Introducing the Adopt a Turtle Campaign
Join Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) in giving hundreds of hatchling turtles a healthy start and shape the future of our wetlands. Through the Turtle Protection Program, we are working to give these at-risk species a fighting chance.
By symbolically adopting a turtle, your donation will directly support turtle egg incubation, population monitoring, and our annual Hatchling Turtle Release.
Funds are directed to wetland creation and enhancements projects, ensuring hatchlings return to resilient habitats.
Ontario’s eight species of turtles (all classified as at-risk) are considered umbrella species, meaning that protecting their wetland habitat also safeguards numerous other species.
Preserving turtle populations serves as a stepping stone to promoting broader health of land and water, supporting wetland integrity, water resources and biodiversity.
To support this work, we’re launching a four-month Adopt a Turtle fundraising campaign. Donations in each tier contribute meaningfully to conservation efforts and connect you directly to the hatchlings they support.
Hatchling Hero – $20
Support the foundation of the Turtle Protection Program. Your donation helps preserve turtle populations and strengthens wetland habitats, ensuring these species can thrive for generations.
You’ll receive:
- Digital certificate of donation
- Digital information package with practical ways to support local turtles
- Charitable gift receipt for income tax purposes
Adopt A Turtle - $50
Symbolically adopt a hatchling and follow its journey. Your contribution directly supports incubation, nest protection, and release of turtle hatchlings.
You’ll receive:
- Physical adoption certificate (symbolic)
- Commemorative Button
- Monthly email updates following the hatchlings
- A random selection of wetland conservation swag (set of 3 including stickers, temporary tattoos, and educational materials)
- Charitable gift receipt for income tax purposes
Conservation Insider – $250
Go behind-the-scenes with a turtle expert. This tier offers symbolic turtle adoption and a deeper connection to the program through an exclusive guided tour of the incubation space and Morrison Reservoir/Lake.
You’ll receive:
- A guided tour of the incubation room and the Morrison Dam trail for up to four participants
- Physical adoption certificate (symbolic)
- Commemorative Button
- Monthly email updates following the hatchlings
- A random selection of wetland conservation swag (set of three including stickers, temporary tattoos, and educational materials)
- Charitable gift receipt for income tax purposes
Tier System Outline
Tier #1 Title: Hatchling Hero – Support the Turtle Protection Program
Donation: $20
Description: Emphasizes support of general conservation and wetland enhancement; preserving turtle populations, ensuring their habitats are resilient
Donor Gift/Package: Charitable gift receipt for income tax purposes, digital certificate of donation, digital information to further support local turtle populations (an info PDF)
Tier #2 Title: Adopt A Turtle – Symbolically Adopt a Turtle and Follow a Hatchling’s Journey
Donation: $50
Description: Emphasizes the support of individual hatchlings, funds for incubators, nest protection, turtle release
Donor Gift/Package: Charitable gift receipt for income tax purposes, physical adoption certificate (symbolic), commemorative button, monthly hatchling updates via email, a selection of wetland conservation swag (stickers, temporary tattoos, pamphlets)
Tier #3 Title: Conservation Insider – Symbolically Adopt a Turtle and Receive a Behind-the-Scenes Tour
Donation: $200
Description: Emphasizes a behind the scenes guided tour of annex turtle lab and Morrison Dam trail with a turtle expert
Donor Gift/Package: Charitable gift receipt for income tax purposes, physical adoption certificate (symbolic), commemorative button, monthly hatchling updates via email, a selection of wetland conservation swag (stickers, temporary tattoos, pamphlets), tour of incubators and trail with a staff member for up to four participants
Add $25 to any donation to receive one of a limited set of turtle conservation T-shirts
- More information to come soon!
Disclosures
- All funds raised beyond direct costs will go to wetland creation and enhancement projects. This ensures hatchlings return to resilient habitats.