In other words, we selected the turtle as our “charismatic megafauna” of choice to encourage the public to think about reducing their speed through that sharp curve in the road. While turtles may be constrained by the curb and remain on the road longer than other wildlife (making them the logical focus of the signs), reducing speed through that area will also benefit other wildlife and the human users of the roadside path. The signs weren’t intended to address any particular species of turtle, rare or otherwise. We also didn’t intend for people to interpret the signs to mean that they can speed through that area without worries during winter, when turtles are inactive (although perhaps people could be particularly cautious from May through July, when turtles are most likely to be crossing the road, to find locations to lay eggs!).

I hope that our selection of a somewhat light-hearted speed modification device provokes thought and discussion in the public, about both turtles and other wildlife. As if to reinforce that point, I found an unfortunately dead groundhog on the side of the road there (beyond the curbed and signed area) this morning on my way to work.

Thanks for the opportunity to comment!
You can find Natural Area Preservation on the City’s web site for our calendar of events, if you are interested in other wildlife preservation opportunities in the City.