The main site we went to when assisting with data collecting was an island in Florida Bay, Everglades National Park. We arrived at the museum at 8:45 a.m. Shortly after that, we departed in our mentor's car. The drive to Key Largo was about an hour. We finally had arrived when we reached a ranger station at the side of the road. A short distance behind this building was the dock from which we were to depart. Along with our mentor and one of the museum researchers, we loaded our gear into the boat. The bottom of the boat was fiberglass, but the sides of the boat were inflatable, so we had to be careful about sharp objects. After all our preparations we were ready to go to the island.

We boarded the boat and left the dock. The boat swiftly gained speed, flying over the water. After about fifteen minutes, we had reached the island. It was a mix of sandy shores, grass, mud, and mangroves. Mangroves, and cool, clear water lined the shores of the island. Beyond the fringe of mangroves were sandy shores, and then the muddy interior of the island, in which mangroves also thrived. The grayish-beige mud had a sulfuric smell and was covered by a layer of merky brackish water. Every time we took a step, our feet would sink into the mixture.

Having arrived at the island, we began to search for terrapins. This consisted basically of wading in the interior island, searching by the clumps of mangroves for terrapin tracks or the turtles themselves. While we searched, the museum researcher used an antenna to radio track terrapins that had been previously microchipped and fitted with a transmitter. We followed the terrapin tracks and combed the mangrove clumps, and when we found a turtle, we placed it in a mesh bag. On the radio tracking device, we would follow a series of blips, hoping they would lead us to a terrapin. A few times we had to go deep into the mangroves in order to follow the signals. Finally after a couple of strenuous hours searching for the turtles, we were ready for a lunch break!!

After eating lunch and resting for about forty-five minutes, we resumed our search for diamondback terrapins. However as we were tired and the remaining time was shorter, our second search lasted only approximately an hour. Again we searched through the use of radio tracking equipment. After we had caught about fifteen terrapins or more, we were ready to take down actual data.

For each terrapin, we followed the same procedure. We set up the assembly line, with everyone taking specific datum or performing a specific task. First, the terrapin was scanned for a previously injected microchip. If one was found, then the terrapin was a recapture and its chip number and a circled "R" was written down in the data notebook. Usually, however, the animal was not a recapture. If it wasn't, then it was injected with a new chip, and the number written down. The terrapin was now ready for a series of measurements.

Using bow clippers, the carapace (top part of the shell) lengh was taken and recorded. This was repeated for the plastron (bottom of the shell) length and the body depth. Using more precise metal calipers, the carapace and plastron widths were recorded. Finally, the terrapin's weight was measured using a spring scale. All of this data was recorded in a log book, and the same procedure was repeated for each terrapin captured. After all the data was collected, we released the terrapins back into the area of the island in which they were found.

We repacked all the equipment and once again loaded it into the boat. We left the island once again and glided over the water. Approximatley fifteen minutes later we had returned to the dock from which we had departed earlier. After unpacking the boat and rinsing off, we were ready to return to the museum. We arrived back at the museum around 5:30 p.m, after our strenuous day of research was over.