The fourth annual Turtle Day “Shellebration” will be held at Twin Lakes State Park on Saturday, May 23 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. outside of the Discovery Area.
The event honors World Turtle Day, an international observance dedicated to raising awareness about turtle conservation. World Turtle Day was established by American Tortoise Rescue, a nonprofit that operates a sanctuary to assist and rehome turtles and tortoises.
“Visitors can meet our local ‘shellebrity,’ Ranger Myrtle the turtle, and discover the important role she plays at the park,” said Brianna Cram, Chief Ranger of Visitor Experience at Twin Lakes State Park. “Turtles are vital to the ecosystem, and Ranger Myrtle helps us share that message in a fun and engaging way.”
This family-friendly event will also include turtle-themed games, crafts, face painting and a photo station where you can put on a costume turtle shell and take a “shell-fie.”
Merchandise with turtle themes will also be available for purchase from the Friends of Twin Lakes State Park, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that supports the park through fundraising and volunteer efforts.
The Turtle Shellebration is free to attend, but the regular $7 parking fee does apply.
For more information about upcoming events at Twin Lakes or other Virginia State Parks, visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.