The day will include live turtles, as well as tours of the Natural History Musuem and the turtle research labs where visitors can discover the real-world work that goes into protecting New England’s endangered Bell’s turtle.
There will also be live book readings to launch the release of two children’s fiction books, Mystery of the Missing Turtles and Where Are All the Baby Turtles? written by UNE’s own Professor Debbie Bower and Dr Lou Streeting.
"This will be a fun day out for the whole family and is a chance to get up close and personal with some of our native turtles and experience the conservation work that's making a genuine difference," says Senior Lecturer Dr Eric Nordberg, leader of the Reptile Ecology and Environmental Disturbance Lab at UNE.
"We can’t wait to welcome curious minds of all ages to campus to get a first-hand look at what goes into protecting these native species.”
There will also be a sausage sizzle which will provide an opportunity for people to donate to the UNE Turtle Hub, a new dedicated space at the Laureldale Research Station to hatch and rear juvenile turtles and to examine the behaviour and health of adults.
The facility has received funding from the Northern Tablelands Local Lands Services, and global conservation organisation, The Turtle Survival Alliance, will assist with the setup of the facility and provide expertise once up and running.
“We are so excited to be creating this new facility that will be used for research, conservation, education and outreach of freshwater turtles,” says Professor Bower.
“It is needed to support the ongoing conservation concerns around declining freshwater turtles globally.
“Gold coin donations on the open day will go towards the costs that go into protecting these precious animals.”
Event Details
Date: Saturday, 28 February 2026, 12:00 PM–2:00 PM
Location: UNE Natural History Museum, W077 Agricultural Building, University of New England, Armidale NSW 2350
Cost: Free!
Register and find out more here
