Aaniin Everyone,

We are so grateful for all the support given this past week! Many of you went beyond your three hour weekly commitment to protect turtles. We are grateful for everyone's contributions!

UPDATES:

We have protected at least 65 nests (23 Painted and 42 Snapping). We are still waiting for turtles in Sam Smith to begin nesting
Mentor Permit Holders excavated several nests that were predated or in high risk areas. Eggs were transported to Scales Nature Park for incubation
We have helped at least 6 Turtles cross a road
Unfortunately an adult male Snapping Turtle lost his life on the Gardiner Expressway last week, and an adult Painted Turtle was also killed on the road at Queensway and Ellis Ave
We have tracked Blanding's Turtles in parks. If you spot one please call the Hotline immediately. Please do not post any photos online due to the risk of poaching of this species.
Smythe Park volunteers are trying to catch an adult Snapping Turtle with a medical issue to transport to TWC.

NESTS PROTECTED IN EACH PARK:

16 in Brickworks
12 in High Park
3 in Rennie Park
6 in Etienne Brule
1 in Home Smith
8 in Humber Bay Park
5 in King’s Mill
10 in Smythe Park
2 in Woodbine
2 in other parks (Humber Yacht Club shoreline and Taylor Creek Park)

REMINDERS: Please read carefully, miigwetch!

Complete the data form for turtles nesting, hatchlings, turtles crossing roads, deceased or injured turtles
Call the Hotline: turtle sightings, if you need to leave while with a turtle, or if you notice a predated nest, spot a turtle in distress or deceased
Text Hotline: when you arrive on scene to be with turtle, provide updates about turtle,
Use the Park Check In/Out when you enter and exit parks/shift
Keep your distance with a turtle on land (three car lengths especially if she's digging). Volunteers should only approach closely if the turtle is in imminent danger
Please sign up for shifts. It's okay if more than one person signs up for the same time.
If you complete a shift without signing up, please add your name afterwards. This helps us to track volunteer hours
If you are away for a period of time, please indicate this for every week on the schedule

VOLUNTEER PORTAL:

Found on our website under the Volunteer tab - Volunteer Central
Password: miigwetch
This is where you will find the schedule, past weekly emails, incident forms, volunteer manual and more

POPULATION STUDY:

Due to nesting season and weather, they are not setting traps this week and instead we will take a week's break. They will set traps next week on Wednesday in High Park.

EVERGREEN BRICKWORKS:

Turtle Protectors volunteers receive 15% off everything at Evergreen Garden Market. Miigwetch to Tyler for offering us this discount!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Please support Macie, Canada Summer Job's staff, who has her art work displayed at OCADU. See the flyer below for details.

Miigwetch everyone! We can't do this work without you! We hope you all have a lovely week!

Carolynne and Jenny

June 16 - Weekly Volunteer Email