Volunteer

We need your help to protect our Turtle relatives! We believe that every individual can make a meaningful impact. Join us in advocating for the turtles that inhabit city parks in Tkaronto. We offer various opportunities for involvement, whether you are passionate about education, conservation, or community engagement. Discover the roles you can play. Become a Turtle Protector today and help us ensure a bright future for our turtle kin!

We have completed all volunteer trainings for 2024.
Join us for the 2025 season! Stay tune to apply in January 2025.

Volunteer opportunities

Local opportunities (Close proximity or travel to one of the seven parks is required)

  • Turtle Scouting. Scouting for nesting turtles and hatchlings in the parks, mornings or evening from late May to mid July and report any turtle sighting.

  • Turtle Sitting. Protecting Mama turtles while nesting, escorting her safely to back to water, installing a nest protector.

  • Turtle Nest Monitoring. Check protected nests in early spring (April) and from mid August to mid October and scout the park for hatchlings and assisting them safely to water.

  • Turtle Taxi Driver. Help drive injured turtles to Toronto Wildlife Centre or OTCC for medical care. Turtles will be transported in enclosed containers – drivers do not need to handle turtles directly. Interested volunteers do not need to have any experience with turtles to apply, but must have access to a vehicle.

Remote opportunities (Not local to High Park)

  • Answering our Hotline. Requires access to internet and a computer to log on the website for our phone line.

  • Graphic Designer. Develop materials for social media, flyers or other media.

  • Grant Writers. Help us research, draft, and submit proposals to receive grant funding.

How to become a Volunteer?

We require a three hour a week commitment during the month of April and from late May to mid July and mid August to mid October. If you can help with any of the current volunteer opportunities, fill out our Volunteer application form.

Once you complete your application, you will receive an email. Please check your spam box! You will be added to our email list with upcoming mandatory trainings. You will learn about turtles’ habitat, lifecycle, common threats, how to support nesting Mamas, how to install a protector, assist hatchlings safely to water, and any turtles crossing roads. All volunteers will receive training in Indigenous ways of being in relationship with all Beings. Volunteers will receive our manual and also be granted access to our volunteer resources.

Send us an email

If you have any question or concern, please don't hesitate to contact us. We will be glad to connect with you.