Turtle Education Program Sponsored by Nature London

Thanks to the generous support of Nature London, our Community Education team has expanded the Turtle Education program that has reached over 3,000 people since August of 2025. This initiative highlights the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA)’s ongoing turtle conservation efforts through both school programs and community events.

The classroom component has engaged more than 77 students in grades four through eight. These hands-on lessons discuss local turtle species’ adaptations, local environmental threats, species at risk designations, and how community members and conservation authorities are actively protecting local endangered reptiles. Looking ahead, the program aims to expand its reach to even more schools and students across the watershed.

Additionally, Community Education staff participated in six major community events—including Earthfest, the Hope and Action Festival, the London Children’s Water Festival, and Western’s Science Rendezvous—while also delivering tailored presentations to seven local community groups throughout the year. The public events help participants learn about local species at risk and how to protect turtles in their neighbourhoods.

Thank you again to Nature London for sponsoring this incredible work and helping to spread the word about how individuals, communities, and organizations can help support local species at risk!