Turtles
Why should we care?
Freshwater turtles play an important role in our watershed ecosystem. They help to control aquatic vegetation, work as scavengers and help to maintain rivers and creeks keeping them in a healthy condition. The southwestern pond turtles is California’s only native freshwater turtle. Their numbers have been declining due to overdevelopment, limited water availability, and competition from invasive species. These turtles are listed as a species of special concern in the state of California and need to be protected!
Current Projects
Middle Stewart Canyon Restoration Project
We are getting the community involved in native shrub/tree plantings, invasive grass removal, and watering events. Keep your eyes open for an outdoor Saturday restoration event on our calendar. Click here for upcoming Outdoor Saturday Events.
How to Get Involved
Join GVP Youth Council
This is an opportunity for the teens in our community to pick a restoration project of their chosing, help build a restoration plan, and implement that plan. If you care about turtles join our youth council and vote for a watershed restoration project to help build habitat for the fishes and turtles in your community. Apply here!
Get involved in our next community watering event at middle steward canyon. These events help to restore Middle Stewart Creek to be a habitat for turtles to thrive!
Upcoming events:
May 22
June 19
July 17
August 21