THE Walliabup Wildlife Warriors and citizen scientist Ian Barlow will host a community event at Coal Dam Park in Woodbridge, showing how residents can take part in turtle habitat conservation.

The Turtles in Celebrations, Turtles in Love event will run from 10am to 1pm on Sunday, May 3 highlighting the site’s role as an urban wetland supporting Swan’s biodiversity and turtle populations.

Coal Dam Park, a former railway dam behind the old Midland train station, has evolved into a small but significant wildlife refuge.

Its permanent water and surrounding vegetation make it an important habitat for native species, particularly freshwater turtles which rely on stable wetlands for breeding and nesting.

Using publicly accessible tools such as TurtleSAT, participants will be guided through how to record turtle sightings, monitor habitat conditions and contribute to broader conservation efforts.

The platform allows users to log data that can assist researchers and environmental groups in tracking turtle distribution and health across Western Australia.

As reported in Southwest long neck turtle admissions increasing (Echo News, November 14, 2025) turtle sightings logged by citizen scientists can help build a population map that help turtles with their survival rates.

Locations such as the City of Kalamunda are a blind spot for turtle data as much of its wetland system is on private property, but Mr Barlow said citizen science could help fill the gaps in knowledge.

Returning to Swan, Mr Barlow said seasonal conditions had created a strong opportunity for turtle activity at the Woodbridge site.

He said there was a chance of a breeding congregation, with turtles gathering in numbers as part of their natural reproductive cycle, offering visitors a rare chance to observe this behaviour up close.

Beyond observation, the event will also focus on practical actions residents can take, including habitat protection, reducing human impact on wetlands and supporting local bushland initiatives.

The session is open to all ages and aims to encourage community involvement in environmental stewardship in urban ecosystems.

To register interest, a link to the event may be accessed through the event page.