Turtles look tough, but they are in trouble. So in 2024, we launched the Turtle Brigade — a dedicated team on a mission to protect New Hampshire turtles from dangerous, human-made threats like busy roads.
On March 1, 2025 we welcomed wildlife biologist Josh Megyesy for a talk about turtle conservation in the Granite State followed by a discussion of the Turtle Brigade’s Spring 2025 turtle-saving plans!
Josh Megyesy delivered an outstanding presentation on New Hampshire’s turtles.
Drew and Dallas with ambassador box turtle Auggie
Sponsor a Turtle Crossing
For a small donation, you can sponsor a turtle crossing and have it named in your honor — an enduring way to help protect NH’s turtles.
A turtle crossing consists of two metal signs, on opposite sides of the road, at the start and end of a known turtle crossing zone.
Some Takeaways from Josh’s Talk
Threats to NH Turtles & Conservation Strategies:
- Habitat loss and road mortality significantly impact turtle populations. Turtles often nest in residential areas, because that’s where they can still find open, flat spaces. The journey to these locations may involve crossing roads and other perils. When a turtle habitat is surrounded by human development, turtles can no longer come and go, making it impossible to sustain a diverse, healthy population.
- The illegal pet trade is a serious issue. The illegal wildlife trade is the fifth-largest contraband trade, just behind narcotics. Some NH turtles, like the wood turtle, are highly prized. A single adult wood turtle can sell for up to $900 due to demand, primarily from China. Enforcing wildlife protection laws is challenging, and weak penalties mean offenders often continue breaking the law.
How You Can Help:
- Report turtle sightings. Go to Reporting NH Reptile and Amphibian Sightings or contact Josh at Joshua.Megyesy@wildlife.nh.gov.
- Advocate for land conservation. Large preserved areas reduce threats like habitat fragmentation, human interaction, and predation from animals like raccoons.
- Get involved with your town’s conservation commission or planning board to ensure turtles and other wildlife are considered in development projects.
- Support better wetland crossings in road construction and seasonal timing for land management to minimize turtle risks.
- Create or enhance nesting habitats. Many turtles lay eggs in residential areas or roadsides, increasing their risk. If you own land, consider adding a sand mound (as shown during the presentation) to provide safe nesting spots.
- Take advantage of conservation programs. The NRCS Initiative offers incentives to landowners for habitat improvements and best management practices (BMPs).
Special thanks to Lynn Kavanagh of You’ll Eat It and Like It who baked and delivered the delicious vegan berry tarts, muffins, and breads, and to the Hilton Garden Inn Manchester for donating the use of the room!
