Those living in Revelstoke, will have the opportunity to paint turtles and learn more about turtle conservation at the Revelstoke Arts Centre on Saturday, April 6, from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
It was about 30 years ago that Donna Naprstek noticed something unusual at the end of her gravel driveway. There before her were turtle eggs. It was then that her curiosity and heart were sparked to help and protect the region’s painted turtles.
Following her discovery and after consulting a university professor, Naprstek built a covering with chicken wire to protect the turtle nest at the end of the driveway. It would be three months later that the eggs would hatch. Napstek was hooked. The local artist was fascinated by all things painted turtles.
From observing painted turtles to painting them
Naprstek’s artistic and teaching teaching talents will come together on April 6, to help with Wildsight Revelstoke’s conservation initiatives. Naprstek will be providing acrylic paint, smooth pieces of wood, coloured pencils and drawing paper for the turtle painting class.
“I’m an artist and I want to use those talents in a constructive way,” said Naprestek, about the class.
Local biologist, Sarah Boyle will also be at the class to offer attendees a presentation about the painted turtle. Boyle said that the painted turtles are “special concern species” in B.C.
Boyle explained that in the past year the Revelstoke Conservation Group was formed as a community volunteer group focused on protecting Revelstoke’s painted turtle population. Boyle said that there are a variety of factors affecting the turtle’s future survival.
“Extensive loss of wetland habitats, increases in human settlement and road development and in the case of Revelstoke, one of the main concerns is a lack of suitable nesting materials and places for female…turtles to lay their eggs safely,” said Boyle.
The pressures to the turtles habitat can be clearly seen when en route to Red Devil Hill, where turtles are often struck by vehicles. Boyle said because of the Revelstoke Dam and other natural processes, the nearest aggregate that they can find is uphill. As a result, they’re nesting in a roadside aggregate which poses dangers as they must cross the road and can be struck by passing vehicles.
The cost of the art class is $25 and all proceeds will be going to Wildsight Revelstoke.
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