As part of his work toward attaining the rank of Eagle Scout, James Ash, from Scout Troop 26 in Englewood, recently placed a new turtle basking platform in Hosman Pond at Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve. The new platform will allow turtles to climb out of the water and bask in the sun. It will also give preserve visitors opportunities to clearly see the turtles, and sometimes even alligators, that we anticipate will soon be using the platform.
James began working on this project in early 2022. An initial prototype proved too small for the large turtles, primarily Soft-shells and Peninsula Cooters, that inhabit the preserve’s freshwater ponds. So, James developed a larger design with attention to using materials that will stand-up to ongoing immersion in the pond and provide a long lasting platform.
Our thanks to James for developing the new platform for us!
