Government of Ontario Partnering with Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre to Protect at Risk Species in Peterborough

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The Ontario government is providing nearly $500,000 in funding through the Species at Risk Stewardship program to the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre as they undertake on-the-ground work to protect turtles at risk in the community.

photo by felicia massey.

Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha was joined by David Piccini, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, as well as donors and other community members on Wednesday at the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre for the groundbreaking of their new hospital for Ontario’s native turtle species.

“This forever home has been a dream that is finally coming to reality. I cannot express how much great work the centre does, from rehabilitating injured turtles to the recovery and fertilization of turtle eggs from those turtles who sadly do not make it,” said Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough–Kawartha. “We are extremely fortunate to have such a world leader in conservation right here in our own backyard.”

Led by the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre, the Hospital and Hatchling Program, and supported by the Species at Risk Stewardship Program, this project helps reduce some of the effects of road mortality on turtle populations. Seven out of eight of Ontario's turtles are at-risk. The funding will help mitigate threats to at-risk turtles through rehabilitation, education, field studies, research and data-sharing.

“Everyday, dedicated local and community organizations across Ontario demonstrate their commitment to protecting and recovering plants, insects, animals and their habitats,” said Minister Piccini. “Our government is proud to partner with grassroots organizations across the province to make a real impact. The 2023-24 projects continue Ontario’s track record of strong environmental stewardship and preserving the rich biodiversity of our province for future generations.”

As part of the Species at Risk Stewardship Program, Ontario has provided $914,703 to support the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre since 2018 in their work to rehabilitate, conduct field studies and research and mitigate threats for at-risk turtles. The new funding builds on this longstanding support and investment with the conservation centre.

“The Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre gratefully acknowledges the tremendous support that the MECP's Species at Risk Stewardship Program has given, to enable us to continue our vital conservation work,” said Mandy St. Germaine, Chair of the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre. “As we enter our new growth phase, we shall be able to increase our national impact in turtle conservation even more, and very much look forward to our continued partnership with MECP.”

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That Moment When Rescued Eggs Start To Hatch At Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre

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Many of the injured female turtles that come in to Ontario Turtle Conversation Centre in Peterborough are gravid (with eggs) so the team there is always on the watch for them. 

They also harvest deceased females' eggs, incubate them and when hatched, return the young turtles to their mother's home wetland. Pictured below on July 13th are OTCC's Margaret and Amanda who are busy planting eggs that were collected that morning.

Picture via OTCC Facebook page

Toward the end of July is always exciting for the team at OTCC, as that's when many eggs start to hatch. Indeed, according to their Facebook page post OTCC has admitted 685 turtles to date, collected over 3,200 eggs and their admitted turtles continue to lay eggs on a daily basis.

Here are some of those eggs hatching the other day...

Picture via OTCC Facebook page

Picture via OTCC Facebook page

Everytime you rescue an injured turtle—even one that is severely injured—and bring it to OTCC, imagine this: You might well be saving many turtle lives all at once.

For more info on OTCC, click here.

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Peterborough Woman Takes Pro-Active Measures To Help Turtles Near Busy Streets

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On the way to work Monday morning, PTBOCanada contributor Julie Morris spotted this turtle below laying eggs on Johnson Drive in Peterborough.

Julie was worried about the turtle's safety all day—as many others are about other turtles near busy streets and highways—and tweeted about it, and we posted about it on our Facebook page as well to get the word out.

Right after work, Julie headed to the dollar store to buy pylons and work gloves so she could go back and mark the spot where the turtle and its babies were so drivers wouldn't hit her. 

Julie Morris

"I went back, but the turtle is gone...you can see the swirls from her burying the eggs," she says.

She's keeping the work gloves and cones in her car should she come across other turtles near busy roads.

***If you spot an injured turtle, contact the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre.

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Watch For Turtles Laying Eggs

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There are numerous spottings now of turtles alongside of roads and elsewhere—many of which are laying eggs.

We spotted this turtle laying eggs at Trent University near the Athletic Centre this morning.

Peterborough Police tweeted out this reminder to the public to watch for the turtles on the shoulders of roads...

***If you spot an injured turtle, contact the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre.

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