Some local turtles could be hatching out of their shells just in time for Earth Day next week.
On Tuesday, April 22, the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP) is set to host its annual Turtle Day – a free event where families can watch newly hatched western painted turtles up close.
“The Western Painted Turtle is the only native freshwater turtle in BC, and it’s blue-listed, which means it’s vulnerable,” said Angus Glass, communications with the FWCP. “The event itself is to celebrate Western Painted Turtles, and of course, learn more about their life cycle as well.”
The FWCP launches Turtle Day with the Rocky Mountain Naturalists, a group that maintains the nesting area at Elizabeth Lake. The area is fenced off to help stop turtles from crossing the highway to lay their eggs.
“We’re committed to protecting this vulnerable species and sharing the message of the western painted turtle’s life cycle—from the egg, to hatching, growing, maturing, and reproducing,” said Stewart Wilson, chair of the Rocky Mountain Naturalists’ Elizabeth Lake Committee.
Visitors can head to Elizabeth Lake from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. on April 22. Organizers ask that you leave any dogs at home.
More information on Turtle Day and other FWCP projects is available through its website. The FWCP is a partnership between BC Hydro, the Province of British Columbia, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, First Nations, and public stakeholders to conserve and enhance fish and wildlife in watersheds affected by BC Hydro dams.
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