By Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Chatham Voice
“Thanks for saving a turtle.”
Those are the words John Everett has uttered hundreds of times at the Chatham-Kent and Lambton Children’s Water Festival. He and his wife Jan have volunteered at the eco-awareness event six times – raising awareness about keeping turtles safe.
For the London couple, both retired civil servants, saving turtles is a passion project. Jan is the author/illustrator of “Never Give Up.” Inspired by her husband’s determination, it’s the story of a boy named Johnny who helps “Snapper,” a snapping turtle, to safety. The youngster uses a skateboard and wagon to give the reptile a lift across a busy road, but decides he needs to help in a bigger way by building a turtle crossing.
The book, which has text in both English and Ojibwe, has sold 6,000 copies worldwide. A French version is also available.
“It’s all about never giving up,” John said of the book, noting it’s also a metaphor of life for young students. “Whether it’s going to a new school or dealing with bullying, kids get the message not to give up.”
Citing the fact that turtles help cleanse the water by eating dead plant and animal matter, John said the reptiles have an important role to fill as millions rely on Lake Erie for drinking water.
“If you save one turtle, you’ve done a real favour for the environment,” he said. “This is paying it forward.”
According to Jan, spreading the message to youth is rewarding.
“We go to schools all over the place,” she said. “Kids love saving the environment. It’s excellent.”
The pair, who owns a cottage at Long Point, remain devoted to turtle safety. They’re affiliated with the Long Point Causeway Improvement Project, which raised $2.7 million to build fencing and 12 culverts or turtle tunnels. Installed beneath the road, the infrastructure helps lower the mortality rate of turtles, snakes and frogs trying to get to the Lake Erie shore within the Long Point Biosphere Region around Long Point Provincial Park.
The tunnels – both wet and dry – mean the turtles can help themselves, walking or swimming to the lake.
Last week’s water festival marked the 13th year for the three-day event that saw more than 2,100 Grade 4 and 5 students attend. Held at the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority’s C.M. Wilson Conservation Area, the interactive programs cover five themes relating to the conservation and preservation of water.
Since 2007, close to 25,000 students have attended the festival with more than 1,000 volunteers helping out.
