Natural Resources students hunt for invasive turtles

"I like turtles," said senior Nevina Andrew. But the native plants and animals in the Smith and Bybee Wetlands certainly don't. 

Marine Science and Natural Resources teacher Dave Gilbert led a group of natural resources students on a field trip to the Smith and Bybee Wetlands in North Portland on Oct. 9 where they assisted a biologist's research by removing invasive species: the Red Ear Sliders. The biologist prepared traps in the area to catch the Red Ear Sliders and other invasive species, including the bluegill, weather loach, nutria (rodent species) and a variety of plants. Students aided in emptying the traps. No invasive turtles were found, but some fish species were. The Western Pond Turtles, the native animals, were weighed, measured, sexed, and then identified by using a file to engrave grooves into the shells. Finally, they would be released. 

The found invasive species were killed by the biologist, not the students. 

"We didn't find any, but in spring, we will," said senior Jasmine Fox.

Proper attire was necessary for the extra muddy and noxious odor that accompanied the home of the turtles. Students wore waders and rain jackets for protection, and the weather was a high of 64°F and a low of 58°F with rainfall. Last year, the trip was canceled due to fires, but is now resumed. The field trip is held twice a year and students in Natural Resources have the option to sign up to attend.

"We go on a lot of field trips in Natural Resources," said Gilbert. "The turtle trapping is by far the favorite."

Human activity is the primary cause of invasive species reaching new environments. In most instances, it is by accident. Cargo shipments, boat landings, construction projects, and recreational aquatic activities (fishing) are a few examples of human causes. It can also happen naturally, due to wind, currents, and other means of natural dispersal that would transport other species to new habitats. Invasive problems are likely to occur when an urban area is located near a wild area. Humans will dispose of their unwanted fish into ponds. Seeds can stick to people's shoes while hiking and are planted when they walk into the wetland. 

An invasive species can thrive in an ecosystem if they are big competitors with the native predators. That way, their population size won't be threatened. Red Ear Sliders have been captured in previous field trips by Natural Resources students.