Towie the Turtle Helps Spotlight Canals Environmental Efforts

In honor of World Turtle Day on May 23, our social media featured one of the Canal Corporation’s most memorable ambassadors: Towie the Turtle.

Towie is an Eastern Box Turtle, a land‑dwelling species native to New York. She came to us after sustaining a shell injury that prevents her from returning to the wild. Instead, she’s become a vital part of our education outreach, helping visitors of all ages learn about local biodiversity, native species and the importance of protecting canal habitats. Towie receives daily care from Kate Littrell at NYPA, who helps ensure she remains healthy, active, and ready to meet the public.

Her unique “hinged” lower shell, which allows her to close herself up like a box, always fascinates people and sparks conversations about the wildlife that depend on healthy, connected habitats along our waterways.

Our teams and partners work year‑round to maintain healthy shorelines, monitor water quality, prevent the spread of invasive species, and support safe habitat for wildlife living in and around the Canal System. These efforts were also highlighted last week when DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton joined the Canal Corporation, State Parks, and SLELO PRISM at DEC’s boat launch in Verona to kick off boating season and remind boaters to Clean, Drain, and Dry their watercraft to help prevent the spread of invasive species.

We also shared similar tips with the public on World Turtle Day, encouraging visitors to give wildlife plenty of space, pack out their trash, and take steps to protect our waterways from invasive species.

Thank you to all the employees whose stewardship efforts help ensure the Canal System remains a safe and thriving environment for people, turtles, and everything in between.