Turtles at Petrie Island

Photo: Turtles basking at Petrie Island.

Update: The water is high at Petrie Island, and the road in is not open all the way to the parking lot. Depending on how the water level changes between now and Saturday, we may have to convene the walk near the bridge. Drive in to where the barricade indicates the road beyond is closed, and park at the side of the road.

We will do the walk on Trim Road where the flooding is occuring and walk along the north Service Road with views of the flooded island and discuss the effects of flooding on the animal and plant life.

This year's walk on Petrie Island will focus on the turtles living here and the work being done to protect turtle habitat on the island and in the surrounding wetlands. We'll be viewing basking turtles and turtle nesting sites.

Learn more about the turtles and turtle habitat of Petrie Island at www.petrieisland.org/naturetour/turtles.htm, including a charming slideshow by Jim Robertson featuring the Petrie Island turtle population.

Location

Route

The tour route is along trails and beaches on Petrie Island. The route is over flat terrain, but there are some sandy parts. There may be some muddy areas and standing water, depending on the weather leading up to the Jane's Walk weekend. Hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes are recommended.

About the walk leader

Al is Chairman of the Friends of Petrie Island, who are dedicated to preserving this unique natural area and ensuring that the turtle population is protected from human activities at Petrie Island.

Guide:

Al Tweddle

When:

Date:	Sat May 4, 2013
Time:	3:00 PM
Duration:	1 hour
Language:	English

Where:

Start:	Petrie Island Nature center, north end of Trim Road, Orleans
End:	same
Area:	Orleans
Distance:	1.0 km

Accessibility:

The route includes unpaved trails and sandy beaches, which would be challenging for scooters and wheelchairs.

Participants are encouraged to wear boots suitable for soggy terrain, as some flooding is evident on the island. We will change the route to avoid the floodwater, but there may be some wet and muddy spots to cross.

Gallery

Volunteer to Marshal This Walk