Meet the woman who saved the snapping turtles

Carolyn Hill received the 27th annual Rockland County Executive’s Outstanding Environmental Volunteer Award during a ceremony at Kennedy Dells County Park in New City.

Hill, a wildlife rehabilitator, founded The Turtles of Western Highway, a nonprofit affiliated with the Hudson Valley Humane Society, to protect snapping turtles during their annual migration across busy Western Highway in West Nyack.

After witnessing many turtles being killed by speeding cars, Hill began by putting up handmade signs urging drivers to slow down. Her efforts have since expanded into a volunteer organization that repairs fencing to prevent turtles from crossing the road, builds nesting mounds, patrols the area and transports injured turtles for care. Thanks to Hill's work, the local snapping turtle population has been preserved.

“It takes a village," stated Hill. "There really is strength in unity and I’m so thankful that our community came together to support an effort like this, and I can honestly say because this community made this happen, I feel strongly that I can stand here and say I receive this award on behalf of all volunteers, community leaders and local businesses that make this possible.”

A Dogwood tree was planted in her honor at Kennedy Dells County Park.

County Executive Ed Day called Hill "a hero and champion for the environment for years."

 Day noted that the county had helped Hill's organization by putting up turtle crossing signs, which "showed the people of this county that we were serious about protecting all things big and small and that we understand the importance of the ecology in our county.”

Day and Division of Environmental Resources Director Kevin McGuinness presented the award to Hill during the ceremony.

Robert Brum is a freelance journalist who writes about the Hudson Valley. Contact him and read his work at robertbrum.com.