2011 Year of  the Turtle - Turtle conservation groups in partnership with PARC are designating 2011 as the Year of the Turtle
 
Why Turtles, and Why Now? 
Turtles are disappearing from the planet faster than birds, mammals, and even amphibians. Today, over 40% of turtle species are identified as threatened with extinction; the primary threats are human-caused.  However, it's not too late for our turtle heritage to be salvaged.  The United States has more endemic turtle species than anywhere on Earth; a turtle biodiversity hotspot.  Our careful stewardship can preserve the rare species and keep 'common species common.' 
 
Throughout the year, we will be raising awareness of the issues surrounding turtles through press releases, newsletters, photo contests, and related events. It is our hope that citizens, natural resource managers, scientists, and the pet and food and related industries will work together to address issues and to help ensure long-term survival of turtle species and populations.
Supporting Partners (to date) include (and will not be limited to): Turtle Conservancy, Turtle Survival Alliance, IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group, US Fish & Wildlife Service International Affairs, Chelonian Research Foundation, Turtle Conservation Fund, AZA Chelonian Taxonomic Advisory Group, SUNY ESF, Virginia Herpetological Society,... and the list keeps growing!
 
Bookmark www.yearoftheturtle.org, and check it often for more information on how YOU can get involved!
Sign up for our monthly newsletters, containing:
·        A downloadable turtle photo calendar for each month, including a photo contest - YOUR photo could be in the calendar
·        Information about turtle conservation efforts and groups -- we could print YOUR story here
·        Interviews with turtle experts, and answers to selected questions that YOU send us
·        Information on how YOU can help spread the word about turtles
·        Educational materials -- how YOU can teach about turtles
·        Featured turtle artwork, poetry, and cultural information that YOU send us
... and much, MUCH, more!  

Please contact us at YearOfTheTurtle2011@gmail.com if you would like to help to promote or contribute materials to 2011 Year of the Turtle.  

Keep watching, we'll be announcing our turtle calendar photo contest very soon.