At the Turtle Conservancy, we are passionate about sharing the beauty and importance of reptiles and biodiversity with our community. This month, we’re excited to reflect on our outreach recent events and highlight an ongoing effort to inspire future conservationists!

Recap: Co-Sponsoring OVLC’s ‘Exploring California’s Amphibians & Reptiles’

On March 15, 2025, we had the privilege of co-sponsoring the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy’s (OVLC) event, “Exploring California’s Amphibians & Reptiles: A New Field Guide”—an enlightening evening exploring the incredible diversity of California’s amphibians and reptiles.

The event featured Robert Hansen, co-author of the newly released Princeton Field Guide to California Amphibians & Reptiles. This groundbreaking guide showcases:

• 122 detailed range maps

• 165 color plates with 943 stunning live specimen photos

• 144 original paintings of larval amphibians and sea turtles

• 51 scientific line drawings

Over 200 contributors helped make this field guide a vital reference for anyone interested in California’s herpetofauna. Following the presentation, attendees had the opportunity to purchase and have their copies of the guide signed by the authors. If you missed this event, we encourage you to pick up a copy of the field guide to learn more about California's remarkable reptiles and amphibians.

Inspiring Future Conservationists: Hosting Green Valley Project Students

We are thrilled to welcome students from the Green Valley Project through the Pax Environmental Science Institute’s PESI Program! These future conservationists are gaining hands-on experience by exploring our facilities, working alongside our team, and participating in interactive activities that highlight careers in conservation.

As part of their program, the students also visited a nearby preserve, where they met with Sophie McLean from the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy. Sophie introduced them to ecosystem restoration efforts, and the students put their knowledge into action by removing invasive weeds and planting native species—directly contributing to habitat restoration.

We hope these experiences will inspire the next generation of conservation leaders, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to protect our planet’s biodiversity.

Thank you for supporting the Turtle Conservancy’s mission to educate and inspire! Whether you joined us at the OVLC event, picked up the new field guide, or engaged with our educational outreach, your involvement makes a meaningful impact on conservation.