by Kathryn Barlow

Tucked into a quiet pocket near Puyallup’s suburban edges along the Puyallup loop trail lies a small patch of forested wetland called Deadman’s Pond. Although its name conjures ghost stories, Deadman’s Pond is teeming with life. One of the pond’s most remarkable residents rarely draws attention. The western pond turtle, (Actinemys marmorata) is a shy, slow-moving native reptile that has become a symbol of resilience in the face of habitat loss and invasive threats.

The western pond turtle has faced dramatic declines over the past century due to urban development, loss of habitat, invasive species like bullfrogs eating juvenile turtles, and overgrowth of invasive vegetation preventing nesting and movement. Today, this loveable turtle is listed as a state-endangered species and identified as a species of greatest conservation need under Washington’s State Wildlife Action Plan.

But there is hope tied to places like Deadman’s Pond.

Why Deadman’s Pond Matters

Deadman's Pond is a vital piece of a much larger conservation puzzle. This site offers slow, muddy waters and quiet upland forests that western pond turtles need to thrive. They bask on logs in the summer, overwinter in leaf litter and woody debris, and seek open, sunny nesting areas each spring. 

Restoration work at Deadman's Pond supports the broader statewide recovery effort led by WDFW and Woodland Park Zoo, which has been in progress for over three decades. Over 800 turtles have been raised in captivity during their early vulnerable years and released into protected wildlife areas as adults. Through these efforts, they have successfully established sustainable populations in the Puget Sound and Columbia River Gorge areas.

A juvenile western pond turtle. Photo courtesy of WDFW.

Getting Our Hands Dirty (So Turtles Don’t Have To)

With critical habitat around Deadman’s Pond now owned by the City of Puyallup, restoration work to remove invasive species and plant native species in their place is essential to moving toward the reintroduction of western pond turtles to the area.

Volunteers and local partners are actively removing invasive vegetation that blocks potential nesting sites and restoring degraded habitat though the planting of biodiverse native species in areas to ensure that turtles have the room they need to move, burrow, nest, and thrive.

Every action counts and every pair of hands makes a difference.

Whether you're a lifelong resident, a student looking for hands-on experience, or simply someone who wants to spend more time outdoors while giving back, there’s a role for you as a volunteer at Deadman’s Pond.

How Can You Help?

Learn more about upcoming volunteer events and restoration work parties on our Calendar.

You can also sign up groups of volunteers, like boy scout groups or school clubs, by filling out the group interest form on our Volunteer Opportunities Page.

Have questions about Deadman's Pond specifically? Contact our Habitat Stewardship Program Manager, Bryan Mohlman.