Walpole, NH (September 9th, 2025) – The Cheshire County Conservation District (CCCD) is pleased to announce the next workshop in 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.

Turtles Alive!: A Shell-abration

When: Sept 25th, 2025, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Where: Keene Public Library Heberton Hall

60 Winter St, Keene, NH 03431

Join a Squam Lakes Natural Science Center naturalist to meet some of Squam’s turtle ambassadors up close and personal! Learn about the natural history of turtles in New Hampshire, and what you can do to help. This program is family-friendly.

Educational workshops will be offered through 2026!

This project was made possible by the NH State Conservation Committee Conservation Moose Plate Grant Program.

For further information, please contact Community Engagement and Communications Coordinator, Nina Halsted: (802) 400-3660 or email nina@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.

###