Dedicated To Saving Local Turtles
Just $3000 funds the annual costs of vital turtle research

Did you know that there is only one freshwater turtle species in the San Diego River Watershed? The Southwestern Pond Turtle.

 

The River Park Foundation is conducting focused research to identify where these turtles are living so the land they need to survive can be protected. And you can be part of it!

Southwestern pond turtles play a key role in an ecosystem. Their name is misleading as they often live in rivers and creeks. They also spend time in terrestrial habitats. They may disperse up to 500m from the water! Protecting this land is vital.

 

Sadly, studies have documented these turtles are in an "alarming" decline.
Here is where you can help!

Our Turtle Watch program looks traverses remote wetlands each spring to look for turtles. We document the location the land and water they live in. Then we check to see if enough land is protected around each of these sites. This data informs our land acquisition and conservation efforts. It is also shared with other pond turtle researchers. While we are at it we look for newts, toads, & other critters, too.

How to get involved:

1. Join us for a turtle survey.

2. Make a donation to support Turtle Research.
Our surveys cost $3000 each year.

Funds need to be raised by 4/30/2024 so that surveys can be completed while the water is still cool and the turtles are present.

Your gift of $10, $20 or more can really make the difference. Thank you!

---

Donate Today for Turtle Watch!

 

Give $10 or More - Become a Friend of Turtles

 

Give $8 per month or More (or make a $100 one-time gift)
Become a Turtle Hero

Turtle Hero Benefits:

• Receive a Turtle Hero Certificate
• Receive Turtle Fact Sheet
• Receive Spring Turtle Watch Findings Report
• Be invited to a Turtle Watch Outing (no guarantees to see these elusive critters)
  
  Donate using PayPal
  
  

Monthly gift: simply select that option after clicking the "Donate" button.

OTHER DONATION METHODS:

• By mail, print this form (PDF) and mail with a check to
• The San Diego River Park Foundation
  
  
• By phone with credit card
  call 619-297-7380 M - F 9AM - 2PM
  
  
• Venmo @sandiegoriver and indicate Turtle Watch

 

Turtle Hero: your turtle certificate and fact sheet will be emailed to you.
These also make great gifts for the turtle lover!
If you prefer, we can mail the certificate to you or a gift recipient.

 

2025 Objective: Conduct turtle survey on 4 tributaries of the river and share this data with other turtle researchers. Use this data to inform land acquisition efforts and targeted restoration projects within the Cuyamaca Corridor.

More Info about SW Pond Turtles:

• California Species of Special Concern
• Adjacent uplands are vital for overwintering and estivation
• Most nests are within 50 feet of water
• They can disperse up to 500 meters from water
• 2 subspecies are recognized - one of these is in Southern California
• Studies have suggested that SW pond turtles may be genetically different in different watersheds
• Most active when water temperature is above 59 degrees fahrenheit
  

Turtle Watch data will also be used as we highlight turtle conservation in our youth education program. We will focus on threats to wildlife and how a healthy stream is essential for the turtles.

With your support w take actions to conserve these amazing critters!

 

Learn More

San Diego Management & Monitoring Program
Species Info

Federal Register - Proposed Rule

Read

The San Diego River Park Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit EIN 01-0565671

For more information on this project and ways to get involved, contact our Senior Program Manager, Natalie at natalie@sandiegoriver.org or call our office at 619-297-7380.

Home    Our Vision    Get Involved    Contact Us © 2025 San Diego River Park Foundation. All Rights Reserved. EIN:01-0565671