Helping Turtles

Spring has sprung and turtles have started crossing roads as they migrate to their nesting habitats. If you encounter any injured or distressed turtles, a new organization, New Hampshire Turtle Rescue, can assist in their rescue and rehabilitation.

Its clinic in Nottingham is the only facility in New Hampshire licensed to care for the four endanger turtle species in New Hampshire: Blanding's Turtle, Spotted Turtle, Wood Turtle, and Eastern Box Turtle.

These species are slow to mature but live a very long time, leading to their populations relying heavily upon a relatively small number of reproductive individuals. According to New Hampshire Turtle Rescue, major threats to these populations include: car strikes, dog attacks, lawnmowers, and swallowed fishhooks.

The mission at New Hampshire Turtle Rescue is to provide comprehensive care for injured turtles, with the ultimate goal of releasing them back into their homes once they are fully recovered.

If you encounter one of these species, please call or text NH Turtle Rescue immediately at (603) 417-4944.

The organization has an informative website including a Help and Advice section.

Photographing the natural world

Dunbarton Conservation Commission member and local nature enthusiast Drew Groves, will share images and details concerning his photography in an informal discussion on Tuesday evening, May 6, at 6:30 pm at the Upper Town Hall meeting space above the Dunbarton Public Library.

You may have seen an exhibition of Drew's photos recently at the library. While he has traveled extensively to photograph nature, many of his best photographs are taken in Dunbarton's Kimball Pond Conservation Area.

This presentation is sponsored by the library and is free and open to the public.

Be smart. Be visible in the woods.

Muzzleloader hunting season for deer begins locally today and runs through November 12. Regular firearms season for deer is November 13 - December 8. Archery season has been underway for weeks. Waterfowl and other bird seasons are also ongoing.

Hunting is allowed in Dunbarton's conservation areas.

Those who will be sharing the woods with hunters are advised to wear blaze orange or another highly visible color and lots of it to make yourself stand out. Do not wear tan or white. If you are out with your dog, make sure it is highly visible too.