Walk with Blanding’s turtle raises funds, awareness

– Cheryl Anderson photos

Fifty intrepid walkers met the “Blanding’s Turtle” at the corner of Lighthall and Royal roads Tuesday morning up then followed her path along Maypul Layn and Bond roads to Milford Town Hall for lunch.

The six km walk was organized by the Alliance to Protect Prince Edward County (APPEC) and the Prince Edward County Field Naturalists to bring attention to the distance Blanding’s Turtles travel while foraging, or looking for a mate.

Walkers of all ages (and at least two species – the human walkers were accompanied by two enthusiastic canine friends) enjoyed the spring sunshine.

“We know the youngest walker was 13” commented APPEC chair Gord Gibbons, “but no one will acknowledge being the oldest!”

At Milford Town Hall tables were spread with sandwiches and soup for the walkers. The celebratory atmosphere was enhanced with music from local musicians, organized by Steve Empringham.

A great cheer responded to the announcement that almost $3,000 was raised by the walkers and their sponsors, in support of the South Shore Appeal Fund paying legal costs for appealing industrial wind turbine projects.