Turtles are seen in some mythologies as a symbol of creation, to others they represent longevity and wisdom.

Washington County Conservation invites you to learn more about these slow-moving creatures at the “Turtles: Secrets of the Shell” exhibit. This is a traveling exhibit created by the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in Dubuque, and is free of charge to view at the Conservation Education Center at Marr Park.

Naturalist Pam Holz talks about the exhibit, “So you can look at some real turtle shells and examine how they look like. We’ll have live turtles on display. I know we’ll for sure have the painted and softshell turtle. There is basically a huge shell you can crawl through to get the feel of what it’s like to have a shell on your back. We have a giant tortoise so you can have a picture while sitting on [it], and a nice little turtle statue that greets you as you walk in.”

The exhibit will be on display from now until the end of May and is available for viewing during center business hours or by request through naturalist programs. Holz will also be hosting a turtle program for preschoolers at 10 a.m. Saturday (3/10).