Finding your calling is not a universal experience. You can like what you do; you can love what you do. But hearing a “call” to do something bigger than yourself is a privilege granted to the few.
For husband and wife, Drew Stevens and Dallas Huggins, their calling to help the local NH turtle population came somewhat abruptly. Their mentor (and long-time turtle rehabber) Chris Bogard retired back in 2022 and “handed the reigns” of turtle rescue over to them. As licensed wildlife rehabilitators, they happily obliged and created an official volunteer-run non-profit: New Hampshire Turtle Rescue (NHTR). Although they initially thought that it would be a light lift with maybe a handful of rescue calls here and there, the “call” itself grew to such a degree that Drew now works in the clinic full-time. In the last 5 years, Dallas and Drew have taken in over 1,300 turtles, with the number steadily growing each year.
Normandeau received a request for sponsorship from NHTR, which being a natural resources-based company, it was somewhat of a no-brainer. But we also wanted to learn more. So, we took a ride over to Nottingham, NH to meet the crew (and the turtles!) in person. We learned that Dallas and Drew host the permanent residents and the clinic in their own home—a home sweet home, turned turtle haven. Living in such close quarters has its advantages: With the more critical turtles so close, they are able to monitor them around the clock. And with the help of a grant last year, they’ve been able to install cameras to further assist with critical patients that may be too scared to move with humans in close proximity. These improvements have allowed Dallas and Drew to watch and make assessments of critical patients without further stressing already traumatized turtles.
The intention of NHTR is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release as many patients as possible back into the wild. Currently, the clinic has 50 turtles that they hope to release in the spring of 2027. But that number continually grows as people either surrender wild turtles that they tried to keep as pets or as good Samaritans find injured turtles in the wild.
The rescue currently has a number of baby turtles waiting to be released into the wild. These little ones end up at the rescue if an injured mother is brought in ready to lay eggs (which are then monitored until they hatch by NHTR) or from concerned citizens who stumble upon tiny turtles in the wild. PSA: If a baby turtle is not in imminent danger (i.e., in a roadway), it can be left alone. It will be ok. Baby turtles hatch and begin their lives without their mother. They’re independent from the start!
During our visit, we learned that turtles are amazingly resilient and even some of the most serious injuries can miraculously heal—with the help of the caring team at NHTR. One turtle in particular, Forbia, was brought in with a serious head injury—she had been run over and could not eat due to severe damage to her jaw. With the help of NH Turtle Rescue, she’s now able to eat on her own and has almost fully recovered. The staff is hopeful that she will be released back to the wild soon enough!
Each turtle at NHTR has a story and Dallas and Drew know them all by heart. It was abundantly clear to us that they don’t just treat and release injured turtles, NHTR cares about the complete well-being of every animal in their care—so much so, that several of the turtles we met will be in their care for decades to come. Turtles that have tested positive for disease or have significant deformities likely won’t be able to be released. Not only is the facility a clinic, it’s also a permeant refuge and home for some of these turtles for the rest of their lives—with many of them likely outliving Drew and Dallas.
Hearing the “call” of purpose may be rare, but the call and need for support is ever present. To learn more about NH Turtle Rescue, visit their website: https://nhturtlerescue.org/. You can volunteer, donate, or even meet some of the more social turtle ambassadors in person by checking out their events page. And if you find an injured turtle on the road or in the wild, call or text NH Turtle Rescue at (603) 417-4944.
