Western Painted Turtle - Chrysemys picta bellii

We found these turtles sunning themselves on a small pond.

The Western Painted Turtle is named after the bright yellow stripes on its head, neck, tail and legs, and the glowing red on its plastron (shell covering the belly) and under-edge of its carapace (shell covering the back).

Most adult Painted Turtles spend the winter hibernating in the mud at the bottom of ponds and lakes.  Once temperatures warm up and the ice leaves the water, Painted Turtle courtship begins.

In B.C., Painted Turtles are found in pockets throughout the southern interior, as far north as Golden.   This includes the Okanagan Valley, Kamloops Lake, Shuswap Lake, and the Creston and Nelson Area.

At present, the Western Painted Turtle is on the provincial blue list.  This means they are considered vulnerable to habitat loss, and susceptible to human and natural disturbances.  Habitat is being lost because of pollution and waterway interference due to damming, agriculture, and urbanization of waterfronts.

Canadians want to be heard, NOT BULLIED, about Environmental Issues

Today in Canada, we have a governance, the harper government, that does not tolerate dissent or disagreement, particularly when it comes to the environment. The harper government's mandate is industrialization at all costs.

To those who have questioned this stance, the harper gov't has resorted to name calling (Canadians were called 'radicals', 'enemy of the state') and threats. The harper government has targeted both individuals and organizations. Now, they are using their political mite to create laws with the purpose of silencing voices that chose to question harper government policy.

I received this email from David Suzuki who was one individual in Canada who came under attack by the harper government. I am saddened for David Suzuki and the steps he is taking and am also grateful that he will continue his great work for Canadian sustainability and the Canadian environment. Thank you David Suzuki. To me, David Suzuki is a true Canadian Hero.



This is David Suzuki's Letter:








Dear friends,

Some of you may have seen media coverage about my decision to step off the board of directors of the David Suzuki Foundation. I am writing to tell you more about this and what it means.

After my children and grandchildren, my greatest pride is the David Suzuki Foundation.

I am fiercely proud of how the Foundation brings science and solutions to environment problems. I’m determined to ensure that the Foundation continues to have the ability to solve critical environmental issues and bring hope for the future.

But I have reached a point in my life where I would like to consider myself an elder. I want to speak freely without fear that my words will be deemed too political, and harm the organization of which I am so proud. I am keenly aware that some governments, industries and special interest groups are working hard to silence us. They use threats to the Foundation’s charitable status in attempts to mute its powerful voice on issues that matter deeply to you and many other Canadians.

This bullying demonstrates how important it is to speak out.

The Foundation’s science-based, solutions-oriented research and educational work has enriched our democracy and reflected Canadian values for two decades. While not always happily received by governments or industrial interests, this work is strictly non-partisan, as required by the laws governing charities, and has made the Foundation one of the most trusted environmental voices in Canada.

Our opponents, however, are redoubling their efforts to marginalize the Foundation by getting at me, personally.

So last year, I made the decision to step off the board of directors of the David Suzuki Foundation. I remain one of its most active volunteers and committed major donors. This way I can fulfill my personal mission and the Foundation can continue to build on its inspiring work—for us and our grandchildren—in finding solutions to our shared, and very real, environmental challenges.

I hope you understand this decision and will continue to show your, steadfast support for my work in this concrete way:

Please share this letter with your family and friends and, at this critical moment, invite them to become supporters of the David Suzuki Foundation, by joining our online community ordonating today.

Sincerely,

David Suzuki

The Greatest Show on Earth - CIRCUS at Grand Sirenis - YouTube

The Grand Sirenis Resort in Mexico has some really great shows. This is a troupe of locals. Fantastic!

 Get a bowl of popcorn and get ready for what is one of the best shows at any resort at any price. The Circus Show from the Grand Sirenis Resort and Spa is perhaps the best, most entertaining show we have seen.

 And remember that this is all included in the all inclusive price, as are drinks at the theater.