👋 Meet Nicole from The SD&G Turtles
This week’s featured neighbor is Nicole, the passionate force behind SDG Turtles—a grassroots group working to protect our local turtle population one shell at a time.
"Ontario has lost over 70% of it's wetlands, and as a result, all 8 turtles species in Ontario are currently at risk; listed as endangered, threatened or a special concern."
1. What inspired you to start SDG Turtles - and why turtles specifically?
"My name is Nicole Truesdell and I was inspired to start Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry (SDG) Turtles in 2024 after seeing so many turtles hit on the road in the Cornwall area. I then learned there was a gap for resources in our area, so I wanted to help fill that gap.

Turtles need our help. Ontario has lost over 70% of it's wetlands, and as a result, all 8 turtles species in Ontario are currently at risk; listed as endangered, threatened or a special concern."
2. Can you tell us a bit more about the “Turtle Taxi”? Any memorable turtle passengers or adventures you'd like to share?
"Just highlight the words you want to design and choose from the various options in the text editing barTurtle Taxi is a volunteer program that the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre (OTCC) created in 2009. It is designed to transport injured turtles across the province to get the medical care they need. It is also used to help transport rehabilitated turtles back into their natural habitats.
The Turtle Taxi program directly supports the work that I do at SDG Turtles. For example, an injured turtle could be transported for medical care, via the Turtle Taxi from SDG to another location across the province. Then later be returned and released in SDG, once rehabilitated.
A memorable moment for me, happened while I was driving to release some baby Blanding's Turtles last summer in Leeds & Grenville. From the back seat I could hear my daughter talking to the turtles. "Sir, get off of your brother's head! That's not very nice!" They were so eager to get back to their natural wetlands."
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3. What should someone do if they spot a turtle in distress or crossing a road in SD&G?
"Crossing a road (that is not 400 series highway): If you spot a turtle actively trying to cross the road, turn on your 4-way lights to alert drivers behind you to slow down. Begin slowing down and pull over to the shoulder and when it is safe to do so, help the turtle to the other side of the road, always in the same direction they are travelling.
400 series highway: If you spot a turtle actively trying to cross a busy four lane highway, such as the 401, the recommendation by the OPP is to pull over only when it is safe to do so, engage emergency 4 way flashers, remain in your vehicle, call the OPP non emergency line at 1-888-310-1122, make note of your location to provide to the operator, do not exit your vehicle – wait for the responding officer to arrive.
Injuries: If you are currently with an injured turtle roadside, please contact Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre (OTCC) at 705-741-5000. They will provide you with information on how to keep the turtle safe until they are able to send a Turtle Taxi to your location. It is important that you take the location of where this turtle was found (cross roads, nearest water body, house address, etc) otherwise the turtle cannot be rehabilitated and must be euthanized (required by law).
Nesting: If you see a turtle nesting, stay back AT LEAST 10M (32 feet) to observe. A nesting turtle can easily become startled and she may give up on laying her eggs. This could result in her retaining her eggs (which could result in death) or laying her eggs in the water (where they will not survive). You can report nesting turtles to Turtle Guardians (Call or Text) 705-854-2888 or the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre (Call only) 705-741-5000. They will be able to answer your questions and help with any immediate concerns.
If a turtle is nesting on private property, SDG Turtles can provide a nest protector at cost. The price (for materials) is $20 to the property owner. Please contact Nicole (Text or Call) at 343-585-5269 for more information."
4. Have you had a favourite moment or memorable experience since starting SDG Turtles?
"My favorite experience happened when I released an adult snapping turtle, rehabilitated at Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre, back into the SDG area. Sometimes, when releasing turtles, it takes a minute for them to familiarize themselves with their surroundings before taking off. When releasing this snapper, it felt like I put him into the exact body of water that he was meant to go in. He immediately swam away so calmly. It's like he knew where he was and where to go. That was an amazing feeling!"
5. What’s one surprising thing most people don’t know about turtles in our area?
"A female snapping turtle that lays an average of 34 eggs per year would need to survive 58 to 60 years to replace herself in the population, with another adult snapping turtle."
6. How can people in the community best support SDG Turtles and local turtle populations this season?
"--> Volunteer with SDG Turtles which includes, but is not limited to, wetland watching, nest sitting, crossing guard, road research, helping release turtles, creating and managing social media content, etc.
--> Sign up to be a Turtle Taxi through Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre. You only choose the rides that are convenient for you!
--> Those that may not have time to volunteer can help greatly by sharing our social media content and sharing this important information with family and friends who may be interested in learning more about resources for turtles in the SDG area."
7. Any general advice to share with our community?
"Wild turtles belong in their natural habitats. They should not be taken home to be kept as pets. It is illegal in Ontario and it damages the wild turtle populations. Habitat loss and road mortalities remain the largest overall threat to Ontario's turtles, however, it is thought that poaching for the pet trade has been devastating to some species, such as Spotted turtles, Wood turtles and Blanding's turtles."