Arrowmen from the Ichauway Chapter of Withlacoochee Lodge in the South Georgia Council have quite an interesting lodge totem. Recently, their lodge members had a rare opportunity to learn about the ecology of their totem, the Gopher Tortoise, during a visit to Chehaw Wild Animal Zoo in Albany, Georgia. t was the first outing for the newly- established chapter of Withlacoochee Lodge, and the event offered the attendees an opportunity to perform a meaningful service project for the zoo. After the service project, the chapter was invited to a special seminar at the gopher tortoise burrows with the park's education coordinator. "We got a chance to learn about the ecology and behavior of the gopher tortoise from a biologist who is considered an expert on the species," said Jonathan Morey, a participant that day. "We also learned how to manage and conserve gopher tortoise populations and their important role in the long-leaf pine forest. We even got to hold ‘Polly', the two year old tortoise!"
Gopher tortoises are one of five species of tortoises found in the United States. They inhabit upland habitats throughout the coastal plain of the southeastern United States, with most being found in north-central Florida and southern Georgia. Withlacoochee Arrowmen selected it as their totem during their first lodge meeting in March of 2013 because they are such a unique animal and there are active gopher tortoise burrows on each of the two Scout camps operated by South Georgia Council.
Ichauway Chapter also presented Chehaw Wild Animal Zoo with a donation to officially adopt the gopher tortoise habitat for one year. Zoo officials allowed the lodge to display a sign at the habitat to let zoo visitors know that Scouting and the Order of the Arrow are engaged in the community.
The chapter has continued plans to make the service project and seminar an annual event so more Withlacoochee Brothers have an opportunity to study and learn about their lodge totem.
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