On a warm spring evening at the lake, a beaver paddles by and the gurgling call of a loon rings out. As the sun begins to set, something magical occurs a mother turtle is laying her eggs.
The Sunshine Coast is blessed to be home to some of the few remaining populations of federally designated endangered Pacific Coast western painted turtles. Every year from late May to early July, these colourful turtles leave their lakes to build nests on land.
Observing a nesting turtle is not only an unforgettable experience, it is also essential to understanding and conserving this imperilled species.
Local biologists from the Sunshine Coast Wildlife Project are working hard to locate and understand nesting habitat use, but they can only be in one place at a time. So they are asking for the community's help to locate turtle nests.
Sightings from community members are so valuable, said project leader Michelle Evelyn. They help us understand nesting requirements and conserve this precious endangered species. For community members lucky enough to witness nesting turtles, it can be an amazing experience.
Residents can contact the Wildlife Project at 604-989-1007, email [email protected], or report their turtle sightings on-line at www.coastwildlife.ca. Community members are asked to note the date, time and precise location of the nest and, if possible, take photos that show the nesting spot. Once the turtle has finished nesting and returned to the water, mark the nest spot by placing a rock or peg a foot away from the nest.
The Wildlife Project gratefully acknowledges funding support from the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, Gencon Foundation, Canadian Wildlife Federation, Cottage Life magazine and Public Conservation Assistance Fund.
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