Box Turtles have been present in North America for millions of years. But the picture is changing rapidly. Every long-term study of the box turtle has concluded that populations are declining at an alarming rate. In an effort to contribute to the science that may save Box Turtles, in 2009 the Box Turtle Conservation Committee (www.boxturtlesintrouble.org) established the Lucille F. Stickel Box Turtle Research Award to honor Stickels box turtle research over a period of forty-five years. To date, the Stickel Award has supported two important research projects; a summary of the research can be viewed at the above website. The Committee is currently accepting grant applications (up to $1000) for projects that contribute directly to box turtle conservation, or further our understanding of their natural history, ecology, or reproduction. The closing date for receipt of grant applications is February 1, 2012.
