05/13/2026
🐢 DID YOU KNOW? 🐢
Box turtles spend most of their lives within very small home territories that they rely on for food, water, shelter, nesting, and survival. Some box turtles remain within the same general area for decades.
Because of this, wildlife experts have found that relocating box turtles — even temporarily — can be extremely harmful to them. When displaced, turtles may become disoriented, stressed, dehydrated, and spend long periods attempting to return home. Many are injured while crossing roads or fail to survive after being removed from their territory. For most, it's a death sentence they didn't deserve.
As our community continues learning more about wildlife conservation, many local residents have begun discussing ways our traditions can evolve while still protecting the native wildlife that shares our area with us.
A community petition has now been created encouraging wildlife-safe alternatives to the use of live turtles during Fourth of July festivities in Collinsville. The goal is not to attack tradition or shame past participation, but to encourage thoughtful, compassionate alternatives that preserve community fun while protecting local wildlife.
Traditions can grow with us, and learning more about the animals around us gives us the opportunity to make even better choices moving forward. 💛
We are already nearly halfway toward our signature goal thanks to the incredible support and thoughtful conversations from our community so far.
If you would like to learn more, support, or share the petition, the link is below. A printed copy is also available to sign at the front counter at Farm Hippie.
https://c.org/npQKHxL6S8
