rehabilitators or eggs to Stockton University or Wetlands Institute for incubation
Patrols can be either morning or afternoon/evening but we do encourage our volunteers to try to go at high tide on your assigned day/timeframe when the most terrapin activity occurs.  Expect the patrols to take anywhere from 30 minutes to upwards of 2-3 hours.  

In order to collect all of our group's data, we use an app called iNaturalist.  It is free to download and easy to use!  
If you are interested in our program and helping patrol the causeway:
  1. Sign up and provide your information on the Google Form:  https://forms.gle/syTZaJ4hi2e784E17
    • Please remember you must try to commit to that same day every week from now until mid-July (and possibly later to look for hatchlings). 
  2. Complete and sign a waiver for everyone in your patrolling party (children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult): https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/e/QHbgub9pLzHr8dCqFsZSyg/
  3. Set up a day/time to meet (for new volunteers) to go over the iNaturalist app and what to do on patrol


COMPLETE!
7th Annual Barrier Installation/Repair Day

Join us for our 7th Annual Roadside Barrier Installation Day on
Saturday, May 15th at 8 a.m. on the Margate Causeway!

Last year, due to COVID, we were unable to have volunteers gather safely to accomplish this much needed task. This year, we will be moving ahead with getting together volunteers outdoors safely and following all COVID protocols including mask wearing and social distancing when possible. We will be requiring all volunteers sign a release waiver. Since last year we weren't able to repair and fix most of our roadside barriers, we REALLY need everyone and anyone to help us this year!

Every year (other than last year) in order to ensure that we best protect the terrapins from vehicles, we perform barrier maintenance on existing barriers, install any remaining purchased barriers as well as perform a roadside and marsh cleanup to ensure our terrapins have a clean, trash-free habitat!

We need lots of volunteers to help us dig trenches, move the barriers, fasten them together, install fencing along the guardrails and get the nearly 2 miles of vulnerable terrapin crossing areas protected. In the past, we have had upwards of around 50 volunteers and we are hoping to get even more!

Kids are welcome (recommend 8 years and older) to help clean-up the roadside and marshes and even help dig the trenches or move the barriers around. We have a task for everyone! We will have groups assigned to the different sections of the causeway with a section leader to help assist everyone with the tasks at hand.

Please RSVP via email so we can get a better headcount and set up groups ahead of time!

You will be required to sign an electronic waiver for every person in your group (including kids) prior to volunteering. Here is a link to the electronic consent waivers:

*COVID-19 Waiver*
https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/60807593f2b18/web/

*Liability Waiver*
https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/608081ca8bed7/web/

Additional Information:
-Wear bright clothing, long sleeves, long pants, old shoes and gloves.-Wear a mask at all times.
-Bring bug spray!
-We need tools such as: shovels, trench shovels, wire cutters, rakes, cordless drills with Philips drill bit, mallet/hammer. Make sure you put your name and phone number on all tools you bring!
-We meet at the maintenance yard right before the toll bridge on the Margate Causeway.
-We usually wrap up in 4-5 hours.-We will have drinks and light snacks to help fuel your work!