World Turtle Day is Sunday, May 23. The hamlet of Blauvelt is specially situated to make note of this day, as the north end of Western Highway that connects us to West Nyack, NY is the site of a millennia-old trek of female snapping turtles every spring, from mid-May to mid-June, who cross the road from the Hackensack River to lay their eggs in the sandy soil adjacent to its eastern shore.

The Turtles of Western Highway is a volunteer group who administers to the snappers' safety, helping them cross the busy two-lane highway, and also building a temporary yearly barrier with egg-laying mounds on the river side of the road, to encourage the females to relocate future treks to the safer area.

Each year, on May 23, the above group, part of The Hudson Valley Humane Society, holds a kick-off event, which is usually held at the library. However, COVID-19 and a coming renovation of our Community Room have conspired against a planned program here. Interested parties should check for updates on the Turtles of Western Highway Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/287554056087940