The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority's third annual Turtle Release will take place on Thursday, August 30, 2018, at the Morrison Dam just east of Exeter.
Healthy Watersheds Technician, Hope Brock, says the eggs come from nests that were in danger of being destroyed or female turtles that have been hit by cars and those eggs can be harvested from the mother and incubated. Brock says more than 500 people attended last year's Turtle Release. It runs from one till five in the afternoon with a few turtles released a couple of times each hour so if someone can't be there early, turtles will be being periodically throughout the afternoon.
Brock says there are also other reptile displays and educational activities that people can see at the conservation area. She explains when they release the turtles it's important to do it right at the edge of the water and in a spot where there's heavy vegetation because they need to be able to hide as soon as they're in the water. Brock says once they're released it doesn't take them long to realize they're in the water and to find a hiding place.
