05/23/2026
Happy World Turtle Day! 🐢
Today we’re shining a spotlight on one of the most familiar freshwater turtles you might spot around the refuge—the red‑eared slider.
These turtles play an important role in keeping wetlands healthy. As both plant‑eaters and scavengers, they help cycle nutrients, clean up leftover organic material, and support the balance of aquatic ecosystems. Their presence tells us that the ponds, marshes, and slow‑moving waterways they rely on are functioning as they should.
Red‑eared sliders get their name from the bright red mark behind each eye, and you can often see them basking together on logs, warming up before slipping back beneath the surface.
If you’re visiting the refuge, keep an eye on sunny logs and quiet ponds—you just might spot a red‑eared slider enjoying the wetlands they help keep healthy!
📸: Red-eared slider by USFWS.