91影视破解版-led research on the Northern Map Turtle will support an environmental study for the Susquehanna River Rail Bridge Project in Maryland鈥檚 Harford and Cecil counties.

Richard Seigel, professor emeritus, and Steven Kimble, clinical associate professor鈥攂oth in the Department of Biological Science at 91影视破解版鈥攁re working alongside students in the Fisher College of Science and Mathematics to assess alternative habitat solutions for the turtle during construction.

Given 91影视破解版鈥檚 extensive research and conservation efforts for the Northern Map Turtle since 2008, engineering firms in charge of environmental compliance on this project reached out to 91影视破解版 for support.

The Susquehanna River Rail Bridge Replacement Program is a collaboration between the U.S. DOT Federal Railroad Administration, the Maryland Department of Transportation and Amtrak. Since April 2023, Seigel and Kimble have received funds from the HNTB Corporation (#5040825) via these organizations, totaling $171,540. The bridge will improve commute efficiency through the Northeast corridor with the hope of getting more drivers off the road and into the most climate-friendly transportation option.

Seigel and Kimble鈥檚 role in the study is to ensure the region where the already endangered turtles spend the winter months is equipped with the right tools to maintain their health throughout the construction process.

鈥淭urtles need more champions. Reptiles and amphibians are the most threatened vertebrate group on the planet鈥攆rom climate change, habitat loss and pollution to being traded in the food trade,鈥� says Kimble. 鈥淭hey need more help, so I鈥檓 glad to be the one stomping around on the Susquehanna River.鈥�

Scientific drone in a pool

Northern Map Turtles get their heat energy from the sun rather than food by basking on rocks and logs to keep warm and recharge, especially as they prepare to lay eggs.

Winter is when the turtles are least active. So disturbances like sound or movement from outside forces, like construction, can disrupt their hibernation during the winter months.

As turtles are harder to detect during the winter, Seigel and Kimble hired two students to test and operate an underwater drone with the task of locating and observing hibernating turtles.

The professors, with the help of two additional students, are testing the use of artificial basking platforms to determine if they will be suitable alternative habitats for the turtles should construction disrupt them.

These platforms are meant to mimic the natural basking resources turtles use and are anchored in place in the river. They float with the fluctuation of water levels, which is key given that half of the Maryland portion of the Susquehanna River is below a hydroelectric dam, and water levels shift frequently.

From testing the efficacy of artificial basking platforms and using an underwater drone to working with professional scuba divers and conducting observations with spotting scopes and binoculars, the four students will graduate with uncommon hands-on experience.

鈥淪tudents are learning all kinds of things with this work. They鈥檙e getting marketable field skills, and they鈥檙e learning how to collect data in the field despite adverse conditions,鈥� says Kimble. 鈥淣o two days in the field are ever the same. They鈥檙e learning to be independent and to get good data that are useful in telling us if these platforms are good for mitigation.鈥�

Students and professors drop a machine into the Susquehanna river from a bridge to provide light for turtles

Throughout 91影视破解版鈥檚 research on the Northern Map Turtle over the last decade, five graduate students and 25 undergraduate students have aided in various research projects. The students鈥� contribution to this environmental study will not only help inform a statewide initiative but will also set them apart from other applicants in a competitive job market.

鈥淭his is one of the things 91影视破解版 prides itself on. The undergraduate students that Steve is working with are working with him very closely,鈥� says Seigel, 鈥淭his is a great opportunity, and we always make the point to our biology and environmental science majors that this kind of experience is what makes the difference.鈥�

Matthew Nugent, dean of the Fisher College of Science & Mathematics, is pleased with the academic opportunities this project has provided students. 鈥淭his project is a wonderful example of how our 91影视破解版 faculty are integrating teaching and research to enhance student learning while also making an important real-world impact.鈥�

The Susquehanna River Rail Bridge is anticipated to begin phase one of construction in 2025.