ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS

Our biggest single project to date was making deputations, finding funding, obtaining letters of permission and having 57 turtle crossing signs installed in critical locations along roads near wetlands in our area.

In 2007, The Trent-Severn Waterway (Parks Canada) funded a Species At Risk program. This was a partnership project with Couchiching Conservancy, Sciensational Sssnakes and Eco Medic, Ecosystem Restoration Services. Kids for Turtles conducted a public outreach program and participated in workshops pertaining to habitats within in the Washago Shoreline Restoration Project.  Parks Canada generously donated four life-like turtle replicas prepared by Hockley Studios, which later aided us with presentations.  In 2008, we will be receiving replicas of four more turtle species, thanks to the generosity of Georgian Bay Islands National Park (Parks Canada). 

In 2007, Kids For Turtles will be involved three of the Ministry of Natural Resources Species At Risk Stewardship Fund Projects-Huronia Turtle Hospital, Reptiles At Risk On The Road Outreach Program and the Toronto Zoo Ecopassages Awareness Program.

In 2007, our membership, in conjunction with Eco Medic Ecosystem Restoration Services and Twin Lakes Conservation Club, participated in planting 6,000 tree seedlings as part of a habitat restoration project.

During “Pitch-in week” 2007, we assisted the City of Orillia Trails For Life Committee with the clean up of man-made garbage in the environment.  We will be assisting with this project again, in 2008.

One of our main foci is the protection of native species of wildlife and education on invasive species.  In the past we have worked with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters in distributing information on invasive species and hope to work in a partnership with them during the Orillia Perch Festival in the spring of 2008. 

KIDS FOR TURTLES Environmental Education is also concerned about the health and protection of Lake Simcoe.  We plan to partner with other organizations to help restore the health of Lake Simcoe and work towards making improvements such as stream restoration projects and others to help promote the health of Lake Simcoe.