Visitors at the nature center spent Thursday evening coming out of their shells – sort of.

Saturday, June 16, 2001

Visitors at the nature center spent Thursday evening coming out of their shells – sort of. The nature center hosted "Terrific Turtles," a program presented by local herpetologist Larry Cartmill. Cartmill spent the evening talking about their shelled wild friends and learning a little more about them.

Gus Anthony Burcham, a naturalist at OUSC’s Nature Center, said Cartmill discussed the lifespan and habits that allows turtles to survive, and the habitats of local turtle species. Thursday’s program is part of the summer-long "Herpetology Lecture Series" funded through the Ohio Division of Wildlife’s "Wildlife Diversity Grant."

The lecture series has drawn quite a crowd, Burcham explained. He said the crowds have been so large, the presentations have been moved to the forest’s amphitheater to hold all of the curious people wanting to learn more about the reptiles the area has to boast.

The next event is scheduled for June 21, with an all-day "Herpetology Day." Burcham said the event will include an afternoon hike through Vesuvius, with participants search the area for amphibians and reptiles.

Lunch will be provided but because of the nature of the event, the number of participants is limited and registration is required.

For more information, call 740-533-4563 or 740-532-4600.