For the fourth consecutive year, determined volunteers are once again scouring the beaches at Naval Air Station Patuxent (Pax) River in search of the elusive nesting sites of the diamondback terrapin.

"Chesapeake Bay terrapin populations have been plummeting at an alarming rate for years, yet Pax River's habitat seems to support one of the largest breeding populations in this part of the Chesapeake Bay," explained Kyle Rambo, Pax River's conservation director. "And since our population is one of the most intensely studied, it's important for the Navy to contribute to the ongoing research of this species -- which is an important resource, both ecologically and economically."

This year's terrapin study coordinator is Michael Irvin, a graduate student pursuing a master's degree in environmental science, working as a rare species intern for the installation's Natural Resources Department through AmeriCorps and The Student Conservation Association.

"My responsibilities include communicating with all the volunteers via email, creating schedules, training new volunteers, recording data and participating in the surveys myself on a daily basis," Irvin explained. "I began looking for terrapin nests when I got here on May 8, but we began daily surveys in earnest on May 18."

Irvin has about 20 volunteers -- a mixture of new and seasoned veterans who have participated in past surveys -- who go out on a regular basis through September and spend their free time looking for the subtle signs that might indicate a terrapin nest, such as tracks in the sand or disturbances like churned up sand or sand sprayed against nearby vegetation.

"Many animals leave tracks, so team members need to know how turtle tracks are different from others," said volunteer Bill Singleton, warehouse worker with Pax Supply. "Often, there are no tracks at all, so we look for other signs of a covered nest."

Once located, the nest is excavated and the eggs are counted, weighed, measured and placed back in the nest, which is reburied.

"We make sure not to disturb the orientation of the eggs and put them back the same way they were taken out," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Sean Wahoff, who also volunteered last year. "After that, we record the location and place a cage over top in hopes that no predators will dig it up. It's then checked very frequently for hatchlings once that part of the season rolls around [so data can be collected on them and they can be set free]."

Predators aren't the only obstacle the turtles must overcome, however; others include invasive species, habitat destruction, coastal development and crab trap issues.

Areas surveyed by volunteers include Cedar Point Beach and Navy Recreation Center Solomons, but the main focus is near the Beach House, where 99 percent of nests are found.

"This study would not be remotely possible without all of the time and effort dedicated by volunteers, and I'm amazed at the level of involvement and manpower," Irvin said. "Someone is surveying the beaches every day, with teams meeting around 5:30 p.m. and searching for as long as three hours. Weekend surveys typically begin at 3 p.m."

Research goals include determining and documenting breeding success, local population demographics, hatchling and adult survival and mortality rates, and longevity -- in addition to simply helping to sustain healthy populations of terrapins in this region.

"The worldwide extinction of many animals and plants is of great concern to me," said Singleton, who has volunteered for the past three years. "I'm glad to have this opportunity to help preserve this threatened icon of Maryland wildlife."

Wahoff agreed, adding the experience has been great, he's been working with some amazing people, and he feels he's making an impact.

"Plus, the turtle hatchlings are adorable," he added. "It's like you can never get enough pictures of them."

Rambo said the study is expected to continue into the foreseeable future for as long as there is a small army of volunteers willing to perform the laborious work required.

"They log long hours and walk miles," he added, "All for the satisfaction of knowing they're doing something meaningful and making a difference not only at Pax River, but within the larger Chesapeake Bay community."

As of July, volunteers have discovered a total of 40 nests.

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