Turtle Guardians help track, monitor, and protect turtles across Ontario.
We recognize that not everyone has the same skills so we’ve created 5 TG Levels
As Guardians become accomplished at their level, they can work their way up to the highest level – Turtle Researchers!
Level 1:
Level 1 TG’s learn to identify all 8 of Ontario’s turtles.Once they pass a Turtle ID test, they ’ll be ready for Level 1! They’ll learn where turtles lay their eggs, what a nest looks like, how to report sightings of turtles and how they can increase awareness and help save turtles!
Level 2:
Level 2 TG’s learn how to monitor wetlands, lake habitats and nesting sites. They will learn what to do if they have a turtle nest on their property, how to build a protective nest cage, and how to install and monitor its success.
Become a Level 2 Wetland Watcher or Nest Sitter
Level 3:
Welcome to the world of road surveys and turtle tunnel assessments! Guardians will learn about tunnel designs allowing turtles safe passage across roads. Data will be gathered at known ‘turtle hot-spots’ to assess the potential of installing turtle tunnels (fencing to direct turtles under roads) and data gathered at these locations will be shared with our conservation partners to short list sites for tunnel-installation. Guardians will also conduct regular road surveys, recording and reporting the numbers and species of turtles seen in a given area. To be a level 3 Guardian, you or your legal custodian (if under 18) must sign a liability waiver.
Become a Level 3 Road Researcher or Tunnel Assessor
Level 4:
Level 4 Guardians will become involved with conservation projects, use data to create ESRI maps and analyze trends, complete community volunteer training for a community conservation project (and for some projects, their names may be added to research permits), or they will design their own fundraising or conservation campaign. Guardians will learn more about the physiology of turtles and about provincial tracking and data management.
Become a Level4 Guardian by contacting us and designing your experience!
Level 5: Research Permits
Level 5 Turtle Guardians will complete advanced field work training, such as the START project Turtle Boot Camp, and be taught how to collect biological samples and data from turtles. Level 5 Guardians are added to our research permits.
All Guardians can also learn more about turtles and First Nations Traditional Teachings through our Turtle Guardian Ontario school curriculum and by attending one of our camps, events, or workshops.
Qualify to receive your personalized Turtle Guardian ID card. Get your information kit. 