DAILY HERALD (Arlington Heights, Illinois) 15 December 07 Algonquin Road gets new 'Turtle Crossing' signs (Amy Mack)
Photo at URL below: There's no missing the new sign along recently re-opened Algonquin Road near Lakewood Road. It seems these lanes are not just for cars.
Why did the Walgreens cross the road?
Because the turtles were in the way.
Why would those turtles now want to cross that same road?
No, it's not to get to the Walgreens.
But it is a good question.
If you've traveled the newly widened -- not to mention very fine -- Algonquin Road west of Randall Road, you may have spotted the new, vivid "Turtle Crossing" signs.
Don't worry. You aren't likely to see any turtles stopping traffic right now. But, thanks to a question from motorist Martha Michalak, I've learned you just might see some Blanding's Turtles buck traffic come May.
Those endangered turtles normally live in Exner Marsh near Lakewood Road. You may recall reading about how a 10-year-old boy fought to protect that habitat, prompting the Walgreens to build on the other side of Algonquin Road. The initial developer worked with environmental agencies and built artificial nesting sites to protect the turtles.
Despite those efforts, the turtles could still try to make their way across Algonquin Road to find mates, lay eggs, or seek food, said Sara Denham, manager of McHenry County's Wildlife Resource Center.
So the McHenry County Division of Transportation and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources agreed to post the warning signs.
If you happen to spot a turtle, definitely stop and -- if safe to do so -- help it finish crossing the road in the same direction it was headed. You can pick them up as long as you stay behind the head. "Anything with a mouth can bite," Sara warns.
The turtles are usually about 7 to 9 inches long and can live to be 70 years old if they can stay away from poachers ... and cars.
Algonquin Road gets new 'Turtle Crossing' signs