The turtles in Belleville need some help!
The Moira River runs through the heart of Belleville’s business district and connects with the Bay of Quinte. This contributes to concentrated turtle activity in some areas along this path.
Years ago, the turtles would have had plenty of suitable nesting grounds available to them. As a result of land development since then this has significantly reduced the number of suitable nesting grounds available to the turtles. This is concerning as habitat loss and fragmentation is extremely prevalent in this area.
Despite these challenges, every year turtles exit the Moira River to nest where their ancestors did. They are faced with less then ideal nesting sites because that is all that is available. This includes narrow strips of soil around the perimeter of parking lots and such.
If you live, work or routinely travel through Belleville and are able to volunteer some time over the coming weeks through to mid-July to help the turtles in this area this would be time well spent. The amount of time you spend helping is up to you.
There are concerned citizens that have been instrumental is helping the turtles in this area for a number of years but as is the case with the pandemic their circumstances have changed. Additional help is very much needed over the coming weeks as it is now turtle nesting season.
To look after Belleville’s turtle population it is important to work together. These efforts are important to protect and conserve the turtle species native to Ontario that are located in Belleville.
If you are interested in helping please call Think Turtle Conservation Initiative at 647-606-9537. If you are not able to volunteer time but you know someone in the Belleville area that may be able to help it would be greatly appreciated if you shared this information with them.