.png)
The Port of Baltimore TERP Headstart Program
What is TERP Headstart
The Terrapin Education and Research Partnership (TERP) places young turtles in classrooms across Maryland. These turtles are raised by classrooms and released on Poplar Island in the spring. These turtles grow to the size of a 3- to 5-year-old wild terrapin. By giving hatchlings a “head start,” Maryland students hope to give terrapins a better chance of survival once they’re released back into the Chesapeake Bay.
Headstart History
Prior to the restoration of the Paul S. Sarbanes Ecosystem Restoration Project at Poplar Island, the amount of available terrapin habitat had declined significantly in the Chesapeake Bay. Within the first years of operations on the island, terrapin nests were discovered in the sandy areas of the island. In response to these terrapins nesting on Poplar Island, the TERP program started in 2005.
Headstart In the Classroom
When turtles first arrive to schools in the fall, they are the size of a quarter. Students name their turtles and over about a 10-month period watch their turtles grow. Each week students take measurements of the terrapins and report the data back to the partners. Having hatchlings in classrooms allows students to have a hands-on learning experience and personal connection to the environment around them. MES staff on Poplar provide release field trips for a portion of students in the TERP program. Teachers are also provided with training and support needed to integrate terrapin education into curriculum by the partners.
2,800+
Terrapins have been head started by Maryland students
750+
Classes have released head start turtles on Poplar Island.
The TERP Partnership
Distributing turtles to classrooms and hosting field trips are made possible by the partners in the program. They help support teachers by providing training and supplies needed. Anne Arundel County Public Schools Environmental Literacy and Outdoor Education Office at Arlington Echo (Arlington Echo) distribute turtles to Anne Arundel County Public schools. The Maryland Environmental Service (MES) distributes turtles to select eastern shore schools. The Schmidt Center distributes turtles to eighth grades classes Prince Georges County and the National Aquarium partners with CHESPAX, the Environmental Education Program for the Calvert County Public School System, to include every elementary school in Calvert County in the TERP program.
The Maryland Port Administration (MPA) is dedicated to supporting local communities and the environment. The Port of Baltimore contracts the Maryland Environmental Service to provide FREE Educational Programs to schools in Maryland. These Programs focus on the habitat restoration being done by MPA on Poplar Island. This restoration is restoring critical habitat on Poplar Island through the beneficial use of dredged material.
Throughout the year the research team collects, marks, and recaptures turtles on Poplar Island. Dr. Roosenburg assists in tagging Head Start turtles with (PIT) Passive Integrated Transponders. This allows recaptured turtles to be identified and help assess the effectiveness of the TERP program.
Seclect any partner logo to learn more.
Join TERP with the Maryland Enviornmental Service
Who can join:
The Maryland Environemtal Service (MES) serves teachers on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Teachers in other parts of Maryland can join thought another partner in the program. (See above)
Timeline and Requirements:
Summer- October:
You would be required to purchase the necessary tank supplies for your turtle. This includes a tank, filter, food, lights, etc. You will be given a turtle care guide, and someone will come help you set up the tank after you have all the supplies. Turtles are distributed in October after a required teacher training. This is an in-person meeting in Easton. You will also be required to notify your school administration and sign a turtle care contract.
Over the School Year:
You would be responsible for weighing and measuring your turtle and reporting the data back to MES. You will also need to take your turtle home over long school breaks, such as Thanksgiving, Winter Break and days of intimate weather.
Early Spring:
In the spring the turtles will have vet checks and receive a PIT tag. This process requires you to drop off the turtle in Eason during the week, after school and pick them up the following day.
Late Spring:
This program has a required field trip to Poplar Island to release the turtle. Activities on the Island are included but you must provide bus transportation to Tilghman Island. This field trip has a limit of 24 people, including adults and children.
FAQ:
Can a school have more than one turtle?
No, each school can only have one turtle, but teachers can work together to raise one turtle.
Can an informal education location (nature centers, Library's, etc. ) raise a turtle?
No, Permits are written to cover schools only.
What is the deadline for applications?
Rolling applications but you may not join halfway through a school year.
Can I participate more than one year?
This varies per program but with MES, yes.