The ninth annual turtle hatchling release event at Morrison Dam Conservation Area in Huron County is expected to draw a crowd. The popular event is planned for Thursday, August 29, 2024 at Morrison Dam Conservation Area east of Exeter.
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Healthy Watersheds Technician Hope Brock said they have about 100 baby turtles to release, most of them snapping turtles.
"We have collected turtle nests that were at risk of being destroyed around the Morrison Dam Conservation Area," Brock explained. "Our partners, the Huron Stewardship Council, they took them and incubated them, and now those hatchlings are going to be hatched out, at the end of August, and released back into the Ausable River."
Brock revealed that all eight Ontario turtle species are at risk.
"Their main threats are habitat loss and road mortality. So by kind of saving these eggs, we are, helping these turtles kind of get a head start," she continued. "They may have been predated, these nests, if they're just left like that, or maybe they may hatch out, and then they have to get back to the water. And it actually can be a big trek for these turtles to get back to the water. So this just provides a little boost for these hatchlings."
Brock pointed out that turtles are a a vital link in the aquatic habitat.
"Turtles are really important in aquatic habitats, in our wetlands. So we want to preserve them and protect their habitat," she said. "Snapping Turtles are a great scavenger, and they clean up our aquatic environment. So you can imagine what, you know, our waterways might look like if we didn't have that. So, yeah, they're very important."
Admission is free and people are welcome to drop in at any time during the event. Donations are encouraged and proceeds support turtle conservation in Ontario.
"We have maybe just over 100 stopping turtle hatchlings to release," she said. "So a few will be released, I think every 20 minutes or so. The event runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., so there's lots of opportunity to come at any time and see the hatchlings released."
The event includes live reptiles on display, family-friendly activities, educational displays, and more. There is merchandise for sale as well.
People can also reserve their spot at the event, by visiting the Eventbrite link (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/annual-turtle-hatchling-release-in-exeter-tickets-949218878217).
The turtle release event has taken place since 2016, but it was held as a virtual event in 2020 and 2021.