Mississippi is one of the most biodiverse places in the world for freshwater turtles—and we’re still discovering new species! In this fascinating lecture, herpetologist Dr. Grover Brown explores the incredible diversity of turtles across the state, the ecology that supports them, and the conservation challenges they face.
From snapping turtles and softshells to gopher tortoises and cooters, Dr. Brown highlights not just the science behind these armored reptiles, but also the human connections to them—recreation, culture, and education. With experience ranging from the forests of Georgia to turtle sanctuaries in Vietnam, and fieldwork across every corner of Mississippi, Dr. Brown shares how turtles serve as indicators of ecosystem health and why they deserve more attention in conservation conversations.
Museum of Natural Science