We are nearing the end of egg laying season for turtles, which goes from mid-May to mid-July. This season, our gardens have become a sanctuary for several species of turtles, including female snapping turtles, painted turtles, and invasive red-eared sliders. Mother turtles seek sunny spots with soft soil within several hundred meters of a body of water to dig their nests. This nesting process can often take up to 4 hours.
The clutch size can vary, with females laying anywhere from 5 to 25 eggs. As we look forward to the fall, we anticipate the emergence of many hatchlings. These young turtles will begin their journey, contributing to the ecosystem of Hudson Gardens and beyond. Visitors are encouraged to tread lightly around nesting areas and watch for the adorable hatchlings making their debut in the fall.