Since early June The Land Between through the Turtle Guardians program and Scales Nature Park have been involved in turtle-research. Ecologists and biologists have been hired for the summer to “run the roads” across Simcoe, Muskoka, Parry Sound, Haliburton, north Peterborough, and City of Kawartha Lakes to assess where and how many turtles are travelling, crossing, and also being injured on roads. “The data will give us a picture of what changes and fixes need to take place to save turtles in these areas” says Leora Berman, COO of The Land Between and coordinator of the Turtle Guardians program. In addition to road surveys, the crew will assess the relative health of turtles found in the area through wetland and habitat reconnaissance and, under permits issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ministry of the Environment, Climate Change and Parks, to take body condition measurements , and to estimate sex ratios and age classes of turtles here.
Leora says, “community members can also help.” The Team are offering training for community volunteers to monitor wetlands, roads, nest sites and aid in other Citizen Science and conservation efforts. To support the initiative, simply log on to turtleguardians.ca and register as a guardian, or send Leora an email through info@thelandbetween.ca, leora@turtleguardians.ca or text her at 705-854-3578
