Wild Turtle Week
#WildTurtleWeek is a collaborative initiative created in 2022 between the Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC), the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and partners to shell-e-brate all things turtles and help elevate their conservation. Join the slow and steady movement every year in the second week of June! During the week, we invite you to share your love of turtles on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and/or X (Twitter). You are also encouraged to find ways in your community to connect people with turtles and their stories! From turtle trivia events, outdoor gatherings, and more! Each day has a special theme (and hashtag!) that helps highlight turtles and their importance:Daily Themes
Shell-e-brate with us this year from June 8-12, 2026!- Monday, June 8: Turtley Awesome: Why turtles are special
- Tuesday, June 9: Turtles Need Our Help: Threats turtles face
- Wednesday, June 10: Every Turtle Counts: Turtle populations can’t afford extra losses
- Thursday, June 11: Turtle Power: Turtles play important roles in their ecosystems
- Friday, June 12: Be A Good Turtle Neighbor: Everyone can play a role in helping turtles
Hashtags
When posting your turtle content, be sure to use our official #WildTurtleWeek hashtags and consider tagging PARC!Watch our Wild Turtle Week Partner Webinar!
By sharing turtle content during Wild Turtle Week, you become a Wild Turtle Week Partner! Learn more about the week and your partnership in our Wild Turtle Week Partner Webinar:Wild Turtle Week Social Media Toolkit and Google Drive
Are you looking for ideas and/or inspiration for posts? If so, check out our Social Media Toolkit below which includes sample posts you can copy and paste, photo sources, and more!
Looking for more? The Wild Turtle Week Google Drive has infographics, images, videos, and more for each day of the week! You can also find our Social Media Toolkit in the drive! Need more photos of turtles? We have you covered! The US Fish and Wildlife Service also has a Wild Turtle Week Library and provides graphics, without logos here. Check out our Flickr album with turtle photos to share: USFWS Flickr Gallery. Everything is free and available to download and share. Need more educational videos? Check out the PARC YouTube Channel.
Educational Resources and Previous Posts
Explore some previous Wild Turtle Week posts that you are welcome to use, along with these activities to teach students about threats to turtles and how they can help:- Terrapin Travels (2022) – A virtual activity designed to teach about diamond-back terrapins and hazards they face. The activity is written for Maryland but can be adapted.
- Save the bog turtle: Population game – Act as wildlife managers in charge of rare bog turtles.
- Where are the turtles? – Explore fluctuations in native turtle populations in response to threats.
- Turtle protector pledge – Commit to being a turtle protector.
- WILD at Schools: Turtle Troubles – Examine the largest and smallest turtles found in Maryland and the threats they face. Compare the life cycle of a land and a sea turtle, then explore different scenarios turtles face to survive through hands-on activities before students suggest actions to take to help turtles. For Grades 3-5.
Previous Posts
Get some inspiration from some previous posts. You can also find these campaigns and their content in the Google Drive: Educational Materials50 States of Turtles Campaign
50 States of Turtles: We have designed an ArcGIS StoryMap showcasing the 50 States of Turtles. Click here to learn more and explore!
#ShellebrateTurtles Campaign
Join us in celebrating the wonders of wild turtles! Let’s spread awareness and love for these amazing creatures by showcasing their beauty and importance in their natural habitats.Here’s how you can participate:
- Draw or Share Pictures: Use our templates, draw your own, or share pictures of wild turtles in their natural habitats. Show off their unique features and the environments they call home. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #ShellebrateTurtles!
- If sharing photos of turtles in the wild, please don’t share exact locations. Many species are targets for illegal collection.
- The shell of a turtle is part of its body – in fact, a turtle can feel pain if the shell is damaged. Please don’t write, paint, or etch anything on a turtle’s shell!
- Share Your Love: Along with your picture, share a short description of why you love wild turtles. Is it their vital role in ecosystems? Their ancient wisdom? Their cool adaptations? Let the world know why these creatures hold a special place in your heart.
- Check out our #ShellebrateTurtles writing prompts for kids! (PDF)
- Spread Awareness: Educate others about the importance of protecting wild turtle populations. Share facts about the threats they face, such as habitat loss, pollution, and illegal trade. Encourage everyone to take action to ensure their survival and help to spread the word that #EveryTurtleCounts.
