Below The Surface

By Jessie Forand/ECHO

Champlain College student Meghan Neely stopped by ECHO Friday with a purpose – to adopt a turtle.

Neely is working on a group project for her Ethics and the Environment core class. When asked to look in depth at a local environmental issue and how it affects the community, her team called ECHO to learn more about a threatened Vermont species.

The team interviewed Steve Smith, ECHO’s director of animal care and facilities management, about the Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle. After speaking with Smith about species and the challenges it faces in Vermont, they decided to take things to the next step.

Neely and her team are now “softshell supporters.” Next month they will present to their classmates and could be chosen to continue to the next level in the presentation process, ultimately being named winner.

We’ll keep you posted about their progress. Thanks to these great students for their support!