Sept 28, 2026 - Volunteer Email

Written By Kitty Rodé

Aaniin Boozhoo!

We hope all is well with you and your loved ones. We know some of you are frequently in parks possibly due to a lack of volunteers. Please feel free to take a break and notify Jenny and I directly so we can figure out how to support you. Miigwetch!

SCHEDULE:

  • Please continue to sign up for shifts

  • Beginning this week, the three hour weekly commitment will now be two hours

  • The times on the schedule will change starting tomorrow. If you have already added your name to the schedule, please check it once the times have changed and adjust accordingly

  • When you add your name to the schedule please add the start time; for example:  Carolynne 6pm. This will help us track the time between nest checks especially if exit holes are blocked

  • The new timeslots will be: 9am to 11am, 1pm to 3pm, and 5pm to 7pm

  • Nests can be checked every four hours at this time of year.  I will monitor the schedule to see if any gaps come up.

  • We are trying to minimize the load on volunteers, especially for parks with fewer active volunteers.  We don't want people to burn out.  We greatly appreciate all that you do!!!

HATCHLINGS:

  • Hatchlings emerged today after some light overnight rain in certain areas.

  • Temperatures will increase on Thursday and feel like 30 degrees.  If any nests are fully blocked, please ensure they are checked twice between noon and 6pm.  We don't want hatchlings trapped under protectors in extreme heat.

  • If hatchlings begin to emerge from a nest, please block all exit holes if there is a risk of them being killed on roads.

  • Inform the Hotline that all exits have been fully blocked

  • Since temperatures have shifted, nests can now be fully blocked if checked three times a week.  But if temperatures rise, please see the first message above.

  • Over the next three days, please check these nests three times daily

HOTLINE & MENTORS:

  • Adore, whenever a nest is newly blocked, could you please inform Jenny and I via text and send a message to the Signal Mentors chat.  This will enable us to monitor the schedule to ensure the nest(s) are being checked.  

  • Mentors, if you notice a gap in the schedule, please text both Jenny and I. I will do my best to also monitor the schedule

PERMIT:

  • Everyone who completed the form whether on time or late, has been added to the permit for 2026.  We will have the permit on our portal within the next few days.  

  • If a conservation officer ever approaches you, you must show your identification and the permit online.

  • The permit is only valid for 2026

  • Please continue to wear either your volunteer shirt or borrow a vest during all shifts

TRUTH & RECONCILIATION DAY:

  • I invite you to commit to recognizing and honouring this day in some way.  It could be by attending one of the many events across the city

  • City of Toronto website lists events and ways to honour the day:   CLICK HERE

  • Eventbrite lists multiple events:  CLICK HERE

  • BlogTO list of events:  CLICK HERE

EVENTS:

September 30th 6pm to 7pm:  

  • Truth & Reconciliation Day Wetland Walk with drummer/singer Nicole Joy Fraser and Carolynne 

  • Meet in front of Grenadier Cafe (High Park)

  • This will not be our usual wetland walk.  We will not be talking about turtles.  This walk is focused upon survivors.  Songs and prayers will be offered for the Ancestors, survivors, the waters, and Mother Earth

October 3rd 10am to 2pm:  

  • We have an opportunity to paddle down the Don River thanks Don't Mess with the Don. LEARN MORE ABOUT THEM

  • Life jackets and sit-on-top kayaks are provided.  Volunteers must sign a waiver with us to attend this event.  

  • This is only for volunteers, not guests.  We have limited spaces.  Therefore, if interest is high, we will hold a draw to determine attendance.  Mentors have been invited to attend due to the extra commitment they have and continue to make for TP

  • To add your name to the draw:  CLICK HERE

  • People will be notified by Wednesday evening

Chi-miigwetch everyone for all of your support!  It really warms my heart when I see so much care and enthusiasm for turtles and all our animal kin.  Hatchlings can bring so much joy.  But we know there is also grief.  The next email will have the date for the last Celebration of Life ceremony scheduled in late October.

May you all have a lovely week ahead!

Carolynne and Jenny

Kitty Rodé https://www.kittyrode.com
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Sept 21, 2026 - Volunteer Email