Turtle advocates will go slow and steady in an effort to help the creatures with the second annual Turtle Walk series June 1, 8 and 15.
People across the region will walk to raise awareness and funding for turtle protection.
The first walk takes place in Gananoque June 1, while Haliburton’s walk takes place June 8. Organizer Leora Berman said the event is a way to educate people about the plight of the shelled animals.
“The walk is for families and kids and anyone who loves turtles,” she said. “To show people on the roads that we care about turtles and watch out for turtles.”
Berman said turtle populations are struggling due to vehicle traffic and their inability to reproduce at a high rate.
This is a problem given how important turtles are to lake ecosystems, she added.
“Turtles can clean our water. They clean lakes and wetlands,” Berman said. “Turtles in our lakes means we have healthier lakes. Without them there, we are going to suffer.”
This year’s event is adding more activities for kids, Berman said, with face-painting, crafts and prizes. Live turtles will also be on hand to teach people.
The theme this year is the tartan turtle. Walks will also take place in Bancroft, Peterborough and Foxboro June 8. Fenelon Falls, Bracebridge and Lindsay are hosting walks June 15.
Funds raised will go towards the 10 charities participating in the walk to help the cause through research and facilities for injured turtles.
Haliburton is right in the middle of a region filled with them Berman said.
“If there’s hope to save turtles, it’s in Haliburton. The walk takes place during peak nesting season,” Berman said. “This is their most vulnerable time and this is why we have the walks now.”
Haliburton’s turtle walk will begin at 10 a.m. from the Haliburton Highlands Secondary School grounds.
