What About the Turtles?
Thousands of defenseless Eastern Box Turtles die each year due to development.
These ancient reptiles are considered endangered species in some states - we can’t let that happen in Virginia! We must take action.
How It Started
From our Founder: Years ago I took my dogs to a recently deforested construction site. As we walked around the perimeter, we found 11 box turtles barricaded within silt fencing with no way to escape, no food, water or shelter in what used to be their home. I gently picked them up one at a time and simply put them on the other side of the fence to allow them a chance for survival.
After years of wishing something could be done to help save the turtles, I realized that part of the solution was taking action myself. From there, Tanya’s Turtle Project was born, which now has become a non-profit called What About the Turtles?
About Us
Tanya Finch started Tanya’s Turtle Project (TTP) in March of 2021 to raise awareness and actively rescue box turtles that get trapped within the perimeter fencing in construction sites. Since then TTP has become an official 501(c)(3) organization and has partnered with five local construction companies to increase turtle rescue efforts.
Our mission at What About the Turtles? is simple: protect and preserve native turtle populations.
Success Stories
Since 2021 we have moved over 200 turtles out of harms way, including 127 from just one construction site.
Our rescue efforts are made possible through partnerships with area construction companies; Van Meter, S.W. Rodgers, Total Development Solutions, Miller & Smith, and our biggest supporter to date, W.A. Hazel Inc.
We’ve also reached over 200 community members through speaking events and volunteer engagement and are continually growing.
Ready to help turtles?
If you’re interested in volunteering, have a construction company and would like to partner, or even if you have a Scout Troop that would like us to come out and give a presentation, fill out our contact form and we’ll get back to you!
