Training

See also: Western Pond Turtle, Habitat RestorationOn May 22, 2009, the Elkhorn Slough Coastal Training Program is pleased to sponsor the Western Pond Turtle Workshop featuring experts Drs. Dave Germano and Galen Rathbun. The instructors will present a comprehensive training on the biology and conservation of the southwestern pond turtle (Clemmys marmorata). The instructors have published a variety of reports and papers on the ecology and life history of this species, and their lectures summarize the knowledge base on the ecology and conservation of the species. Workshop Objectives: This is an opportunity to gain an understanding of the biology of western pond turtles and also how this information can be applied to surveying, conserving, and managing projects for the benefit of this species. The information conveyed is designed to be useful in both large-scale and local conservation planning efforts. Topics discussed will include: the geographic distribution of western pond turtle, upland and aquatic habitats and their management, movements, population and community ecology, survey methods, and methods for assessing potential project impacts and approaches for avoidance and minimization of impacts. Participants will receive training in species identification, sampling techniques, and habitat requirements of the species. Registration Note: Please note, you can pre-register via this website, but your registration will not be finalized until we receive a check for $150 payable to the Elkhorn Slough Foundation, sent to: Elkhorn Slough Foundation ATTN: Grey Hayes, 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville, CA 95076. Please note on your check the name of the workshop. Deadline for receipt of payment is 5 p.m. April 23, 2009; your reservation may be forfeit after this date if we have not received payment. We cannot refund registration fees if you cancel your registration after 5 p.m. April 9th. We will refund cancellations prior to this date minus a $30 processing fee. You cannot 'trade' registration with another individual, even in the same organization. We will notify you via email with a registration confirmation number upon receipt of payment. We reserve the right to cancel this workshop due to insufficient registration prior to May 9th- in this case, a full refund will be remitted. We expect that this workshop will have high demand and an extensive waiting list; register soon!