Advice request for Catskills pond
 

We have a large stream fed pond on our property in the Catskills. The pond has loads of frogs and various pond life but no turtles. We'd like to introduce some eastern painted turtles this spring. Does anyone have any advice on how to do this ? Many Thanks. Mark

Do you have photos of your pond? I grew up in the Catskills and I am now a wildlife biologist, I could give you some pointers if you give me some more information. The most important thing is that if your pond freezes all the way to the bottom in winter it is not suitable for turtles.

Thanks so much for your reply, I don't have a photo but I'm fairly sure the pond did not freeze to anywhere near the bottom this past winter at least, it's approx 25yds diameter and surrounded by verdant woodland and approx 70 yards from a creek. There are no roads nearby.

Can you please take photos tomorrow? Water temperature, habitat structure (e.g. logs), sunlight exposure, depth, food availability, nearest known population of turtles, etc. are all very important factors.

I'm away until next friday but will take a bunch then. Many Thanks
Mark