Our methods at Georgia Pacific Natural Area:

To monitor the status of Western Pond Turtles in the Georgia Pacific Natural Area, visual encounter surveys are conducted in which observers count visible individuals under a time-constrained survey of 30 minutes. This method is used to determine the population distribution of the various turtle species that inhabit the area as well as optimal turtle-basking habitats and viewing areas.
Social trail analyses involve the measuring and classification of illegally made trails, or ‘desire-paths’. The intention is to use this information to create intuitive and functional trails that incorporate people’s needs while conserving the delicate ecology present.