Good evening everyone,
We hope you all are staying warm and cozy on this chilly evening. Finally, the temperatures have shifted closer to the average for this time of year. We hope all turtles have entered brumation. If you spot any turtles during these chilly temperatures, please immediately call the Hotline.
NESTS:
Since temperatures are dropping, we no longer need to check nests after tomorrow, with the exception of tomorrow due to warmer temperatures. If temperatures rise above 10 degrees (or feel like 10 degrees or warmer) on any day, please check the nests once or twice in the afternoon, depending upon the temperature.
Moving forward, we ask that all nest protectors in all parks fully block their exit holes. This can be done with sticks and stones. That way no small animals will become trapped under the protector. We don't want any animals trapped while nests aren't checked daily
You are still more than welcome to do checks, but they aren't necessary
END OF YEAR SHELLABRATION:
November 15th from 1pm to 4pm
High Park Nature Centre/Forest School 375 Colborne Lodge (near Bloor St)
Lunch will be served between 1pm and 2pm
We are expecting 101 people: 66 volunteers and 37 guests for lunch. These numbers have been sent to the caterer. Therefore, rsvp is closed for lunch.
People are most welcome to join the Shellabration without attending the meal
We know many of you aren't available due to other commitments. We will keep in mind those who aren't available as we appreciate you all!
We hope to have a slideshow featuring your best photos. Adore offered to help collect these photos and also sent this link in the Signal chats: CLICK HERE
NEXT STEPS OF TP:
Now that our work is wrapping up for the year, we will send monthly emails on the first Monday or Tuesday of the month to provide updates.
Jenny and I will still lead wetland walks until the end of 2026. Please see them advertised on social media. We hope to see some of you there!
We plan to make changes to volunteering next year. We know making a weekly commitment from April to November is challenging. Therefore we will shorten volunteer commitments to two or three months with the option of extending that time period. Volunteers could volunteer only for hatchling season in April and May, nesting season in June and July or fall hatchling season from August to October/early November.
In the new year volunteer email, you will receive a form to complete if you wish to volunteer in 2027. We hope you will continue to volunteer. But we also understand if that isn't possible.
Jenny and I are still learning how to manage the responsibilities of a growing Turtle Protectors community. We hope to expand into Tommy Thompson Park and the Toronto Islands. But this does come with more responsibilities. So stay tuned.
MENTORS & SCALES PERMIT HOLDERS (those who excavated nests with permits) MEETING:
We hope to meet with you all to reflect on the past season.
Please complete the brief form so we may arrange a date before the end of 2026
GRATITUDE:
Words cannot fully express our gratitude for all of you. We have had the honour of witnessing this community grow across the city over the past five seasons. Each of you brings a gift to this work: your care, generosity, commitment, respect, openness to learn, share, and support one another. Chi miigwetch, we see you and appreciate you!
We hope you all have a lovely weekend ahead! We look forward to seeing those who are joining on Sunday and meeting some of your loved ones.
Carolynne and Jenn
