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Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 05, 2025
Contact: Kim Wells, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 804-217-1077, kim.wells@dcr.virginia.gov

Annual Turtle Day “Shellebration” will be held at Twin Lakes State Park on May 24
Enjoy turtle themed activities and meet Ranger Myrtle the turtle

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Ranger Myrtle the Turtle)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Boys fishing from pier at Twin Lakes)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Turtle-themed activities)

GREEN BAY, Va. -- Twin Lakes State Park will host the third annual Turtle Day “Shellebration” on Saturday, May 24 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. in the Discovery Area.

This event is held in honor of World Turtle Day, which was created as a yearly observance to help people celebrate and protect turtles. American Tortoise Rescue is a nonprofit organization that uses a sanctuary to assist and rehome turtles and tortoises.

“Come meet our local ‘shellebrity,’ Ranger Myrtle the turtle, and learn about her important role at the park,” said Twin Lakes State Park Chief Ranger of Visitor Experience Brianna Davis. “Turtles are important to the ecosystem and Ranger Myrtle provides a fun and educational experience for our guests.”

This family friendly event will also include turtle-themed games, crafts, face painting and a photo station where you can put on a costume turtle shell and take a “shell-fie.”

This shellebretion will include turtle-themed merchandise that will be available for purchase from the Friends of Twin Lakes State Park, an all-volunteer non-profit group that works to support Twin Lakes State Park through fundraising and volunteerism.

“Virginia State Parks will be celebrating National Kids to Parks Day on May 17,” said Twin Lakes State Park Manager Kevin Faubion. “This national day was created to connect families with the outdoors as well as to their local parks. In the morning, we will have a dip net activity followed by a meet and greet with Ranger Myrtle. In the afternoon we will host a backyard bass program where kids will learn how to safely cast a line and catch some fish. These events provide opportunities to make lasting memories with friends and family.”

The Turtle Shellebration is free to attend, but the regular $7 parking fee does apply.

For more information about upcoming events at Twin Lakes or other Virginia State Parks, visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.

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