Six Star Magazine Six Star Magazine Fall 2018 | Page 35

Steven Kell is studying the effects of roads on the turtle
population while working on his Masters Degree through
Laurentian University, His research brought him to the
Algonquin Wildlife Research Station (AWRS) and to the
longest running “Turtle Project” in existence — 47 years and
counting, to be exact. Here, he could study turtles in eight
different wetlands along the main highway and in another
eight areas well away from road activity.
With day-to-day research taking place well within the
wetlands and deep into the park, the project required a
reliable, all-wheel drive, go-anywhere type of vehicle. “The
original ‘Turtle Car’ was a 2000 Subaru Legacy, bought new
in 2000,” Kell reports. “It was used for 17 seasons, handling
terrain made of sand, washed-out corners, giant potholes
and puddles as high as the door. Some roads in the park
are basically glorified ATV trails. I used it for the last three
seasons. We all love the space and reliability of that Legacy.”
Although the Legacy is still thriving, the project team
needed to find another vehicle with equal reliability, but
higher ground clearance to better manage the demands of
the job. With these requirements in mind, it made perfect
sense for the AWRS team to choose Subaru again, so they
approached the dealer in nearby Barrie for assistance. The
team at Barrie Subaru was thrilled to be involved in the
“Turtle Project” and they donated the use of a 2011 Subaru
Forester for the cause. They also generously contributed gas
money, as well as a CAA membership.
This is not the only time that the AWRS team has turned
to Subaru for help. In fact, three of their longest wildlife field
studies have relied on Subaru vehicles. The “Canada Jay
Project” was powered by a 2013 Subaru Forester and a 2008
version of the same model, while their “Small Mammal
Project” relied on a 2005 Subaru Forester. With their latest
vehicle, the 2011 Subaru Forester, now decked out with
eye-catching turtle decals, this noble cause attracts positive
attention wherever it goes. The notoriety of the “Turtle Car”
invites more conversations about the turtle crisis and, in turn,
brings about much needed education.
“Barrie Subaru not only stepped up with the donation of
the Forester,” Kell explains, “but they also continue helping
us spread our message of sustainable driver responsibility and
road safety through their social media.” (The researcher was
so impressed with Subaru vehicles in general and the support
of Barrie Subaru in particular, he purchased a 2004 Subaru
Outback as his daily driver.)
My final question for him is a simple one: What can be
done to improve road safety for turtles? “It’s unrealistic to
say stop driving,” Kell says. “Instead, drivers just need to
be more cautious and more observant of the road and their
environment. They should also learn how to spot a turtle in
the road and safely help it to cross.
So the next time you’re ordering a drink at a restaurant
or driving on Ontario’s beautiful country roads, please
spare a thought for these adorable little creatures — small
changes can make a big difference. And if you happen to
see the “Turtle Car” out on the open road, give a wave
to the fine people working at the Algonquin Wildlife
Research Station.
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