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Natural Awakenings Westchester / Putnam / Dutchess New York

Boscobel Hosts Annual Snapping Turtles Event: June 2, at 7:30 a.m.

Boscobel House and Gardens in Garrison will host its 24th annual Snapping Turtles! program, previously known as Turtle Walk, on June 2, at 7:30 a.m.

Some 1,200 snapping turtles live in the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary, just below Boscobel House and Gardens. Every June, female turtles climb the steep hill to Boscobel’s Great Lawn and scoop out a nest, where they deposit 20 to 60 eggs the size and color of Ping-Pong balls. Snapping turtles can live to be 100 years old, weigh up to 40 pounds, and grow as long as 14 inches.

During this rain-or-shine event, staff from the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary will give a presentation about snapping turtles and introduce visitors (at a safe distance) to some of the turtles living in the marsh.

After the presentation, guests may explore Boscobel’s gardens and grounds, where female turtles often nest. Complimentary coffee, juice and donuts are included. The turtles are carefully returned to the wild immediately after the event.

“This annual event is beloved by visitors of all ages,” says Boscobel’s acting executive director, Jennifer Carlquist. “Our museum educator, Lisa DiMarzo, will team up with our neighbors from the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary to share knowledge of and love for these fascinating creatures as well as the important ecosystem just beyond Boscobel’s front lawn.”

Admission is $12 for adults, $8 for children and free for children 5 and younger. For more info, visit Boscobel.org.