Penn State Altoona's turtles get a new basking platform thanks to student's work

ALTOONA, Pa. — By now, most people who are frequently on Penn State Altoona's campus have noticed an addition to the reflecting pond. When it’s empty, it looks like just a floating piece of wood. But when it’s in use, turtles of varying sizes can stretch out, bask and live their best lives.

But it’s not for humans' visual benefit, nor did it just appear miraculously on its own. The turtles weren’t out there with tiny safety goggles and hammers constructing it, either.

So, what’s the story?

It began back in 2024 when Nicole Flanders was in her final academic year at Penn State Altoona. During a conversation with her chemistry professor in which they bonded over their love of turtles, Flanders found out that when the campus reflecting pond was cleaned of downed trees, branches, and other debris, the turtles lost many of their natural basking areas.

As a biology major with a minor in environmental studies, Flanders said she knew that could have detrimental consequences for the turtles.

That got the wheels turning.

During their last semester, environmental studies majors in Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies Carolyn Mahan’s senior seminar course are required to plan and complete a project related to ecology. Students come up with their own ideas and often implement them on campus grounds.

Flanders decided to build and implement a basking platform in the pond.

There are many reasons why turtles need to lay in the sun including to regulate their body temperature, absorb vitamin D for healthy bones and shells and to dry out and prevent shell rot and shell infections. Turtles seek natural basking areas of fallen trees, driftwood, logs, and exposed rocks. Absent these things, a platform is a great alternative.

Using these justifications, Flanders said, she pitched her idea to Mahan and the head of facilities and operations. Given the green light, she got to work.

Materials consisted of composite decking for the platform, empty, capped PVC piping to use underneath as a buoy, stainless steel chain and banding, and cinder blocks. Then Flanders and her husband figured out measurements and proper construction so the platform would float correctly and hold the weight of several turtles. (Fun fact: a group of turtles is called a bale.)

$600 later, multiple trips to hardware stores, a few wrong calculations and cuts, maybe a harsh word or two, and a test run, the platform was ready.

Flanders stored it in the environmental studies and biology shed on campus until it could be installed, but the project snagged there, she said. Flanders graduated and moved into her career, though she didn’t forget about the turtles and their vulnerability.

“I never stopped worrying about the turtles, because that’s just who I am," she said. "They climb up on the cement around the pond, but I've seen people try to pick them up, in some cases, actually grab them. I really wanted the turtles to have a safe place where they could stay out in the sun undisturbed.”

In the summer of 2025, Sarah Allen, associate professor of biology, happened upon the platform in the shed and made some inquiries.

“As a biologist, I have observed the problem the basking platform is meant to solve,” Allen said. "I wanted to see what could be done to make sure it got installed.”

With the help of Allen and Mahan, some final logistics were worked out, and the platform was launched in June of 2026. Within hours, Allen said, turtles were using it.

Mahan texted Flanders a photo of the platform.

“I was so excited,” says Flanders. “I’m very proud to have it in working order.”

The platform is designed to remain in place year-round, and as the composite decking has a lifespan of up to 30 years, it will likely be a long-lasting student project on campus.

It’s become a popular, even beloved spot for students, faculty, staff and community members who often pause to take photos and enjoy the site.

“People love it, and I think it does make a difference for them,” Flanders said. “I think the more people see wildlife, the more that they understand the animals, the more that they get an interest, then the more they want to conserve them and protect them.”