Not everyone is comfortable with snakes, toads and turtles. But given a chance for a closer look, all of us can be amazed at the adaptivity and complex life of these amazing creatures. On Thursday July 25th 2024 30 kids and their big folks met Tom Tyning's Scaled, Tailed and Bulging Eye Friends. This event was a collaborative event with CHP!
Tom never comes alone! He brings his long-time turtle friend, as well as snakes, salemandars, toads and tadpoles. As kids and adults get close looks, they learn about the life cycles of these amazing creatures that are supported by wild places like Lake mansfield.
Did you know that the little Red Eft salamander we often see on trails after a rainy day is "actually the juvenile, terrestrial stage of the Eastern Newt’s unusual 3-part life cycle:They begin their lives in the water as tadpoles, shed their gills and spend several years on land as Red Efts, and eventually (for reasons that scientists are still trying to understand) return to the water as adults, transformed to an olive green color with a yellow belly. They are said to be capable of living up to 15 years!"
Did you know that snakes are wonderful to touch, smooth and dry and silky?
Did you know that frogs have a special adaptation that keeps them from freezing in the winter?
Did you know that the snap turtles shell doesn't let them pull their heads in to hide completety when feeling threathened and that is why they are so .... SNAPPY!
Have you ever donned a turtle shell for a turtle race?
GBLC is delighted to bring Tom Tyning to families at Lake Mansfield your donations are what make community programs like this possible :)
