Saving a Turtle, Protecting the Aquifer

New Jersey's state turtle is the Bog Turtle, a federally threatened species. New Jersey is a stronghold for the species. Bog turtle habitat includes the wetlands in fields formed by shallow groundwater seeps. These unique wetlands areas are critically important to protect for species like the Bog Turtle but also for flood and watershed protection and aquifer protection. Conservationists have worked with farmers and landowners in Salem County to help protect Bog Turtle habitat on private lands.