News

Dalton State Library to Host Turtle Talk

01/16/19

In the last four years since the Turtle Assurance Colony was founded at Dalton State College, it has grown from four endangered species and a few turtles to 10 species and more than 65 turtles.

TAC is headed by Dr. John Lugthart, a professor of biology, and Chris Manis, a part-time instructor and research associate, as well as a team of biology students who care for and encourage the species to breed. Already TAC has seen several species reproduce successfully, including Serrated hinge-back tortoises, which have only been bred in captivity a few times.

The College’s Roberts Library will host “Lunch and Learn: Turtle Talk” on Tuesday, Feb. 5 at 12:15 p.m. in room 201 of the library for those interested in learning more about TAC. Students will talk about the project and give a tour of the turtle habitats on campus. Those attending are encouraged to bring lunch.

“I think it is important that students know they can make a difference,” said Betsy Whitley, a librarian organizing the event. “With so much bad news in the world, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless. Students and professors at Dalton State are making a difference. And now is your chance to learn how their efforts can affect the world.”