Diamond back terrapin approaches a barrier installed by volunteers along the Downbeach Express.
Due to the pending rainy forecast for Saturday, the Margate Terrapin Rescue Project Roadside Barrier Installation will be held on Sunday, May 15.
MARGATE – The public is invited to participate in the Margate Terrapin Rescue Project’s eighth annual Roadside Barrier Installation Day, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 14 on the Downbeach Express causeway.
The nonprofit organization holds the barrier installation day to protect terrapins from climbing onto the roadway where they are run over by vehicles. Volunteers will perform maintenance on the existing barriers and install new ones where needed. They will also pick up any trash and debris along the roadway.
Volunteers should be prepared to dig trenches, move barriers, install fencing along guardrails along the 2-mile long roadway.
Children 8 years or older can help with the cleanup and barrier project. Groups will be assigned to different sections of the causeway. Section leaders will assist with the tasks at hand.
Participants can register online and must sign a consent form liability waiver at https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/dqszur4n6xlwjfyrrltoxi/web/
Volunteers are advised to wear light colored clothing, long sleeves, long pants, old shoes and gloves. Bring bug spray and tools, including shovels, trench shovels, wire cutters, rakes, cordless drills with Phillips drill bit, mallet/hammer. Make sure you put your name and phone number on all tools you bring.
Volunteers will meet at the Downbeach Express maintenance yard near the toll bridge. Drinks and light snacks will be available.
For more information, see www.margateterrapinrescue.org.
