Room for reptiles: Building a home for threatened species in B.C.

A team of field staff from Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) have been creating ideal habitat for the turtles by clearing a sandy beach for their nesting, and working to create places to rest and bask. Staff remove the invasive reed canary grass and common horsetail, which is a native species but can take up valuable space. Working the soil with tools, staff pull the plants out by the root by hand to prolong the time between weeding and regrowth. Once the sandy soil is clear, it is cultivated and softened to allow turtles to burrow in to lay their eggs.  

DUC has been maintaining the sandy beach for the turtles since 2015, and in 2022 released a group of western painted turtle hatchlings to support the local population. With the help of the Coastal Painted Turtle Project, the area is maintained, with new logs and other additions added periodically.

A recently-installed wildlife camera is monitored to track how often the site is used, and additional basking logs for the turtles are planned for installation in the near future as well.  

Pitt-Addington Marsh is a provincial Wildlife Management Area, hosting over 200 bird and 29 mammal species within its ~3,000-hectare landscape. The area provides important wintering, migration and breeding habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors and other species, as well as plenty of opportunities for recreation for local visitors.