Tiny turtles will be released into the wild near Exeter Thursday. The 11th annual turtle release event happens Thursday, Sept. 3 at the Morrison Dam Conservation Area, east of Exeter. Turtle hatchlings will be released into the Morrison Dam every 20 minutes, from 1:20 p.m. to 4 p.m. Hundreds turn out each year to witness the event, and learn more about turtles who aren’t yet endangered, but face many threats largely from humans. Staff collected the turtle eggs at the water’s edge earlier this summer. Many of them wouldn’t survive without saving the eggs, organizers said. The event is organized by the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority and the Huron Stewardship Council. Organizers say people can help turtles by creating and enhancing habitat on their properties, helping turtles cross the road in the direction they are heading, when it is safe to do so, and working with their local municipalities and communities to erect turtle crossing signs and build safe passages.
