Tenth Annual Turtle Release Event to take place at Morrison Dam Conservation Area, east of Exeter, on Thursday, August 28, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Huron Stewardship Council (HSC) and Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) join other community partners to hold the Tenth Annual Turtle Hatchling Release Event. It is on Thursday, August 28, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event takes place east of Exeter at Morrison Dam Conservation Area, 71108 Morrison Line. To reserve a spot, visit Eventbrite.

Admission is free and people are welcome to drop in at any time during the event. Organizers encourage visitors to donate. Net proceeds support turtle conservation in Ontario.

NOTE RE: PARKING: The bridge on the highway on Morrison Line is still closed and the road is closed to traffic but there is still access, to local traffic and to parking lots, from the north (heading south, from Highway 83, on Morrison Line) to parking spaces north of Morrison Reservoir (Morrison Lake).

The event includes live reptiles on display; family-friendly activities; educational displays and more. There is merchandise for sale as well.

Staff releasing the hatchlings, back into the wild in the area they were found, are trained and authorized, with required permits, to release them. People attending the turtle release will not be able to hold the turtles. This is to protect the animals and reduce their stress. Those attending can see the turtles as they are released and learn about them. (Organizers remind the public to never release species, especially non-native species, into the wild).

To learn more visit the Huron Stewardship Council website, and the Ausable Bayfield Conservation turtles web page.