Magnetawan First Nation has opened a new Turtle Incubation Station to ensure nest survival. June is the official nesting season for turtles. Species-at-risk biologist and program coordinator at Magnetawan First Nation, Cory Kozmik says the incubation station was opened in partnership with the Toronto Zoo’s Headstarting and Reintroduction program, but also to ensure the survival of nests found on active construction sites from the Henvey Wind project.
Kozmik says Blanding’s Turtle eggs will be sent to Toronto.
Kozmik says every turtle species in Ontario are now at risk. She says due to the decline of turtle population and the increase in predator populations, a turtle’s chance of being able to survive to reproduce is 1%. Kozmik says it’s important to preserve turtles for ecological reasons and for future generations.
Magnetawan has partnered with The Toronto Zoo, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, and The Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve for this project.