With great excitement and an exploding sense of accomplishment, the staff, Board of Directors, and volunteers of the Kawartha Turtle Trauma Centre watched as the green ribbon was cut to the new “Turtle Education Centre” on Sunday, July 15 in the Village of Keene. The ribbon was cut by Donald and Jodie Gray from the Gray Foundation, who donated $7500 to help with the creation of the Education Centre.
The Education Centre will offer a place for the public, school groups, and other organizations to visit and learn about the plight of native Ontario turtles. The Education Centre offers a craft centre for kids, a turtle reading corner, art donated by local artists, interactive games and trivia about turtles as well as KTTC merchandise for sale. The Education Centre will be open Thursdays 1-5pm, Fridays 1-8pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 1-5pm. All are welcome to stop in and visit the Centre. While “Paddy” the snapping turtle is the first resident at the centre, more education turtles will be coming in the fall, including Stinkpots, Blanding’s, and Painted turtles.
Thank you to all who were able to attend the Grand Opening of our new “Education Centre” in Keene on July 15… in the sweltering heat! Thank you to the Gray Foundation for funding this project, Geoff Macdonald and friends for providing some smooth jazz, Dianne Barclay and chef Christopher for the food and drink, Kevin Hockley from Hockley studios for donating a museum quality masterpiece snapping turtle display, Jody Paudash (artist) for donating several framed prints of his stunning turtle painting, Wendy Duffus, Carlos Reyes (graphic artist), Basil Conlin (mural designer), Olivia Vandersanden, Joanne O’Heron, Megan Millar, Jessica Needham, Heidi Groh, Gina Varrin, Sam Conroy… and so many more, for volunteering your time! And to Matt Thomson for driving all the way in from Orillia and donating a computer!
It was a smashing success, with over 250 people in attendance, including the media and several local dignitaries. We already have several events booked, including a speaker from Sarnia who has developed a program to help protect sea turtle nests in Costa Rica!
The Education Centre will be open:
- Thursdays 1-5
- Fridays 1-8
- Saturdays 1-5
- Sundays 1-5
If you are interested in volunteering at the new centre please email Kate at info@kawarthaturtle.org.
