Craft beer lovers and conservation advocates will hoist a glass to one of Staten Island’s most overlooked native species when Freshkills Park, the Staten Island Zoo and Flagship Brewery host Taps for Terrapins on Wednesday, Aug. 26, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Flagship Brewing Co., 40 Minthorne St., Tompkinsville. The fundraiser supports the Staten Island Terrapin Project, which aims to protect the diamondback terrapin, the only turtle in North America that lives exclusively in brackish water. Researchers at Freshkills Park have documented alarming nest predation, and conservationists have installed protective exclosures, nesting boxes and hatchling programs with the Staten Island Zoo. More than 500 students have also taken part in Freshkills Park’s diamondback terrapin education curriculum this year. Organizers hope the event will raise the species’ profile and help establish it as a recognizable symbol of Staten Island conservation. This year’s gathering is the first dedicated fundraiser for the project, and proceeds will support terrapin conservation, research and habitat protection programs.
