Adonis of Katelios

Kensington Metro Park, MI

Belize

I believe this is a red-eared slider turtle.

Theater of the Sea, Islamorada

Heosemys depressa, Knoxville Zoo

Heosemys spinosa

At the pond in Morningside Park.

A young "snapping turtle" on it's way to water.

The Office of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Brock Environmental Center, commissioned artist, Benjamin Heller for a residency to create Terrapin Basin, this environmentally responsive installation at Pleasure House Point. As a resident artist, Heller will is creating his work on site and be available to the public to demonstrate his process. The City's goal is to use this opportunity to spotlight our natural spaces while creating a deeper knowledge and appreciation for the Chesapeake Bay.

Diamondback terrapins are the only turtle species in North America adapted to survive in brackish water – a mixture of salt and fresh water – like the Lynnhaven River and Chesapeake Bay. Terrapins require sandy beaches which make Pleasure House Point Natural Area's sandy surroundings ideal for nesting.

Terrapin Basin will measure 5' x 7' and be set into the ground creating a basin that invites visitors to explore. The sculpture is constructed from locally sourced sandstone, native to the area, which will be cut, assembled and polished on site. Heller's carving process is similar to the forming of rivers and coastlines – an active process and one that he will share onsite with visitors as the project unfolds. Heller connects the stone form of his piece with the types of nests that Diamondback terrapins dig to lay their eggs, while bringing attention to how human presence that can threaten their habitat. This piece will serve as an educational experience creating conversation about how all of these elements can co-exist and be preserved.

Photography by Craig McCLure

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ALL Rights reserved by City of Virginia Beach.

Contact photo[at]vbgov.com for permission to use. Commercial use not allowed.

Turtle feeding on seagrass. Taken in Puerto Galera, Philippines. This guy was about 5ft long, wonderful to see a thriving member of an endanered species.

The Eastern Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta picta) inhabits ponds and lakes in the southern Appalachians. This one was captured in the morning light at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville.

Turtles

Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata) found crossing the road at Heislerville Wildlife Management Area, Cumberland county, New Jersey.

Turtles were everywhere laying eggs this past weekend

Hatched 2 May 2009 at the Tennessee Aquarium. Incubation time was 103 days at 80.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

Turtle on a rock at Longs Park in Lancaster.

Product shot of Turtle Beach Headphones Headset

Turtles basking in the sun at the National Zoo.

Turtle basking in the sun at Beaver Marsh — at Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

This invasive turtle is an unusual sight in southern california. It was found on land outside of a reservoir, possibly searching for a nesting site. Data recorded at www.naherp.com.

Caiobá - Litoral do Paraná

Taken in Hawaii while snorkeling.

Turtle

This is my friend Jon's turtle. He says it likes to tries to walk off of high places a lot.

Took a walk in the park today and the first thing I saw was this little guy. He was sleeping on the bridge.

Turtle on a beach in Oahu.

Giant sea turtle

at least I think so. found it on a trail in the Musquash, carried it to a safer spot, took some photos and let it go in a vernal pool. the resident bullfrog was put out. This one was much braver than the Blanding's turtle despite being half its size.

Turtle sunning at Ridgefield wildlife refuge.

York County, Maine

Snorkling with turtles on Klein Curacao, a small uninhabited island just outside the island of Curacao.