The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority is encouraging residents to help protect local turtles through its new “Adopt a Turtle” campaign.
Rosalind Chang, Healthy Watersheds Coordinator with the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority says the campaign is a symbolic adoption program designed to raise money for turtle conservation efforts across the watershed.
Chang reminds residents that the program is a symbolic adoption, meaning participants will not actually take a turtle home.
She explains that turtles are known as an “umbrella species,” meaning protecting turtles also helps protect wetlands, rivers, ponds, and other important habitats used by many plants and animals.
The Adopt a Turtle campaign runs until September 3rd, which is also the date of the annual turtle release event held at Morrison Dam with the Huron Stewardship Council.
Residents can take part by visiting the conservation authority’s website or social media pages. Different donation levels are available, ranging from $20 to $250.
Chang is also reminding people to give turtles space if they encounter them in the wild. Residents who see turtles or turtle nests are encouraged to observe from a distance, take photos, and report sightings through apps like iNaturalist.
She says helping turtles also means helping the entire watershed and protecting the natural environment for future generations.
