
Turtles Are Wildlife Heroes
About 70% of fish and wildlife across Eastern North America depend on freshwater turtles to clean water, cycle nutrients, and spread seeds & biodiversity.
However, 75% of the world's turtles and tortoises are at risk of becoming extinct.
Found a Turtle?...
Unless injured or in immediate danger, it is important to let turtles stay in nature, in their home territories. Learn what to do and why.
Found a turtle? Take note of the location, snap a photo, and help recovery planning for populations


NEW! Support turtle conservation through the symbolic adoption of a hatchling today!
Our official Hatchling "Adoption" Program is now live! By symbolically "adopting" a hatchling, 100% of your funds will go towards our turtle conservation work this 2023 field season, including at-risk nest excavation, hatchling incubation and release, and much more! You can select between a virtual downloadable adoption certificate or our full, official kit to commemorate your support for turtles!
The Hatchling "Adoption" Program does not involve adopting actual turtles. It is illegal to hold wild turtles captive.

Our Impact, By The Numbers
At Turtle Guardians, we provide education, conduct research, rescue adult turtles on roads, and implement road mitigation solutions to reduce turtle mortality. We also rescue, incubate and release turtle hatchlings from nests in jeopardy under special permits. This practice, also known as "headstarting", increases their odds of survival and helps bolster turtle populations.






Note: All research including turtle measurements, incubation and releases, and tunnel system installations are done under wildlife permits and with authorizations.
In the Name of Grace- Saving Turtles and Wetlands
Grace, the one-eyed, and oldest recorded female snapping turtle in Ontario’s Highlands has not been spotted in the past year, after her annual hibernation site was filled in. Not only was the wetland in question not properly protected by the municipality, but now the Premier of Ontario has effectively quashed legislation that protects wetlands and endangered species habitat in Ontario.
Latest News & Blogs
Keep in touch with TG!
Visit us in person!
Turtle Guardians headquarters is located at 6712 Gelert Road, Haliburton. We're open for drop-in tours from July to October on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Satrudays from 10am to 4pm. From November to June contact us to book a tour.
We also offer off-site workshops and events!
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