July 18, 2016 - The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) and Saving Turtles at Risk Today (START) Muskoka are calling on Canadians to help protect and track endangered turtles. A community event is being planned to celebrate, showcase and support conservation efforts in the Muskokas.
- What: START Muskoka Turtle Blitz
- When: Sunday, July 24 from 10 am – 3 pm
- Where: Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh & Muskoka Lakes Winery, 1074 Cranberry Road, Bala, ON
- Who: The public is invited to help search the marsh to identify and help the turtles
- Why: This is a fun, educational and interactive event for the whole family. It’s also a great opportunity to help make a positive difference for freshwater turtles, a species in decline. Of the nine freshwater turtles found in Canada, only one subspecies is stable. Threats include road traffic, habitat loss, nest predation and poaching. CWF works with regional partners, community groups, lake associations and individuals to survey, track and reduce risks to turtles. The START Muskoka Turtle Blitz includes opportunities to learn about, hold and help catch and release turtles for surveys. This is an opportunity you don’t want to miss!
Please note: Community volunteers must bring and wear light-weight clothes, water shoes and hats. They must also bring a water bottle. Lunch will be available for purchase.
The public is also urged to call the START Muskoka Turtle Hotline if they see turtles in distress or nesting. The public should also report any sightings of endangered Blanding’s and Spotted turtles. It’s also critical to drive carefully so that turtles can cross roads safely.
For more information, visit HelptheTurtles.ca.
QUOTE:
Joining a wildlife survey is a great way to help researchers collect critical data that can be used to help conserve endangered species. It’s also a great learning experience that’s fun for the whole family. We are very grateful for the public’s help in the START Muskoka Turtle Blitz.
Rick Bates, CEO of CWF
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About the Canadian Wildlife Federation:
The Canadian Wildlife Federation is dedicated to fostering awareness and appreciation of our natural world. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment, sponsoring research, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, recommending legislative changes and co-operating with like-minded partners, CWF encourages a future in which Canadians can live in harmony with nature. Visit CanadianWildlifeFederation.ca for more information.
Contacts:
Heather Robison, Media and Community Relations, heatherr@cwf-fcf.org: 1-877-599-5777 x 212
Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh, 1-705-762-3203: ontario@cranberry.ca
START MUSKOKA TURTLE HOTLINE: 1-705-955-4284
