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Turtles are on the move in Minnesota right now, as they embark on their quest to nest and lay eggs. But that also means their natal homing instinct takes them across roadways and into the path of cars. 

While data on exactly how many turtles are injured or killed by vehicles annually is hard to nail down, turtle populations as a whole are declining, and 

roadway mortality is a significant factor

, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 

Sisters Kelly Olson and Katie O’Halloran decided they could make a difference after Olson witnessed one too many turtle tragedies. 

After moving from downtown Minneapolis to a suburban home near Medicine Lake, inadvertently situated between two marshland areas, Olson started doing turtle sweeps and making sure they crossed the road, seeing them frequently impacted by cars. 

“And one day, I just really hit a breaking point. I saw two turtles that had been hit right next to each other, and they had both survived the hit, but were beyond the point of being able to be transported to a rehabilitation center,” Olson said. “That moment really ignited something within me, and I haven’t turned back since.” 

Olson said there aren’t enough herpetologists, road ecologists or biologists to track the road mortality of turtles, so she hoped to use the power of community. With help from her software developer sister, O’Halloran, the pair created 

“This app is really for who we're calling the ‘conservation novice,’” Olson explained. 

TurtlTracker, which is currently in beta testing in Minnesota, allows users to track movement patterns and migration in addition to road mortality. With AI, the app will flag turtle hotspots, but Olson said exact locations won’t be shared with users to prioritize data security. 

The sisters hope to expand the app nationwide and are in the midst of creative fundraising to support it and keep it free for all users. 

The launch also comes at a time of heightened criticism around climate and conservation. 

“I think we are all sick of the negativity,” O’Halloran said. “We have noticed people want to make a difference, they just don’t know how. We feel we can use technology they are already familiar with in their everyday lives in a way that makes a significant difference.” 

“Anecdotally, the biggest thing I’ve been hearing is, you know, thank you for validating that this is an issue, and thank you for making me feel like I'm not crazy,” she said. 

More than 2,000 people turned out for a “Turtle Fest” on Sunday at French Regional Park in Plymouth. HerpMapper, TurtlTracker and Minnesota Zoo folks were on hand with educational activities and conservation tips. 

“I heard so many stories of people having turtle rescue kits in their cars, protecting nests in their own yard. It was really beautiful to see and fun to connect with the community,” Olson said. 

“Seeing the passion and hearing the individual stories was so powerful,” O’Halloran added. “We intend to use technology to centralize those efforts and collectively empower people to make a difference as a community.” 

 planned for July 13 at 56 Brewing, where the head brewer and environmental biologist will be serving a turtle-themed beer. 

“We’re either going to call it the ‘hoppy snapper’ or ‘slow and steady.’ So more to come,” Olson said. 

Cathy Wurzer

Host

Gracie  Stockton

Author

Turtle populations as a whole are declining, and roadway mortality is a significant factor, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Their natal homing instinct takes them across roadways and into the path of cars. 

Helping turtles cross the road? There’s an app for that, thanks to these Minnesota sisters

Go Deeper.

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