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Walpole, NH (April 7, 2025) – The Cheshire County Conservation District (CCCD) is pleased to announce the development of a regional turtle conservation initiative. Partners collaborating on the effort are the NH Association of Conservation Commissions (NHACC), the Harris Center for Conservation Education, the New Hampshire Fish & Game Department, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the NH Department of Environmental Services, and Moosewood Ecological.
Of the 356 species of turtles worldwide, approximately 61% are threatened or already extinct. The Southwestern Region of New Hampshire, specifically Cheshire County, is habitat to a wide range of turtle species, from stable populations to turtle populations at-risk, at-risk species include: Spotted, Blanding, and Wood turtles.
Local turtle populations are at risk in our region due to loss of habitat from development, mortalities from road crossings, and climate related impacts on wetland habitats, nesting sites, and migratory corridors.
This exciting initiative seeks to support research identified strategies for supporting turtle populations and by increasing turtle literacy throughout our region and beyond.
The conservation initiative will focus on four parts:
- Offer a series of free educational workshops open to the public with the goal of raising awareness of the threats of local turtle populations and what municipalities, conservation partners, and community members can do to support conservation efforts.
- The initiative will also conduct a regional wetland-road crossing assessment through the consulting services of Moosewood Ecological.
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Complete a road mortality monitoring assessment in Cheshire County. Data collected through the assessments will be utilized to inform statewide and regional turtle conservation planning efforts, as well as supporting data collection and research efforts through the NH Fish & Game Department's Reptile and Amphibian Reporting Program (RAARP).
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Facilitate increase data reporting by Cheshire County residents through promotion of Reptile and Amphibian Reporting Program (RAARP), coordinated by the NH Fish and Game (NHF&G) Nongame & Endangered Wildlife Program.
Educational workshops will be offered through 2026 and workshops kick-off this spring!
Turtles of New Hampshire & How You Can Help
When: Apr 29, 2025, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Where: Online, Zoom
Join NH Fish and Game wildlife biologist Josh Megyesy for an introduction to turtle conservation in the Granite State. We’ll explore the ecology of at-risk species, habitat use, threats, and conservation actions developed through long-term population monitoring. Josh will also discuss how to identify turtle habitat, the impact of road mortality on turtles, strategies to reduce roadkill, land protection efforts, and what landowners can do to help. Register here!
Turtle Transport Volunteer Training
When: May 13, 2025, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Where: Online, Zoom
From spring through fall, turtles must leave the safety of the water to search for mates, nest sites, and seasonal habitat; while on land, they face many dangers, including cars, pets, and mowers. Thankfully, turtles are also resilient and can recover from injuries with proper care. NH Turtle Rescue, whose mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, release, and preserve New Hampshire’s wild turtles — relies on a team of volunteer “turtle transporters” to get ill and injured turtles into their care as quickly as possible, and more helpers are always needed. This volunteer training will cover everything you need to know to join the turtle transport team, including how to safely handle wild turtles, what to keep in your turtle rescue kit, and how it all works. Don’t miss this chance to become a turtle hero! Register here!
More information on upcoming events can be viewed here!
This project was made possible by the NH State Conservation Committee Conservation Moose Plate Grant Program.
For further information please contact Community Engagement Director Benee Hershon: (802) 518-0993 or email benee@cheshireconservation.org
About Cheshire County Conservation District
The Cheshire County Conservation District promotes the conservation and responsible use of our natural and agricultural resources for the people of Cheshire County by providing technical, financial, and educational assistance. Our goal is to encourage the stewardship of healthy soils, productive ecologically sound farms, diverse wildlife, productive sustainable forests, healthy watersheds, and clean water to ensure those resources are available for future generations. Established in 1945, the Conservation District operates out of Walpole, NH where we work alongside the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and other conservation partners For more information contact info@cheshireconservation.org or 603-904-3011.
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