The 11th annual Turtle Release, co-hosted by the Huron Stewardship Council (HSC) and the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA), will happen early next month.
The popular annual event will take place at the Morrison Dam Conservation Area, east of Exeter, on Thursday, September 3 from 1-4 p.m.
This event is an opportunity for the ABCA and HSC to educate the public about freshwater turtles and habitat they need to survive. Turtle hatchlings will be released every 20 minutes starting at 1:20 p.m. There will be educational displays and activities for those who wish to attend, including live reptiles and family-friendly events.
Admission is free, though donations are encouraged, all of which will support turtle conservation in Ontario. Freshwater turtles in Ontario face numerous threats, including loss of habitat and vehicles, as many turtles are hit crossing roadways every year.
The ABCA notes that you can help turtles by creating and enhancing habitat on your properties, helping turtles cross the road in the direction they are heading (when it is safe to do so), and working with local municipalities and communities to erect turtle crossing signs and build safe passages. People can also arrange for transport of injured turtles to the turtle hospital.
"Preserving and creating habitat for turtles and other species is one of the most important things we can do to sustain our turtle species," said Hope Brock, ABCA Healthy Watersheds Specialist.
Tickets are not required to attend the event but it helps organizers to plan the event by indicating your interest at Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1994518184581).
