Safe Turtle Crossing Initiative
Each spring and early summer, turtles in the Portage Lake watershed leave the water to search for safe places to lay their eggs. This often requires crossing roads, where many turtles are injured or killed by vehicles.
The Safe Turtle Crossing Initiative is a community effort led by Portage Lake Watershed Forever to protect turtles during this critical time. Through education, turtle crossing signs, and our community Turtle Hotline, we are working to reduce road mortality and support healthy turtle populations in our watershed.
By slowing down near wetlands and reporting turtle crossings, community members can play an important role in protecting these important watershed species.
How you can help?
📍 If you see a turtle crossing the road between May–August, please report:
✔ Location
✔ Alive, injured, or deceased
✔ Time observed
✔ Action taken
✔ Optional photo
📞 TURTLE HOTLINE: 231-794-1466
Call or text reports anytime.
Your reports will help us better understand turtle movement patterns and identify turtle crossing hotspots throughout the watershed. Our long-term goal is to install permanent turtle crossing signage in key areas throughout the community to help protect turtles for years to come.
🔒 Any personal information shared through the Turtle Hotline will NOT be shared publicly. Information collected will only be used to support turtle conservation and crossing awareness efforts.
Please remember:
🐢 Safety first — never stop traffic or put yourself in danger.
🐢 Kids should always ask an adult for help.
