05/25/2026
🐢 Happy World Turtle Day! 🐢
Did you know Lanark County Public Works staff play an important role in protecting turtles right here at home?
Through the County’s Turtle Reporting Program, Public Works staff track turtles spotted on County roads - from those crossing safely to injured turtles and nesting sites. This work helps:
• Protect nesting areas during road construction and maintenance
• Identify “hotspots” for future turtle fencing and protection measures
• Reduce road mortality—one of the biggest threats to turtles in Ontario
Since all 8 turtle species in Ontario are at-risk, every sighting matters. Some turtles take up to 20 years to mature and can live for 70 years, meaning saving even one turtle can help protect generations to come.
In 2025 alone, staff reported over 200 turtles on County roads, helping guide conservation efforts across Lanark County. This resulted in 66 nest protectors being deployed through OUR Turtles, and 3 injured turtles that were transported to veterinary care.
This unique program shows how small, everyday actions by County staff can make a big impact on local wildlife. 💚
👉 Keep an eye out for turtles on local roads this season, and remember: if it’s safe to do so, help them continue in the direction they’re travelling.
Follow Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre for more info on protecting turtles.