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ArticleCS

What to do if you see a desert tortoise

  • Published
  • By Environmental Management Division
  • 412th Civil Engineer Group
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  

The desert tortoise is one of many animals found at Edwards AFB.  Listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, desert tortoises are protected from unwarranted harassment or injury. The 412th Civil Engineer Group’s Environmental Management Division wants to remind base residents to be on the lookout for desert tortoises, especially near or crossing roadways.

“Desert tortoises are particularly active March through May and again from September through October. However, desert tortoises can be active at any time throughout the year, especially during and after rainfall,” said Mr. Larry Zimmerman, Natural Resource Manager, Environmental Management Division.

People working or living on Edwards AFB are encouraged to check under and around vehicles prior to moving their vehicles, especially if parked near open desert, according to Zimmerman.

If a desert tortoise is seen and not in immediate danger, people are advised not to touch the animal and monitor the animal until it reaches safety.  The Environmental Management Division should be contacted immediately if a tortoise is seen whether in danger or not. Only authorized and trained people are allowed to touch a desert tortoise in non-emergency situations.  Unauthorized handling could result in a $50,000 fine and jail time.

If a motorist encounters a desert tortoise in immediate danger on or near the road, they can pick up the tortoise and move it off the road. Slowly approach the tortoise from its front, pick it up by its sides, keep it level, and place the tortoise pointed in the same direction it was heading at least 100 feet off the road in a shady place. After moving a desert tortoise, call the Environmental Management Division office.

Anyone who encounters a desert tortoise in distress should call the Environmental Management Division at 277-1401.

Slide show

What to do if you see a desert tortoise

  • Published
  • By Environmental Management Division
  • 412th Civil Engineer Group
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  

The desert tortoise is one of many animals found at Edwards AFB.  Listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, desert tortoises are protected from unwarranted harassment or injury. The 412th Civil Engineer Group’s Environmental Management Division wants to remind base residents to be on the lookout for desert tortoises, especially near or crossing roadways.

“Desert tortoises are particularly active March through May and again from September through October. However, desert tortoises can be active at any time throughout the year, especially during and after rainfall,” said Mr. Larry Zimmerman, Natural Resource Manager, Environmental Management Division.

People working or living on Edwards AFB are encouraged to check under and around vehicles prior to moving their vehicles, especially if parked near open desert, according to Zimmerman.

If a desert tortoise is seen and not in immediate danger, people are advised not to touch the animal and monitor the animal until it reaches safety.  The Environmental Management Division should be contacted immediately if a tortoise is seen whether in danger or not. Only authorized and trained people are allowed to touch a desert tortoise in non-emergency situations.  Unauthorized handling could result in a $50,000 fine and jail time.

If a motorist encounters a desert tortoise in immediate danger on or near the road, they can pick up the tortoise and move it off the road. Slowly approach the tortoise from its front, pick it up by its sides, keep it level, and place the tortoise pointed in the same direction it was heading at least 100 feet off the road in a shady place. After moving a desert tortoise, call the Environmental Management Division office.

Anyone who encounters a desert tortoise in distress should call the Environmental Management Division at 277-1401.

Edwards provides care, opportunities for children aged six weeks through high school graduation

Edwards provides care, opportunities for childrenaged six weeks through high school graduation

The Child and Youth Program at Edwards AFB provides care and opportunities for kids ages six weeks old through high school graduation. A brief summary of those services follows:

  •                    The Child Development Center cares for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, with a DOD-wide curriculum. The curriculum is focused on learning through play activities supporting social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. Installations across DOD follow the curriculum on the same timeline to allow seamless permanent change-of-station transitions for youth enrolled in care.
  •                    The School Age Center provides before and after-school care and summer camp for children ages 5 to 12. During school breaks, full-day camps are offered. SAC promotes cognitive, social, emotional, cultural, language and physical development through programs that encourage self-confidence, curiosity, self-discipline and resiliency.
  •                    The open recreation program at the Main Youth Center provides a safe space for ages 9 to 12 to attend after school. Programs include Power Hour, STEM, Torch Club, social recreation, youth camps, special events and more.
  •                    The youth sports program provides intro and league opportunities for ages 3 to 12, and promotes inclusiveness, self-discipline, commitment, resiliency and social skills. There are four sports offered annually for ages five to 12: baseball/softball, soccer, flag football and basketball. Smart start programs are available to ages 3 to 5. There are many other sports and camps offered throughout the year.
  •                    The Teen Center is available for ages 13 to 18 during the school year. Programs offered include Military Youth of the Year, Keystone Club, social recreation, STEM activities, college trips, leadership camps and more.
  •                    Youth programs (SAC, open rec and teen) are affiliated with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and 4-H.
  •                    Family Child Care homes – there are currently three FCC homes on the installation. They can provide care for ages two weeks to 12 years. FCC providers are trained by Child and Youth Program training and curriculum specialists and have the flexibility to determine their hours of operation and the ages of youth within their care. The program’s new dedicated manager, Jennifer Stegmann, may be reached at 661-275-7529.

Although CDC enrollment capacity is 317, not all slots are currently filled because of a shortage of childcare workers. School Age Center enrollment capacity is 156. After-school care enrollment is 130. Before-school care enrollment is 75. Summer Camp 2022 was at its capacity and enrollment for Summer Camp 2023 opens April 3.