Taking time to care for turtles ...

Ric Zarwell of Lansing, chair of the Friends of Pool 9 “Turtle Conservation Project” committee, reports that compassion abounds in the community of New Albin for mother turtles and their offspring. He notes that a number of residents of New Albin have been busy placing screens over an abundance of recent turtle nests where eggs have been laid. The screens prevent raccoons, opossums, skunks, dogs and cats, etc. from destroying the eggs. This also allows new turtle hatchlings to be collected and returned to their preferred habitats.

In another recent demonstration of caring for turtles in the New Albin community, Wednesday, June 10, children at Grotegut’s Daycare in New Albin made sure that compassion and care for local turtles took a major leap forward.

Upon finding a severely injured Painted Turtle, the children took it upon themselves to rescue the turtle and provide it as much comfort as possible in a box.

The children’s day care provider, Alexie Grotegut, quickly contacted Ric Zarwell, chair of the Friends of Pool 9 “Turtle Conservation Project” committee. The adjacent photo shows the proud children delivering the injured turtle they named “Crackster” (due to its cracked shell), to Zarwell. The turtle was then transported to a distant wildlife rehabilitation specialist, with everyone hoping for the best possible outcome.

“A valuable lesson took place for all the children involved in this scenario,” Zarwell shared. “One that will hopefully spread to other children, and to adults who encounter injured wildlife.” Submitted photo.