Protecting Turtles, Connecting Community
The Western Painted Turtle Fencing Project is an ongoing, community-powered conservation initiative led by Wildsight Creston Valley. This project is supported by funds from the Creston Valley Community Foundation. The project protects western painted turtles – the only native freshwater turtles in British Columbia – by reducing road mortality and supporting safe nesting habitat within the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area (CVWMA).
Road mortality is a major threat to turtles, especially females, as they leave their watery habitats to find suitable egg-laying sites. These sites often include gravel roadsides with south-facing slopes and minimal vegetation, meaning turtles must cross roads like West Creston Road, putting them at high risk.
To keep turtles safe, the project combines habitat creation with community conservation work:
Photo: Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area
Turtle Fencing done with volunteer work bees:
The fencing is seasonally installed – in spring it guides turtles away from the road and towards safer areas and is then removed in fall to prevent snowplow damage. Community volunteers restore and maintain fencing, clear vegetation, and rake nesting beds, keeping barriers effective and habitats clean.
Community Impact:
Community involvement is central to the project. Volunteers of all ages, including youth, families, students, and seniors, come together to help protect wildlife. Activities have included restoring fencing between key areas, clearing weeds, and preparing gravel beds for turtle nesting.
Volunteers report a strong sense of accomplishment, connection to nature, and enjoyment from working together. Family participation is encouraged, creating a welcoming, intergenerational environment. Wildsight Creston has successfully mobilized dozens of community members to make a tangible difference for turtles.
Turtle Conservation in the Creston Valley
Western painted turtles face multiple threats, including:
- Road and vehicle mortality
- Loss of wetlands due to development and agriculture
- Predation by skunks and other wildlife
- Invasive species and human disturbances
- By reducing road mortality and providing safe nesting areas, this project addresses a critical threat to the local turtle population.
- Maintenance of the fencing and nesting sites is essential, as snow, water, and vegetation can damage the barriers over time.
- Significant reductions in turtle road mortality
- Community volunteers contribute hands-on conservation, learning about local wildlife and habitat needs.
- Strong partnerships are formed between Wildsight Creston, CVWMA staff, and the community.
Looking Ahead
Future plans include adding an additional nesting pad to further support the local turtle population and enhance habitat. Sand and gravel nesting beds are built away from roads to provide safe egg-laying sites. By combining habitat creation, fencing, and volunteer engagement, Wildsight Creston ensures the long-term protection of western painted turtles while fostering a conservation-minded community.
Volunteers are always welcome to join work bees, help maintain fencing, and assist with habitat projects. Your participation helps protect turtles and strengthens the connection between the Creston Valley community and its natural environment.
Get Involved
By combining habitat creation, fencing, and volunteer engagement, Wildsight Creston ensures the long-term protection of western painted turtles while fostering a conservation-minded community.
Volunteers are always welcome to join work bees, help maintain fencing, and assist with habitat projects. Your participation helps protect turtles and strengthens the connection between the Creston Valley community and its natural environment. We host work bees to put up fencing in the spring and take down in the fall. Contact branch manager Rebecca Gidney for more information: creston@wildsight.ca
Together, we can protect turtles and care for the land we all share.
We are grateful for the support of the Creston Valley Community Foundation, whose funding made this turtle fencing project possible!
Take down in the fall
