The Bruce Museum is offering new Citizen Science projects and looking for participants. No experience necessary -- just a willingness to help out!

Our programs are for classrooms, families, or individuals. Please contact Tim Walsh, Manager of Natural History Collections and Citizen Science, by email twalsh@brucemuseum.org or call 203-413-6767.

Please click here to view all Citizen Science-related blog posts.

Connecticut Turtle Atlas

Turtles are currently the most endangered vertebrate animal group, with more than 58% of the world’s 335 species threatened with extinction. Twelve species are native to Connecticut; some, such as the wood, bog, spotted, and box turtles are in decline.

A beautiful Eastern box turtle featured on the iNaturalist project page. Photo by Tim Walsh.

A beautiful Eastern box turtle featured on the iNaturalist project page. Photo by Tim Walsh.

Volunteers for the Connecticut Turtle Atlas will collect data on specific locations and the abundance of all turtle species found throughout the state. These volunteer scientists will gather the data online or through a smartphone-based app using the iNaturalist.org platform. The information gathered will be used to map distributions, identify important habitats, locate areas of nesting abundance, and detect roadways with high traffic-related mortality. In addition, there will be opportunities to assist with various aspects of turtle research and fieldwork.