Did you know that you may share similarities with eastern box turtles like Dart? No, we don’t mean that you have a shell, red eyes, and a tail. But you may share a similar interest in food! Many foods that we feed Dart can be found in your own refrigerator. Eastern box turtles like to eat a variety of foods including fruits, leafy greens, vegetables, and protein. Wild turtles will forage for plants, berries, insects, and worms on the forest floor. Since Dart lives at the park, we have to create a balanced diet for him to make sure he stays healthy. Some of his favorite foods are raspberries, squash, and apples.

 

Did you know you can share some foods with eastern box turtles?

But his most favorite food of all – earthworms! Of course, this may be an interest you and Dart don’t have in common, but that’s okay. Worms provide a great source of protein and he enjoys catching live prey. Since worms are Dart’s favorite meal, our next “Art with Dart” activity is worm painting! Don’t worry, we won’t use real worms for this craft. Here’s what you’ll need:
•    Several “worms” – can be an artificial worm like you’d use for fishing, gummy worms, or cooked spaghetti.
•    Paint or natural paint by mixing dirt and water
•    Paper
Now here’s the fun part! Take your “worm”, dip it your paint of choice, and move it across your paper in any way you’d like. Twirl, spin, and bounce your worms across your paper to create a worm-derful creation. Maybe take a snack break if you’re using noodles or gummy worms – unpainted of course! Share your art with us for all to see. 
 

Worms can be made out of so many things for this project.

Next week we’ll learn about those habitats where you can find eastern box turtles and of course, Dart will have another craft you!