Submitted Photo Visitors to Audubon Community Nature Center voted on a name for the 12-foot long concrete turtle that lives near its outdoor Nature Play Area, and Day Camp kids were happy to be photographed holding up the winning entry.

JAMESTOWN –  With more than 75% of the total “votes” cast, “Tank” was the clear-cut winner in Audubon Community Nature Center’s contest to name the 12-foot concrete turtle that lives near the Nature Play Area.

Last fall, the 1500 pound, larger-than-life turtle was created and donated to Audubon by Mike Whitmire of Whitmire Block and Outdoor Living, Starbrick, Pennsylvania. In seeking help for a name for the popular feature, staff selected six finalists from those submitted to Audubon’s website and in person.

From June 7 to 30, Nature Center visitors cast their vote for their favorite name by using their loose change. The intention was to encourage children to participate in the voting process as much as possible. Each coin counted as one vote.

Both of those who submitted the winning entry will receive a personal Meet and Greet with some of Audubon’s live turtles and a Nature Center Family Membership. Wyatt suggested “Tank” because “… if a turtle was a machine it would be a tank.” Elaine said, “It’s big, strong, indestructible shell is camouflage green, like a military tank.”

Visitors are invited to say “hello” to Tank when they come to Audubon at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren.

The 600-acre wetland preserve with its native tree arboretum, gardens, picnic area, six miles of trails, and exhibit of Liberty, the non-releasable Bald Eagle, can be visited from dawn until dusk daily. The three-story Nature Center contains interactive displays, a collection of live animals, and the Blue Heron Gift Shop. Building hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sundays 1 to 4 p.m.

To learn more about Audubon and its many programs, call 569-2345 or visit auduboncnc.org.

Audubon Community Nature Center builds and nurtures connections between people and nature by providing positive outdoor experiences, opportunities to learn about and understand the natural world, and knowledge to act in environmentally responsible ways.