By Alexander Campbell

Committee Statement:

  The Turtle Conservation Committee of the Essex County Field Naturalists Club is committed to protecting and conserving turtles, their nests and habitats in Essex County. While partnering with the local conservation authority and other environmental groups, the goals are to identify overwintering sites, nesting sites, critical habitats and threats to the established populations, and to extend our knowledge of the abundance and distribution of native turtles in Essex County. The major key components of this project will be visual encounter surveys, nest monitoring and protection, and road mortality surveys. 

Why a Turtle Conservation Committee?

Not only in Essex County, but in all of North America, turtles are the most endangered vertebrates. Essex County is home to seven of the eight turtle species found in Ontario, all of which are designated as Endangered, Threatened or Special Concern Federally. However, only six of the seven turtles found in Essex County are designated as Endangered, Threatened or Special Concern Provincially. Urban development in Essex County has accounted for the loss of thousands of turtles, decreasing their population and contributing to the mass mortality of turtles. The protection of turtle nests increases the chances of successful hatching to almost 100%, hyper-abundant species such as foxes, raccoons and skunks are accountable for the destruction and predation of millions of turtle nests in Ontario. While actively surveying populations and protecting turtle nests, the committee will contribute to the increase in turtle populations in Essex County. 

Want to learn more about the Turtle Conservation Committee? 

Join us on March 26th, 2025 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Ojibway Nature Centre, located at 5200 Matchett Road Windsor, Ontario N9C 4E8 for an introduction to the committee. Learn about past, current and future projects undertaken by the Turtle Conservation Committee. This pop-up event will include a presentation about the committee, turtle identification, threats and more!

For further details or to get involved email: 

Alexander Campbell, 
Turtle Conservation Committee – Chair / Lead Project Biologist