Book Description

“The Pests that Girdle the Home of Tucker the Turtle” is a new book that makes the concept of non-native invasive species accessible to children. The star of the book is Tucker, an Eastern box turtle who was born and raised in Pendleton County, WV. Through the telling of his story, Tucker shares the changes that he has seen as non-native invasive species have spread across his home. Spring wildflowers are disappearing, trees like native hemlocks are dying, and many strange, new critters have taken up residence. Tucker shares his experiences with fifteen different invasive species including insects, plants, and even a fish!Non-native invasive species are one of the greatest threats to the biodiversity and natural resource-based economies of West Virginia. And, their numbers are increasing! Each year, more than $138 billion is spent in the United States fighting invasive species. And the list of invasive species “knocking at our door” continues to grow—snakehead fish are moving towards West Virginia from Maryland and Virginia, many pests are threatening our forests including the Asian longhorned beetle that is already in Ohio."We were inspired to write this book because we love the mountains of West Virginia and the natural wonders that they contain," said one of the authors, Cynthia Sandeno. "By sharing Tucker's story, we hope to encourage children to see the beauty that surrounds them and to become protectors of our natural places."While the book focuses on the impacts of invasive species, it also weaves in information about what can be done to slow their spread including the important messages of removing invasives from your yard, cleaning gear, and buying firewood locally. Two destructive species, the Emerald Ash Borer and the Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALHB) are featured in the book. The ALHB speaks to Tucker and says, “We've traveled around the country, hidden in a load of firewood. We shouldn't have been transported, but now we're here for good.”The book was written by the Potomac Highlands Cooperative Weed and Pest Management Area to show the reader the complex and vulnerable world that can be found right outside their doors in their yard or a nearby park or forest. The story also aims to engage you in protecting its future. Will your favorite place remain a healthy home for fish and wildlife or will it be changed forever? The illustrator, Molly Swailes, created 16 original watercolors to accompany the story. Through her creativity, Molly has allowed all of us to enter the world of Tucker the Turtle and to join forces to help make a difference in the forests, rivers, ponds, and wetlands that we love to enjoy. Molly hopes that “as kids grow up they will remember and empathize with Tucker the Turtle and take action to help the environment.”