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Snake Tracks and Turtle Tracks Field Update for 7-16-2013

Posted on July 22, 2013 by Stevo

Field update for the Earthshine Nature Programs Snake Tracks Timber Rattlesnake and Turtle Tracks Eastern Box Turtle Conservation projects for July 16, 2013.

Since my last report Utsanati has moved almost .25 mile to the southwest. He is in an area only about 30-40 feet from the spot where I first discovered him in June of 2011. He has been in this area of thick herbaceous brush, vines, blackberries and Multiflora rose at the edge of the forest for about three weeks. I believe he is there because the area offers many great opportunities for food, shelter and thermoregulation.

Zoe has remained in the area of the clearing near the top of the waterfall for the last month. The well drilling machinery have departed leaving only a quiet clearing for her to thermoregulate, feed and who knows…possibly gestate her young? I do not know because I have been unable to visually locate Zoe in the last few weeks due to not only her elusiveness but also my schedule allowing me to locate her only late in the day and not being able to visually locate her due to falling light levels. Hopefully, the next time I locate her she will show herself and I will be able to determine if she is gravid or not.

Jimmy Irwin and Catherine the Eastern Box Turtles continue to follow the same patterns I have found them to follow over the last 5 years. They are both doing well and in good health. Catherine journeyed over the ridge last month to lay her eggs in the neighbors yard. I did not see her nesting but had a report from our neighbor Tom that she was “digging holes on the edge of the driveway” so I can now say with almost 100% certainty that she journeys over the ridge with the sole purpose to nest and lay her eggs. Why does she go almost 1/4 of a mile away? Why does she not nest closer to home where she can find similar environmental conditions an just deposit her eggs on her side of the ridge? Only Catherine knows for sure but I believe that she ventures over the ridge because maybe, just maybe she was born in Tom’s yard over 50 years ago and her instinct tells her to return to that very spot to lay her eggs. Just like a sea turtle returns to the beach of its birth, maybe box turtles return to the area of their birth to lay their eggs? It is just another big question that needs to be answered about the beautiful eastern box turtle that will help turtle conservationists everywhere preserve and protect these wonderful living gems of the forest.

Take a look at the video from today below.

If the video does not play try following this link: <a href=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z04z70LMtn8&feature=share&list=UU97Use8D490EwauUWZA_gUg to watch the video on Youtube.

For more information on the Snake Tracks project and Earthshine Nature Programs please visit us at www.earthshinenature.com

It is our goal at ENP to promote wildlife conservation through exciting hands-on education, outreach programs and online with our nature documentary video series.

I am not paid to operate ENP or to conduct wildlife conservation activities. ENP is a 100% volunteer operated program designed to educate you about these greatly misunderstood and amazing animals and hopefully, to impart to you, their beauty, uniqueness and intrinsic value to a healthy Earth and healthy humans.

If you would like to help support our mission and programs please feel free to donate using this link: http://www.earthshinenature.com/donate. Receipts available upon request. You may also donate supplies such as animal foods, medical supplies, reptile vitamins and habitat supplies. If you are interested in donating any of these items please contact us for more information on our current needs.

THANK YOU Earthshine Discovery Center and all of you who have helped to make Earthshine Nature Programs happen! Without all of you, our wildlife conservation and education mission would not be possible.

Visit the Earthshine Discovery Center to learn how you and your family, school, scout, church, corporate or camp group, can visit us and have a wonderful, fun, and educational retreat!
www.earthshinediscovery.com

Music by The Steep Canyon Rangers used with written permission. www.steepcanyon.com

Earthshine Nature Programs is in no way affiliated or responsible for ads that may appear below this line.

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Snake Tracks Field Update for 6/20/13

Posted on June 21, 2013 by Stevo

Field update for the Earthshine Nature Programs Snake Tracks Timber rattlesnake conservation project for June 20, 2013.

Zoe has moved about 1/3 of a mile to the south east since I released her a couple of weeks ago after her transmitter surgery. I am amazed that she has moved so far in such a short time after having major surgery–truly amazing! Even more amazing is that I found her in almost the exact location, on almost exactly the same day, as this time last year! She was coiled under brush at the edge of a clearing on the mountain above the waterfall only about 50-75 feet from some well drilling machinery! She looked drab and is possibly getting ready to shed her skin.

Utsanati has moved several hundred feet to the southeast and was on the edge of the power line access-way. I found him in a resting coil in an area where he could thermoregulate yet remain protected by a log he could retreat under if need be. He looked beautiful and clean, as if he has recently shed his skin.

Take a look at the video from today below.

If the video does not play try following this link: http://youtu.be/UPrTQSkbXlY to watch the video on Youtube.

For more information on the Snake Tracks project and Earthshine Nature Programs please visit us at www.earthshinenature.com

It is our goal at ENP to promote wildlife conservation through exciting hands-on education, outreach programs and online with our nature videos.

I am not paid to operate ENP or to conduct wildlife conservation activities. ENP is a 100% volunteer operated project designed to educate you about these greatly misunderstood and amazing animals and hopefully, to impart to you, their beauty, uniqueness and intrinsic value to a healthy Earth and healthy humans.

If you would like to help support Earthshine Nature Programs please feel free to donate using this link: http://www.earthshinenature.com/donate. Receipts available upon request. You may also donate supplies such as animal foods, medical supplies, reptile vitamins and habitat supplies. If you are interested in donating any of these items please contact us for more information on our current needs.

THANK YOU Earthshine Discovery Center and all of you who have helped to make Earthshine Nature Programs happen! Without all of you our wildlife conservation and education mission would not be possible.
Visit the Earthshine Discovery Center to learn how you and your family, school, scout, corporate or camp group, can visit us and have a wonderful fun and educational retreat!
www.earthshinediscovery.com

Music by The Steep Canyon Rangers used with written permission. www.steepcanyon.com

Earthshine Nature Programs is in no way affiliated or responsible for ads that may appear below this line.

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Mad Mountain Mud Run–THE MOVIE!

Posted on June 18, 2013 by Stevo

It has been over two weeks since the Mad Mountain Mud Run, and finally the editing is complete and the video of the mudtastic event is complete! Follow the Earthshine Nature Nerds from Steve’s helmet mounted GoPro camera as they run, crawl, slide, slosh and squish their way through over three mikes of mud covered obstacles in the name of wildlife and nature conservation and children’s education.

If you are unable to view the video above then follow this link to the video on Youtube.

Thanks to many of you, the Mad Mountain Mud Run Fundraiser was a success for both Earthshine Nature Programs and Hands On! A Child’s Gallery!

If you sponsored us in the mud run, your supporter t-shirts are in the works as I write this and I will be getting them to you soon.

THANK YOU ALL to all of our SUPPORTERS and FRIENDS who worked to help make this unique mud covered fundraiser a great success! Many, but not all of you were featured on the back of our mud run jersey that we wore in the race!

Without all of you, Earthshine Nature Programs would simply not happen.

If you would like to donate to Earthshine Nature Programs please click here.

Earthshine Nature Programs is not affiliated with any and all ads that may appear below this line.

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The MAD MOUNTAIN MUD RUN is TOMORROW!

Posted on May 31, 2013 by Stevo

WOO HOO!!

The Mad Mountain Mud Run is TOMORROW June 1st! Please come out in support of Earthshine Nature Programs, Hands On and all the runners in this wonderful and fun filled mudtastic event!

THANK YOU

To all of you that have already sponsored us in the race!

Without you Earthshine Nature Programs would not happen.

It is not to late to sponsor us in the race–we will gladly take donations before and after the race.

Please follow this link to make an online donation via PayPal–THANK YOU!

If this is the first time you are seeing this blog post and you are wondering what this is all about, below is a full explanation of tomorrows muddy events.

Yes, you heard it right–Earthshine Nature Programs Executive Director Steve O’Neil has formed a mud running team with three of his nature loving friends. They will be running in the Mad Mountain Mud Run 5K in Hendersonville, NC on Saturday June 1st 2013!

The name of our team is

The Earthshine Nature Nerds

The Nature Nerds are;

Steve O’Neil (captain),

Jenny Geer-Hardwick,

Will Thomas

Steve Atkins

(Hog not included and no animals will be harmed during the mud run)

Our community goal is to run in support of the Hands On A Child’s Gallery based in Hendersonville, NC with our entry fees and afternoon of muddy fun!

Our nerdy nature goal is to run representing Earthshine Nature Programs as our 2013 fundraiser. To do this we will need to find sponsors that are willing to support Earthshine Nature Programs with a pledge. Your pledge will provide direct support to our environmental education and conservation programs and projects and it is tax deductible.

Take a look at the course map below for what we have in store for us! It should be a muddy fun day!

Sponsor Awards

Those who sponsor us for $50 or more will receive your logo or name and weblink* on the ENP supporters website (to be updated after the race) and this blog, and on the back of our custom mud run t-shirt that we will proudly wear during the race (if you sponsor us before May 22th your name/loge will appear on the t-shirt).

Those who sponsor us for $100 or more will receive your logo or name and weblink* on the ENP supporters website and this blog, and your own custom mud run t-shirt–mud not included.

Those who sponsor us for $500 or more will receive your logo or name and weblink* on the ENP supporters website and this blog, your own custom mud run t-shirt, and one “Honored Supporter” custom made (by Steve) award which includes a certificate of appreciation and small glass vial filled with a small amount of the actual mud from the race course that we will run through on June first

Those who sponsor us for $1000 or more will receive your logo or name and weblink* on the ENP supporters website and this blog, your own custom mud run t-shirt, one “Honored Supporter” custom made (by Steve) award which includes a certificate of appreciation and small glass vial filled with a small amount of the actual mud from the race course that we will run through on June first, and Steve and his animals will come to you and present one of his Misunderstand Wildlife animal shows with live animals at your birthday party, school or other gathering!

*You can opt-out of having your personal/company information publicized on our shirts/websites if you choose.

The nitty gritty muddy dirt of the sponsorship (rules)

If the Earthshine Nature Nerds team completes the race–all sponsored pledges will be collected from the sponsors by June 15th, 2013. Supporter awards will be awarded within 30 days following the race.

If the Earthshine Nature Nerds team does not complete the race–no donations will be collected unless you choose to support us despite the fact.

If the race is cancelled due to weather or other circumstances beyond our control you may choose to honor your sponsorship agreement or not. All donations will be used to provide direct support to our environmental conservation projects and programs and it is tax deductible.

If you would like to sponsor our team please contact me and we will make arrangements.

You may sponsor us with either monetary pledges or supplies. If you would like to pledge supplies please contact us for a list of our current needs.

No matter if you choose to support us or not, please do come out to Berkley Park and watch all of the mud runners get muddy and have fun for a couple of great causes–the education of children and conservation of wildlife and nature!

If you know anyone who may like to support ENP with a sponsorship or donation please forward this post on to them–THANK YOU!

NOTE: The Nature Nerds will video/photograph their perspective of the race using the latest technology including HD GoPro cameras and more so that their nerdy muddy experience will be able to be shared by all! A few days following the race look for the video to be posted here on the ENP Nature Blog!

THANK YOU!!

That’s all for now…I need to go train!

Steve O’Neil, ENP Executive Director and Mad Mountain Mud Runner

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Turtle Tracks and Snake Tracks Field Update for 5-18-13

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Stevo

Field update for the Earthshine Turtle Tracks and Snake Tracks reptile conservation projects for May 18, 2013.

Turtle Tracks

First I located Catherine the Eastern Box Turtle. I found her in a location that she uses this time of year to feed heavily before making her long trek over the ridge to lay her eggs in the small field in the community adjacent to Earthshine.

She was sitting on the leaf litter in the forest possibly searching for food items such as slugs, snails and worms. She just looked at me never moving and waited until I moved off.

Jimmy has been missing for over a month. His transmitters’ signal stopped transmitting shortly after he emerged from hibernation and I have not seen him since. It may be a transmitter issue however, I believe it is not. Holohil, the brand of transmitters that I use, are some of the best in the world and Jimmy’s transmitter was replaced last fall. I think Jimmy was either attacked by a predator that damaged his transmitter or he may have been hit by a mower. We have been following Jimmy Irwin since May of 2008 and if we never see him again we can rest assured that the time we have spent following in his Turtle Tracks has been exciting and educational and generated some remarkable data that will be used to help conserve our only terrestrial turtle–the Eastern Box Turtle. Thousands of people of all ages have met Jimmy online or in person when they journeyed to the fields and forests surrounding Earthshine to search for Jimmy and learn a little bit about his life and how this tiny turtle plays a gigantic role in keeping nature–and us–healthy and happy. I will continue to search for Jimmy in the hopes of finding him and be sure to let you know if he ever turns up.

Snake Tracks

Over the last 7 days since her last locate, Zoe the Timber rattlesnake has moved about 1/2 mile to the southeast. She has traveled along the ridge, passed through or around several houses and yards, crossed the road at least once, moved through several thousand feet of thick forest and made her way to where I found her today–resting about 2.5′ from the edge of a swift flowing mountain stream. Can you find her in the photo below?

On the other side of the stream there were two large dogs tied to trees continually barking at me while I searched for Zoe! It was nerve wracking to say the least. I believe Zoe is on her way to her summer activity area in the fields near the waterfall where she spent last summer. Only time will tell.

I did not track Utsanati today because I ran out of daylight…I will locate him soon.

On May 25th I will locate Zoe and Utsanati and pull them from the field just long enough to replace their transmitters, let them recover and then release them back at their capture locations. I will be sure to get it all on film for you to witness.

Take a look at the video from today below.

For more information on the Snake Tracks project and Earthshine Nature Programs please visit us at www.earthshinenature.com

It is our goal at ENP to promote wildlife conservation through exciting hands-on education, outreach programs and online with our nature videos.

Music by The Steep Canyon Rangers used with written permission. www.steepcanyon.com

Snake Tracks Field Update for 5-1-13

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Stevo

Update for the Earthshine Nature Programs “Snake Tracks” Timber Rattlesnake conservation project.

As of 5-1-13 Zoe remains in the same location as about a week ago. She is in the same brush pile that I found her in at the same time last year. This brush pile is at the edge of the forest behind the private residence in the photo below.

This photo was take on 4/17/2012 and today I found Zoe only a few feet to the right of the yellow arrow. Today we were able to see Zoe! She was resting beside a rotting log below the brush pile. She quickly moved off when we approached.

Utsanati was on the surface and resting about 20 feet west of the stump hole he was residing in on the last located day.

Following in the “tracks” of these snakes is revealing that Timber Rattlesnakes follow the same general paths each year. They use the same dens, visit the same sheltering, feeding and basking sites. I believe that Zoe will move on in the next week or so when the daytime temperatures warm up a bit and make her way east along the ridge just like she did last year at this time.

If you encounter a rattlesnake on your property please stay a safe distance away, take photos and let it be. If it is in a place where it may be a danger to you or your family please contact me and I will discuss the options with you.

View the video from today below.

Special Thanks to Trudie H. for assisting me with the locate today!

It is our goal at ENP to promote wildlife conservation through exciting hands-on education, out-reach programs, and online with our nature videos, blog and website. We are not paid to operate ENP or to conduct wildlife conservation activities. ENP is a 100% volunteer operated organization with the mission to educate you about these greatly misunderstood and amazing animals and hopefully, to impart to you their beauty, uniqueness and intrinsic value to a healthy Earth and healthy humans.

THANK YOU to all of you who have donated to ENP over the years!! Without you this important work would not happen. You may also donate supplies such as animal foods, medical supplies, vitamins and habitat supplies. If you would like to support Earthshine Nature Programs please feel free to donate by visiting www.earthshinenature.com/donate

Music by The Steep Canyon Rangers http://www.steepcanyon.com used with permission.

TURTLE TRACKS FIELD UPDATE for 4/19/13

Posted on April 19, 2013 by Stevo

I am happy to report that all three Eastern box turtles that ENP is tracking have survived hibernation! Over the last weekend several school groups and I found Catherine about 20 feet from her over-wintering den. She was sitting on the surface on the leaf litter. Amazingly we found her sitting on the exact spot (under the flagging tape in the second photo) where she over-wintered a few years ago! Take a look at the photos of Catherine below.

Jimmy Irwin remains in his den but he did survive the winter, he has just decided to sleep in. I checked to make sure he was alive by pulling back the leaf litter enough to see him and when I did, he moved just a bit. That is a photo of Jimmy below.

Mrs. Bones is out and on the move about 25 feet from her den–sorry, I do not have a photo of her this time but she looks healthy.

Like Catherine, Jimmy and Mrs. Bones over-wintered in almost the exact same locations as in previous years. It is obvious to me that like the rattlesnake, these turtles and probably all wild creatures, know exactly where they are in their habitats. Sadly, many people today do not know where they are in their habitats and have no clue how to navigate without high tech gadgets. The turtle however needs not GPS–it uses instinct and chemical signals (and possibly many more natural navigational aids) to find it’s way around in the forest.

Here are a few photos of Turtle Trackers in action!

Tracking Jimmy Irwin!

Turtle Trackers with Catherine!

More Turtle Trackers with Catherine!

Weighing Catherine in the teachers hat!

Let’s get ready for another summer following in Turtle Tracks!

Please remember to watch for box turtles crossing roads, especially after warm spring rains and help them across the road in the direction they are moving.

-Steve

Snake Tracks Field Update for 4/12/13

Posted on April 14, 2013 by Stevo

Spring update for the Earthshine Snake Tracks Timber Rattlesnake conservation project.

Today I found Utsanati remaining in hibernation and Zoe was ~160 feet Southeast of her den. She was outstretched on the leaf litter basking in the morning sun and although I walked to within ~4 feet of her she never rattled.

Take a look at the video footage from today below:

If the above video does not play you can view the video at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCkk60MIKgc

For more information on the Snake Tracks project and Earthshine Nature Programs please visit us at www.earthshinenature.com

It is our goal at ENP to promote wildlife conservation through exciting hands-on education, out-reach programs and online with our nature videos. I am not paid to operate ENP or to conduct wildlife conservation activities. ENP is a 100% volunteer operated project designed to educate you about these greatly misunderstood and amazing animals and hopefully, to impart to you their beauty, uniqueness and intrinsic value to a healthy Earth and healthy humans.

If you would like to help support Earthshine Nature Programs please feel free to donate using this link. Receipts available upon request. You may also donate supplies such as animal foods, medical supplies, vitamins and habitat supplies. If you are interested in donating any of these items please contact us for more information on our current needs.

SPRING TURTLE SAFETY REMINDER

Posted on March 27, 2013 by Stevo

SPRING TURTLE SAFETY REMINDER

Beginning within the next few weeks many box turtles and other reptiles will be emerging from their winter dens and crossing roads, fields, gardens and yards-especially during and after heavy rain showers. Please pay close attention while driving, mowing and plowing. If you encounter a turtle crossing a road it is not lost–it is on “important turtle business” and it knows exactly where it is in it’s habitat. Do not re-locate it or take it home as a “pet.” Please just safely move it to the side of the road that it is moving or pointing toward then place it a few yards off of the road and it will go on about it’s business.

If you find a turtle that injured from an encounter with a vehicle please take it to a reptile veterinarian/nature center or wildlife rehabilitation center ASAP. Be sure to give them the exact location where you found the turtle so that it can be returned to its habitat when it recovers. If you find a turtle in an area that is urbanized and not very “turtle-like” then it is possible that the turtle you have found has either lost it’s home due to habitat destruction aka: economic development or been transported there by well meaning humans who may have took the turtle home as a “pet” and it has since escaped. If this seems to be the case please note the exact location then take the turtle to a nearby wildlife rehabilitator, reptile park or zoo and they will know what to do. If you are unable to find someone willing to take the turtle please contact me and I will discuss the situation with you.

A note about mowing and box turtles. Box turtles are most active during the early morning and later afternoon hours of warm spring, summer and fall days–especially after rains. If you must mow or bush hog yards and fields please do so during the hottest part of the day. This is when the turtles have either moved into the forest or burrowed down into the leaf litter or soil. Also remember to raise your mowers blade to the highest point so that it will not injure a turtle that you may pass over. Another good way to keep from hitting turtles with mowers is to keep your grass short–this discourages wildlife such as turtles from moving into your fields in search of food items that like to live in tall grass.

The turtles and the local ecosystem will thank you for your part in helping preserve wildlife biodiversity in your area. If you encounter a snapping turtle, or snake crossing a road simply use a long bushy branch to “shoo” it off the road to safety because, like the box turtle, these animals also know where they are and they are also on important business that needs to continue in order for the ecosystem to remain healthy.

Please share and spread the word. The wild creatures and I thank you!

Only TWO days left for our online fundraiser–please post, share and support us!

Posted on March 13, 2013 by Stevo

Hello Friends,
Only two days remain for the Earthshine Nature Programs’ first 2013 online fundraiser so please donate, share and post the below paragraph with anyone you like or anywhere you like to help us reach our goal–THANK YOU!

“Earthshine Nature Programs is in the process of setting up a second nature education center and expanded our outreach programming to educate even more folks about nature, science, wildlife, conservation and rehabilitation and we need your help to make it happen. Please take a moment and check out our project fundraiser page on the Rocket Hub website. Rockethub is a crowd-funding site similar to Kickstarter, so any contribution you can make to our cause–no matter how small or large–will help us to continue our oh so needed nature and wildlife conservation projects and outreach programs into the future. Please share this link (also below in full) anywhere and with anyone you like who you think may want to support our great cause.