Neonate Turtles Released Back into Lake Champlain

June 23rd - 32 Spiny softshell turtles, 15 Map turtles and 2 Painted turtles, all neonates rescued this past fall, were released back into Lake Champlain after spending the winter at ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center.

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Map Turtle, a "Special Concern" Species back home in Lake Champlain.

The winter care and year round efforts to support some of the basin's turtles is a cooperative effort between ECHO, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, and Vermont Forest Parks and Recreation. More than fifty people participated in this years release. Participants included ECHO donors, members, volunteers, staff, as well as Vermont Youth Conservation Corp crew and Steve Parren, biologist with Vermont Fish and Wildlife.

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Participants releasing turtles.