Be Inspired by the Behaviours of Local Turtles
As summer plans start to fill our calendars, it’s easy to get swept up in the rush. We can take a cue from our turtle friends who are masters of moving through life at their own pace. Turtles remind us to slow down, stay present, and enjoy the journey instead of racing to the finish.
Discover turtle species found in the Credit River Watershed and the meaningful life lessons we can learn from their behaviours.
Blanding’s Turtle
The strikingly attractive Blanding’s turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) is a medium-sized turtle, with a shell length of approximately seven to nine inches and a maximum length of 10 inches. They’re easily identified by a bright yellow throat and chin, with a dome-like shell resembling an army helmet, unlike the flatter shells of other turtles.
Blanding’s turtles live in shallow lakes, ponds and wetlands with clean water and mucky bottoms. They prefer more moderate temperatures, while many other turtles like it hotter.
With an inclination for wandering, these turtles travel the farthest of any Ontario turtle species, sometimes journeying several kilometers between summer and overwintering habitats and nesting grounds.
Life Lessons Inspired by Blanding’s Turtle Behaviours
Although staying in one place may be comforting and familiar, it can limit our potential for growth and adventure. Let wanderlust guide you and make those plans to explore nature at local parks and trails.
Midland Painted Turtle
The Midland painted turtle (Chrysemys picta marginata) calls the Credit River Watershed home. This turtle has a yellow-dark tan lower shell, or plastron, with a darker, irregular butterfly-like marking along the middle.
All painted turtles have an olive to black upper shell with red or dark orange markings on the enlarged scales, called marginal scutes that make them recognizable.
They too live in ponds, marshes, lakes and slow-moving creeks, that have a soft bottom and provide abundant basking sites and aquatic vegetation.
These turtles are opportunistic feeders, eating algae, invertebrates, fish, frogs, carrion and plants. Midland painted turtles, like other turtles are often basking on shorelines or on logs and rocks that protrude from the water. Rest and basking in the sun regularly is essential for these cold-blooded friends to regulate their body temperature and stay healthy .
Life Lessons Inspired by Midland Painted Turtle Behaviours
The Midland painted turtle reminds us that rest isn’t a reward; it’s a necessity. Take the time to soak up the sun, try a new hobby or recharge in the ways that make you feel your best.
Northern Map Turtle
The Northern map turtle’s (Graptemys geographica) name comes from the map-like lines on its upper shell, or carapace. These lines are often shades of yellow, light brown or orange. They also fashion a yellow spot behind the eyes, and both the head and legs have an intricate pattern of bright yellow lines.
Northern map turtles prefer living in rivers and lakeshores with slow-moving water and a soft bottom, where they can bask on emergent rocks and fallen trees throughout the spring and summer. When it comes to diet, males and females of this species have different tastes and quality standards. They live within high-quality bodies of water that support the female’s diet of mollusc prey, including clams, snails and crayfish. Males and juveniles, however, eat mainly insects and crayfish.
Life Lessons Inspired by Northern Map Turtle’s Behaviours
These turtles choose high-quality bodies of water for their habitats, which helps to support their health. This teaches us to prioritize improving our local surroundings because it can positively impact our quality of life. Take action in your community to improve and restore the environment so we can enjoy nature and thrive.
Helping our Turtle Friends
Turtles are part of the rich biodiversity in the watershed. We work to enhance and restore habitats that support turtles and other wildlife. You can get involved:
- Restore habitat on your land: We help landowners improve the health and beauty of wetlands, streams and ponds on your property.
- Join us at a community stewardship event: Take on-the-ground action to improve habitat for wildlife by planting trees, removing invasive plants and more.
By Sarah Lebret, Associate, Marketing and Communications.