Since our beginnings in 1998, our primary objective has been advocating for conservation of the abundance of the species. Students and private citizens have been our greatest asset in lauching the Terrapin Institute and keeping our conservation efforts moving forward. Our terrapin head-start program began under the auspises of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Service. In 2003, the Terrapin Institute separated from the State agency and established as a public charity. From that time until his pasing in 2011, former Governor of Maryland, William Donald Schaefer, served as our honorary chairman.