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 head start.
By symbolically adopting a turtle, your donation will directly support turtle egg incubation, population monitoring, and our annual hatchling turtle release.
Funds go to wetland creation and enhancements projects, ensuring hatchlings return to resilient habitats.
Donate today! Use these anchor jump links to go straight to the donation level you are considering:
Donate $20 – Be a Hatchling Hero
Donate $50 – Adopt a Turtle
Donate $250 – Be a Conservation Insider
Why do the turtles need your help?
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.
To support this work, we’re launching our four-month Adopt a Turtle fundraising campaign.
Donor Recognition Levels and Rewards
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 three, 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 Conservation Area Section of the South Huron Trail for up to four participants
- A 3D printed turtle toy
- 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
How To Contribute
In person
Donations can be made at ABCA’s main office at 71108 Morrison Line, Exeter, ON N0M 1S5
A limited supply of donation gift packages is available for immediate pick-up.
Online
- Follow the PayPal link
- Ensure ‘Donate to support the Turtles Protection Program’ is selected.
- Enter $20, $50, or $250 according to your preferred tier.
- You will be contacted within three days; donation gift packages will be emailed or picked up in person at Morrison Dam Conservation Area.
Learn more:
- To learn more about Ontario’s eight species of turtles and how to support our local populations visit our turtles web page.
Questions?
- Email Ausable Bayfield Conservation with any questions regarding the Adopt a Turtle fundraising campaign.