Kids got the chance to get up close and personal with turtles of many species
A popular local event is returning this fall, giving families a chance to watch tiny turtles make their way back into the wild.
The 11th annual Turtle Hatchling Release Event will take place Thursday, September 3rd, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Morrison Dam Conservation Area.
Visitors can drop in anytime during the afternoon to enjoy family-friendly activities, educational displays and live reptiles. Turtle hatchlings will be released into the wild every 20 minutes, starting at 1:20 p.m.
The event is free, although donations are welcome. Money raised will support turtle conservation in Ontario.
The event also teaches visitors about Ontario’s eight species of freshwater turtles. All eight species are considered at risk.
Before the event, trained staff with the proper permits collect turtle eggs from the release area and incubate them. The eggs have a better chance of hatching this way. Once they hatch, the turtles are returned to the area where the eggs were found.
Visitors will not be able to hold the turtles. Organizers say this helps protect the animals and keeps stress levels low.
Ontario’s freshwater turtles face several threats, including habitat loss and being hit by vehicles. Hundreds of turtles are killed on Ontario roads each year.
People can help by protecting turtle habitat, helping turtles safely cross roads in the direction they are already travelling, and supporting local efforts to improve turtle crossings.
The Turtle Hatchling Release Event takes place at Morrison Dam Conservation Area on September 3. Admission is free and no tickets are required.
