Celebrating 10 Years of Turtle Hatchling Releases at Morrison Dam Conservation Area
This summer marks the 10th anniversary of the Turtle Hatchling Release at Morrison Dam Conservation Area, just east of Exeter. Join the celebration on Thursday, August 28, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 71108 Morrison Line for an afternoon filled with education, excitement, and, of course, turtle hatchlings! The event will feature live reptiles on display, family-friendly activities, educational exhibits, and turtle-themed merchandise for sale. Attendees will get a chance to witness these hatchlings take their very first steps into the wild.
What to Expect
Hosted in partnership by the Huron Stewardship Council, the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority, and other local partners, this free, drop-in event is open to all ages. Registration via Eventbrite is encouraged to secure a timeslot for the release. You can find the link here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1353813064319?aff=oddtdtcreator. Donations are welcome, with all proceeds supporting turtle conservation efforts across Ontario.
The event plays an important role in raising awareness about Ontario’s 8 freshwater turtle species, all of which are currently at risk. Turtles play a critical role in healthy ecosystems:
- Snapping
turtles help keep wetlands clean by eating algae and decaying matter. - They cycle nutrients, control aquatic vegetation, and even spread seeds that support plant and animal life.
How the Event Works
Each summer, trained professionals who are working under permits collect turtle eggs from local nesting sites and incubate them to improve their chances of survival. Without this support, many eggs wouldn’t hatch successfully. The hatchlings are then released into their natural habitat at Morrison Dam Conservation Area, helping to support local populations and promote biodiversity.
How You Can Help
Here are a few simple ways to protect turtles:
- Slow down and watch for turtles on the road, especially in spring and summer.
- Help turtles cross safely, always in the direction they’re headed.
- Protect nests from predators if you spot one.
- Report sightings to local monitoring projects or contact the Huron Stewardship Council.
- Support or create a turtle habitat in your community.
Let’s work together to keep Ontario’s turtles safe and thriving!