About Us

Think Turtle Conservation Initiative (TTCI), founded in 2018, is an award-winning volunteer group engaged in provincial awareness initiatives and species recovery efforts in North Hastings and neighboring communities. Utilizing evidence-based information and data in support of its mission, TTCI works with community leaders, organizational representatives, and concerned citizens to drive change and build partnerships in pursuit of strategies to protect Ontario's turtles from the threat of extinction.   

The following are some types of work we engage in each year ...  

EDUCATION INITIATIVES

To raise awareness, we organize turtle talks, attend public events, distribute literature, and share information online and through community resources.  

Collecting sighting data to identify road mortality hot spots and locations and interim and permanent mitigation measures would most effectively reduce turtle mortality. 

We field a large volume of phone calls, texts, and online turtle-related inquiries annually from across Ontario, Canada, and even the USA to offer guidance and troubleshoot turtle, nest, and habitat concerns.  

Scheduled site visits and consultations to promote best practice stewardship and citizen science.  

As a supplier of 'Watch 4 Turtles' awareness signs and car magnets, we empower individuals like you to participate actively in turtle conservation efforts. These signs and magnets are not just visual cues but powerful tools in our collective efforts to protect Ontario's turtles.   

Working so much near roads and waterbodies, we meticulously clean up shorelines and terrestrial habitats.  

As part of educating property owners on the finer points of stewardship, we schedule site visits and consultation for habitat enhancement, such as alternative turtle nesting habitat or basking sites. 

Since 2018, we have organized the annual 'Crafting 4 Turtles' initiative, a powerful demonstration of community support. This initiative involves crafting and selling turtle-themed items, with the proceeds going to the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre (OTCC), home of Ontario's turtle hospital. The funds raised through this initiative have significantly contributed to the care and rehabilitation of injured turtles at the OTCC.  

We host and organize conservation-related contests, campaigns, and fundraisers with invaluable community support, recognizing the integral role our combined efforts have in saving turtles. Your support makes these events possible and successful.   

SPECIES RECOVERY EFFORTS 

Our boots-on-the-grounds efforts include patrolling turtle road crossing hot spots, and assisting turtles across roads.  

We are teaching people how to assist turtles across the road when it is safe to do so, with the aim of ensuring their safety and the turtles' safety. 

Patrolling nest sites particularly vulnerable to predation and installing turtle nest protectors with permission from regional partners and on property meeting permitted criteria.  

Supplier of turtle nest protectors.   

Hatchling releases.  

We help coordinate rides for injured turtles to get to Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre, the home of Ontario's turtle hospital.