CLEARFIELD – Nature Abounds is pleased to announce that they have received funding from the Binky Foundation for their Turtle and Tortoise Outreach program. The Binky Foundation, based in New York, is a private charitable organization dedicated to the protection of domestic and wild animals and the protection and expansion of their habitats.
According to Nature Abounds President Melinda Hughes-Wert, “Turtles and tortoises are in serious trouble. In fact, 47 percent of all living turtle and tortoise species are considered threatened or endangered.”
She continued, “Turtles are being collected, traded, and eaten or otherwise used. For example, they are used for food, pets, traditional medicine—eggs, juveniles, adults, body parts—all are exploited indiscriminately, with little regard for sustainability. Furthermore, their habitats are being increasingly fragmented, destroyed, developed, and polluted. They are also facing a significant threat from climate change and from plastics in the ocean. Their populations are quickly dwindling.”
With the funding from the Binky Foundation, Nature Abounds will create turtle factsheets, from species specific information to threats turtles face to what a person can do to help turtles as well as what to do if you find an injured turtle. They will also create a turtle poster to be used for Earth Day and World Turtle Day. Also under development is a section on the Nature Abounds website specific to turtles and tortoises.
Materials created will be available for teachers and caregivers, and they will also be used to start a “Turtle Ambassador” in which volunteers can share information about turtles with the general public. Nature Abounds will also reach out to parents and caregivers, letting them know about the turtle resources available for their use.
Nature Abounds is an emerging national 501c3 non-profit organization, bringing people together for a healthy planet. Nature Abounds mascot is an Eastern Box turtle named Max. For more information about Nature Abounds, please visit www.natureabounds.org or call 814-765-1453.