Naturalist Marianne’s “Nature Notes” Continue Daily

Although Naturalist Marianne’s April presentations have been canceled, during April around 7am daily, Marianne is posting a “Nature Note” to the Naturalist Marianne Facebook Page. We’re sharing them on the Russell Lands On Lake Martin Facebook page, too.

These are short, daily tidbits that parents can start the day giving their kids a look about the natural world. She is doing this with either photos or videos and may include a link for “extended activity.” According to Marianne, “this is intended as a brief science lesson appropriate across multiple age groups.” Here’s one of her latest Nature Notes:

One Playful Box Turtle

The interesting behavior of this Eastern Box Turtle DELIGHTED ME! Although these animals don’t “play” in the same way that you and I do, they can still keep their mind busy by interacting with “toys.” Maybe he sees the ball as another turtle—challenging him on his turf. He can also be fed from the ball—and learn to follow it for food as it rolls away from him.

This box turtle (in the post) lives in captivity because he was kept as a pet and wasn’t able to be returned to where he came from. It’s always best to leave turtles right where you found them, and not to pick them up and take them home, or move them very far. That’s because turtles live a long time, but most of their babies don’t survive. So, it’s important to leave them in the wild so they can find each other and also the proper foods to eat.