What is That Black Tarp Along Raymond Road?
Sudbury’s Raymond Road Initiative exemplifies a holistic approach to turtle‑management and road‑crossing mitigation by combining research‑driven fencing with ecosystem stewardship. Located along a vital swamp corridor in town, turtle fencing has been installed to prevent turtles from attempting to cross a busy stretch of Raymond Road during migration, an area noted for having one of the highest turtle mortality rates in Sudbury. This fence, constructed of smooth material of sufficient height and buried underground, directs turtles to use a nearby culvert rather than crossing vehicle lanes – a design shown to reduce roadkill by over 90%. Beyond protecting turtle populations, species that grow slowly and reproduce later in life, the barrier has the added benefit of intercepting roadside litter before it washes into the adjacent wetland habitat, helping to preserve water quality and ecosystem health. Taken together, these measures illustrate a multi‑faceted turtle‑management strategy that supports species resilience, biodiversity conservation, and cleaner, safer wetlands.
Click here to learn more about Sudbury’s turtles and this initiative, with videos of the installation and wildlife in the area. Thank you for your patience with this temporary fence to save Sudbury’s turtles.