The Blanding's turtle is a medium-sized turtle that grows up to 27 cm in length. Its most distinguishing feature is its bright yellow chin and throat.

The Blanding's is a timid turtle. It may plunge into the water and remain on the bottom for hours if alarmed. Away from water, it can close itself inside its shell. It's a very gentle animal and a good swimmer. Blanding's turtles do not mature until 25 years of age and produce only 3-19 eggs every 2-3 years. However, a Blanding's turtle can live to be 80 years old!

In Canada, Blanding's turtles rely on freshwater wetlands in Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia to survive. We use fresh water, too – to water our lawns, grow food and generate electricity with hydroelectric dams. But if we use too much, we can drain the rivers, streams, lakes and wetlands that Blanding’s turtles – and so many other freshwater species – need to live, eat and reproduce.

Changes in water flow and loss of habitat are a particular concern. Given its reliance on shallow, often isolated and, even temporary, wetlands, this species has been particularly impacted by the filling and draining of wetlands for urban and agricultural development. Today, Blanding's turtles are considered threatened or endangered throughout much of their habitat.

With your gift, you will help WWF-Canada encourage Canadians and Canadian businesses to reduce their water footprint. By working together with governments, we can help protect Canada's freshwater supply.

When you keep the fresh water flowing, you give Blanding's turtles, and many other freshwater species, a better chance of surviving and thriving in the years ahead.

For $75, you can tell someone that they kept the fresh water flowing for Blanding's Turtles.