For this release we were able to release 18 turtles into the landscape with the assistance of multiple generations of the local First Nations. These turtles have been raised in our facility for a year and a half and have been acclimated over the past few weeks to the external temperatures and daylight cycles. On the banks of rivers and streams, volunteers carefully place the hatchlings onto the soft, damp soil. With a gentle nudge, the small turtles scurry into the water, on a journey fraught with challenges yet brimming with possibilities. As they paddle their way into the water, a ripple of hope emanates from their wake, with only the occasional look behind them to see if we are joining them, or perhaps coming back with snacks.

For those of us involved in freshwater turtle release programs, the work extends far beyond a single moment of release. It is a commitment to safeguarding the future of these remarkable creatures and the ecosystems they call home. Through habitat restoration, public education, and ex-situ rearing, we strive to address the root causes of decline and create a more hospitable environment for turtles.

Turtle Release is a call to action. It’s a reminder that our relationship with the Earth is not one of dominion, but of stewardship. It challenges us to confront the environmental challenges we face and to forge a path towards sustainability and harmony.

Below, volunteers preparing to release turtle hatchlings reared in our facility. Photo: Josh Banta