Spring 2026: Volunteering with Grey Sauble Turtle Conservation
This spring I began volunteering with the Grey Sauble Turtle conservation group in Grey County. My role is to locate nesting turtles, record observations for research, and install nest-protector screens over the eggs. These protections help reduce predation, prevent compaction from passing vehicles, and encourage hatchlings to head toward the ditch instead of the road — giving many a much better chance of survival.
What I’ve noticed so far
Nesting activity tends to peak on warm, wet evenings.
On stretches of road where new erosion-control technology has been installed, turtles struggle to dig through gravel and tar to reach sand — it’s heartbreaking to watch them try.
Predators clearly take advantage of nesting sites; it’s not just human eyes watching.
Properly placed 2 ft × 2 ft frames with a screen and spikes work well when positioned carefully, protecting eggs without blocking hatchling exit routes.
Female covering her nest
How you can help
Volunteer as a nest spotter and observer — more eyes mean more nests found and protected.
Help build nest-protector frames; there’s a consistent need for more of them.
Heading to the Beaver River after laying eggs on the sandy bank
For more information on volunteering opportunities and how to get or build frames, visit Grey Sauble Conservation’s website or contact their volunteer coordinator.
What a delight to be able to capture some Sea Turtle images that I missed on my snorkelling vacation – and not to require scuba gear at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. It seemed to be an easy task however the goal was to make it appear to be in the wild, it took some time and lot’s of waiting.
When I go birding, there are always times when to watch your step as wildlife comes in many forms and is often where it’s least expected. This one was at Tiny Marsh.
As I was literally running out of a refuge for birds called Circle Bar K in Florida …. I almost stepped on this guy … racing for my plane my la t shot was of a Black Racer … how ironic was that?
This female Snapper was carrying around about six inches of clay packed onto it’s back. I often wonder if I should have removed the clay, what a heavy burden to carry around. On the path near Devils Glen there were three females looking to lay eggs.
