LRNow’s turtle logo is an illustration of a diamondback terrapin, Virginia’s only saltmarsh turtle.

Once plentiful in Virginia Beach, this brackish water critter is now one of our high-risk species.  More and more of its nesting grounds have been destroyed by development, pollution, and destruction of coastal habitats.

Diamondback females must come ashore to lay their eggs in sandy soil, but the terrapins are unable to scale the bulkheads on many waterfront properties. In addition, baby diamondbacks depend on grassy edges of the salt marsh to live, feed, and grow strong before heading out into the water. 

As if that weren’t enough, diamondback terrapins face the added threat of crab pots around the river.  They enter the traps to feed on crab bait and are trapped. Because turtles breathe air, the terrapins drown.

 We have tried to raise awareness of the diamondback terrapin’s struggles since 2007.  As one of our logos, the symbolism of this handsome critter also takes on greater meaning. Our vision of clean and healthy Virginia Beach waterways includes restoring habitats on both the land and water for all native wildlife. The diamondback terrapin is just one local that benefits from LRNow’s work to educate and empower the community, reduce sources of contamination in our waterways, and restore habitats.

Click HERE to learn more about the diamondback terrapin!