North Florida's Diamonds in the Marsh

The Library is excited to welcome guest speaker, Tabitha Hootman, who will be giving a presentation on the Diamondback Terrapin, one of the most unique and fascinating turtle species. The talk will cover their physical characteristics, the traits that set them apart from other turtles, key aspects of their life history, and the challenges they face in the wild. This program will also highlight current conservation efforts and share what we are doing to help protect and preserve this remarkable species.

About the Presenter:

Tabitha Hootman graduated from Jacksonville University with a Master of Science in Marine Science. She is the Project Leader for Turtle Survival Alliance’s Team Terrapin and the Biology & Marine Science Lab Manager at Jacksonville University. Tabitha has over 20 years’ experience working with Diamondback terrapins, and numerous other freshwater species. In this time, she has cultivated volunteer science programs that have not only engaged a dynamic group of volunteers, but a group that comes from all over the southeast and in some cases, all over the world. Her passions include not only her personal involvement in conservation but educating and bringing people together to be more impactful in the conservation of these species.