It’s All About the Turtles.

1. According to Weather.com, the forecast for Tolland calls for a high of 76ºF under partly cloudy skies. The overnight low will be 52ºF under partly cloudy skies.

2. As we mentioned last week on Patch, the DEP Wildlife Division and the Friends of Sessions Woods are sponsoring an . All children from kindergarten through fifth grade are eligible to enter an original drawing, painting or sketch of a turtle native to Connecticut (these include the Bog Turtle, Spotted Turtle, Common Musk Turtle, Wood Turtle, Common Snapping Turtle, Atlantic Green Sea Turtle, Eastern Box Turtle, Atlantic Ridley Sea Turtle, Northern Diamondback Terrapin, Leatherback Sea Turtle, Painted Turtle and the Loggerhead Sea Turtle.) Entries should be in by June 8, and they will be judged in three categories: K-1st grade, 2nd-3rd grade, and 4th-5th grade. Prizes will be awarded in each category for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and honorable mention. All entries will be displayed at the Sessions Woods Conservation Education Center, in Burlington, for Year of the Turtle Day, scheduled for June 26, 2011, from 1 - 4 p.m. Full details and entry information are available on the Official Entry Form or by calling the Wildlife Division at 860-675-8130. The Friends of Sessions Woods Paul Petersen Memorial Fund is supporting the Turtle Art Contest for Kids. The Connecticut Science Center, in Hartford, has graciously donated a Family Pass package for each first place winner.

3. In celebration of the Year of the Turtle, several activities are taking place this week at the Lutz Children’s Museum in Manchester. Register now for the following:

• May 26 - 4 - 5 p.m. - - Kids ages 5-10 are invited to the Lutz to learn turtle-friendly tips on ways to help turtles, tortoises and terrapins survive. You'll also hear about real-life turtle-rescue stories. Visit http://www.lutzmuseum.org/documents/May_June2011.pdf for more information or call 860-643-0949 for registration and cost info.
• May 26 - - Kids ages 2-3 (with a caregiver) are invited to celebrate World Turtle Day at the Lutz Museum. Kids will feel turtle shells, see turtle food and watch a turtle race! There will be special turtle visitors, as well. There are two sessions, one from 10 to 10:30 a.m., and the other from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Visit http://www.lutzmuseum.org/documents/May_June2011.pdf for more information or call 860-643-0949 for registration and cost info.
• May 26 - - Kids ages 3-5 are invited to the Lutz to learn about and meet a variety of turtles. There are two sessions, one from noon until1 p.m., and the other from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Visit http://www.lutzmuseum.org/documents/May_June2011.pdf for more information or call 860-643-0949 for registration and cost info.

4. The DEP has also announced the following “Turtle” activities coming up in Connecticut:

• May 28 - 2:30 to 4 p.m. - Turtle Time at Audubon Greenwich (suitable for all ages) - Meet local turtle species, and learn about their nests and how to help protect these reptiles. Then, hike to the lake in search of nesting turtles. Audubon Greenwich is located at 613 Riversville Rd. The cost is $3/adult members; $5/adult non-members; $1.50/member children & seniors; $3/non-member children & seniors. Register by calling 203-869-5272.
• June 26 - 1 to 4 p.m. - Year of the Turtle Day - Come to the Wildlife Division's Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area in Burlington for a free, fun-filled day of learning about turtles. Families and anyone interested in turtles are encouraged to participate in this special day, which will consist of informative talks on Connecticut's native turtles, turtle crafts and a chance to see live turtles. View artwork submitted for the Turtle Art Contest for kids. Awards will be presented for the winning artwork. Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area is located at 341 Milford Street (Route 69) in Burlington. Pre-registration is appreciated by calling 860-675-8130.

5. Do you want to search for turtles locally? Try visiting some of Tolland's wildlife and park areas, such as , and . Also check out the article in the Tolland Patch. There are sure to be turtles here, as well.