Turtles are on the move—and Murfreesboro is throwing them a party.

As spring settles in and the sun warms the earth, our shelled neighbors have emerged, soaking up the sun on logs, crossing roads, and reminding us, in their quiet way, that slow and steady still has a place in this fast-moving world.

This month, at Barfield Crescent Park, the Wilderness Station and Outdoor Murfreesboro are hosting a celebration for all things turtle. The Shell-ebration takes place on Friday, May 23—World Turtle Day—from 3 to 5 p.m., and it’s a joyful, educational gathering for families, animal lovers, nature nerds, and anyone who just wants to feel a little more connected to the wild things among us.

World Turtle Day, observed every year on May 23, was founded by American Tortoise Rescue to raise awareness and appreciation for turtles and tortoises around the globe. It’s a day dedicated to their protection, education and celebration—from hatchling releases and habitat cleanups to turtle-themed festivals and learning events.

At the Shell-ebration, you’ll meet animal ambassadors up close and learn from a wildlife rehabber and a skilled veterinarian about what makes turtles so vital to our ecosystems, and who to contact if you find an injured turtle. A special guest will also be bringing tortoises from other parts of the world, offering a fascinating look at shelled species far beyond our local ponds and creeks here in Tennessee.

There will be games and eco-friendly crafts for families to enjoy, designed to help us understand how to live more green, and how even simple lifestyle choices can help protect animals like turtles.

While the global reach of World Turtle Day is inspiring, here in Tennessee, it’s a powerful reminder that our own native species, like the Eastern Box Turtle, Red Eared Sliders and Common Snapping Turtle, need our attention too.

Many are declining due to habitat loss, pesticides, and—especially in spring and summer—collisions with cars. As development expands and roads cut through their ancient routes, turtles are forced to make risky crossings during their most active months. World Turtle Day invites us to not just admire these creatures, but to protect the ground they slowly walk across.

From late April through summer, turtles are on the move, seeking mates, laying eggs and following instinctual paths they’ve taken for generations. That often means crossing roads, driveways and paths that didn’t exist a few decades ago.

Here’s what you can do:
– Slow down and stay alert, especially on back roads and near creeks or wooded areas.
– If you see a turtle on the road and it’s safe to do so, help it cross in the direction it’s already heading. Don’t turn it around, and never relocate it to a different area. Turtles are deeply tied to their home ranges.
– If a turtle looks injured, the Shell-ebration will introduce you to the right local professionals to call.

These small, thoughtful acts can mean the difference between life and death for a turtle just trying to get home.

There’s something grounding about turtles. They carry their homes on their backs. They move at their own pace. They remind us to be present, to pay attention, to take care of the quiet corners of the world.

Attending the Shell-ebration is a simple way to say: this matters. Our local wildlife matters. Our green spaces matter. Is the next generation learning to love and respect nature? That really matters.

Stewardship starts right where we are, so come celebrate the humble turtle on May 23. The party’s at Murfreesboro’s Barfield Crescent Park, and the guests of honor are ready to be celebrated!

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Photos by Ashleigh Newnes