RVC's Hampton Bog Turtle
Habitat Restoration Project

In 2004 Ridge and Valley Conservancy (RVC) was awarded a grant from the National Wildlife Federation's Species Recovery Fund to restore a wetland habitat for the federally threatened bog turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii). The wetland site, known as Hampton Bog, is calcareous sedge meadow heavily invaded by purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) and multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora); Hampton Bog has rapidly declined in habitat suitability for bog turtle since the grazing of dairy cows ceased over forty years ago on the property.

RVC along with Jason Tesauro of J. Tesauro Ecological Consulting; who was hired to manage the project; have restored 5 acres of bog turtle habitat by re-introducing a controlled density of livestock. Three Highland Cattle were brought to the site on April 10, 2005. Since the two calves have joined them.