Blanding's Turtle Conservation - Genesee County Parks

Blanding’s turtles mature slowly, reaching sexual maturity at about 12 years old for males and 18 years old for females. This severely diminishes the odds of populations being abundant each generation. The longer it takes an individual to reach sexual maturity the less likely they are to mate before dying.

Additionally, human developments such as roads, buildings, and parking lots separate habitable areas. This fragmentation and habitat loss reduces wetland areas and isolates turtle populations, making it harder for them to find food, nesting sites, and mates. This leads to a decrease in overall health and higher average mortality rates.

The loss of Blanding’s turtles can negatively affect local ecosystems, including the animals and plants that share their habitat. Changes in these areas, even at a local level, can impact ecosystem balance and overall wetland health.

As humans, it is our responsibility to stay educated on issues affecting our local flora and fauna, for the well-being of both our environment and the communities we inhabit.

IMPORTANT!

Do NOT take wild turtles from For-Mar (or elsewhere) to keep as pets. Blanding’s Turtles are a protected species in Michigan, and as of April 2025, they are protected under the DNR Fisheries Order 224.25 – meaning it is illegal to kill, trap, possess, buy, sell, or take from the wild, including their eggs, without specific permits and permission. [3]
For-Mar does NOT take in unwanted pet turtles and does NOT allow any animals to be released in the park including turtles.

For-Mar does NOT allow feeding wildlife in the park and does not recommend feeding turtles anywhere in the wild.

DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME!

Remember – students conducting this research are trained and supervised by professionals which have the proper permits to handle the turtles. If you come across any turtles in the park or elsewhere, do NOT attempt to handle or otherwise interfere with the turtles unless they are in immediate danger, such as being in a roadway. If you assist a turtle across a road, move it in the direction it was already traveling. Always wash your hands after handling any wildlife, especially turtles.