August Highlights: Celebrating Conservation, Creativity, and Community
As the summer sun begins to soften and the leaves hint at the changing seasons, we’re taking a moment to reflect on a remarkable August filled with conservation milestones and community-driven initiatives. From raising awareness of species “at risk” at local events to collaborating with local turtle organizations, this month has been a testament to the power of collaboration, education, and gratitude.
Make up World Snake Day: A Celebration of Reptiles
Our Make up World Snake Day event has officially come to an end, and what a day it was! We were overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and support from everyone who joined us. Everyone we met was curious and passionate about snakes which made this event truly special. A huge thank you to Safari Niagara for hosting us and helping to spread awareness and appreciation for these incredible creatures. Together, we’re making strides in raising awareness about the importance of species conservation and coexisting with wildlife.
The Kids Craft Corner was a huge success, especially our DIY bookmark-making activity! It was heartwarming to see so many young minds eager to learn about Ontario’s incredible snakes while creating something fun and practical.
Anne Yagi’s Feature in RATTLED: A Story of Hope and Conservation
We’re thrilled to share that our president, Anne Yagi, had the incredible opportunity to be part of Rattled: Saving the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake and Ontario’s Wainfleet Bog a powerful documentary by Work Cabin Films. This film follows a new generation of Massasauga rattlesnakes as they are released into the wild—a story of hope, conservation, and the fight to protect a species “at risk”.
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the trailer on YouTube and follow Work Cabin Films for updates on this inspiring project. The link to the trailer is available in our bio, so you won’t miss a thing!
A Turtle Release: A Symbol of Hope
One of the most memorable events of the month was the turtle release event we participated in, in partnership with Niagara Turtles. We were honored to witness the release of snapping turtle and painted turtle hatchlings, a milestone in the region’s first-ever turtle-focused recovery initiative.
Thanks to the incredible work of Niagara Turtles, who rescued and incubated their eggs from at-risk nests. A heartfelt thank you to the First Nations community for sharing a traditional drumming ceremony, adding a sacred and meaningful touch to the event.
We’re also deeply grateful to the Niagara Boating Club and Niagara Turtles for their unwavering support, collaboration, and dedication to making a difference—one turtle at a time. And to everyone who came out to support us and the community, thank you for being part of this journey.
Excitement for What’s Next
As we close out August, we’re reminded of the importance of community, collaboration and conservation. These values guide us in everything we do! We couldn’t have achieved any of this without you—our supporters, partners, and students.