WILDLIFE PRESERVATION CANADA’S WESTERN PAINTED TURTLE RECOVERY PROGRAM RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS SILVER SALAMANDER AWARD
Guelph, ON – Wildlife Preservation Canada (WPC) is proud to announce that our Western Painted Turtle Recovery Program, which is a part of the Coastal Painted Turtle Project, has been honored with the Canadian Herpetological Society’s prestigious Silver Salamander Award. The award was presented last week at the Society’s annual conference, recognizing the project’s significant contributions to the recovery of the western painted turtle population in British Columbia.
Andrea Gielens, Lead Biologist for WPC’s B.C. Recovery Programs, accepted the award on behalf of the entire Coastal Painted Turtle team. This includes the Metro Vancouver Regional Parks, the Greater Vancouver Zoo, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, and the Leq’á:mel, Kwantlen, Skowkale, Aitchelitz and Yakweakwioose First Nations.
The Silver Salamander Award is presented annually to an individual or organization for notable achievements in the conservation of amphibians and reptiles in Canada. This award highlights the impactful work of local individuals dedicated to preserving Canada’s biodiversity. Nominations come from the Local Organizing Committee and the Board of Directors, ensuring that the award represents the highest standards of conservation excellence.
About WPC’s Western Painted Turtle Recovery Program
Since 2012, the program has been a key initiative of WPC’s efforts to recover and protect western painted turtles in the wetlands of British Columbia. Western painted turtles, especially in their vulnerable hatchling stage, face significant challenges from natural predators and human activity. The team works to improve survival rates by protecting nests, incubating collected eggs, and head-starting hatchlings before releasing them into the wild.
These efforts, conducted in partnership with local communities, regional parks, and First Nations groups, have been instrumental in restoring hope for the survival of the western painted turtle in B.C. Through hands-on conservation strategies, the project continues to play a crucial role in reversing the declining population of this iconic species.
Learn More & Support Conservation Efforts
To learn more about Wildlife Preservation Canada’s Fraser Valley Wetlands Program and the western painted turtle, please visit our program page and species page. Donations to support ongoing conservation work are always appreciated and help us continue protecting Canada’s endangered wildlife.
For further inquires, please contact Alex Bowman, WPC Communications Coordinator at alex.bowman@wildlifepreservation.ca
