It is spring, and rapidly approaching summer. The reptiles and amphibians of our wetlands are busy doing whatever it is they do at this time of year.

Sliders and other aquatic turtles are out basking in the sun. Musk turtles are eating. American toad eggs have been hatching.

There are 35 turtles on the logs in the banner at the top of this page. Among those is one of the largest, if not the largest, yellow-bellied slider in the wetlands. She is also the most recognizable turtle due to a chunk of shell missing from her left side. Those familiar with her call her Chip.

While the sliders and painted turtles bask, the common musk turtles, or stinkpots, have been busy foraging in the muddy bottom of the wetlands for the invertebrates and plant life that they desire as food.

American toad eggs have hatched and are visible in the swamp across from the Main Wetlands Overlook.

American toads are still laying eggs.

Come on out and see what you can spot in our Wetlands.