5 days ago
Eversource conducts ‘Turtle-palooza' wildlife protection training in Agawam
AGAWAM, Mass. (WWLP) – As part of its commitment to environmental stewardship and supporting biodiversity, Eversource conducted its annual comprehensive wildlife protection training, which they call 'Turtle-palooza.'
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This training is a day-long program to protect habitats for nesting species like Eastern Box Turtles. Wednesday's goal was to teach construction crews how to search for and relocate turtles to safe areas before trimming undergrowth beneath power lines.
The areas create an ideal breeding ground for turtles, often leading to their eggs being laid while heavy equipment is being used. The training took place at Eversource's rights-of-way in Agawam. It started as a classroom portion, then a field portion.
'We believe it's our responsibility to care for this land that we manage, but also protect the species that call this right-of-way home,' said Matthew Waldrip, Manager of Environmental Licensing and Permitting at Eversource.
Nearly 150 Eversource members worked alongside the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, as well as a dog named Mobie. Before noon, they found 16 box turtles.
The team will be working near their substations and vegetated areas next. Every year, they update the training based on what they learn in the previous year.
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