This one was lucky. But unfortunately, a lot of turtles don’t end up reaching their destination. “May and June are very busy months for turtles. They emerge from hibernation and begin their search for mates and nesting areas,” said Marisa Nelson, Program Director at Quogue Wildlife Refuge.

In the spirit of World Turtle Day (May 23rd) which was started in 2000 by the American Tortoise Rescue, the Quogue Wildlife Refuge is offering a free educational program for children (5-12 yrs) in which kids will meet a variety of turtles and tortoises.

Since 1934, the Quogue Wildlife Refuge has been a nature preserve that is home to diverse wildlife. The refuge sits on a 305-acre of protected land, with over seven miles of trails to explore while enjoying the diverse habitat.

As I took a walk on one of these trails with Marisa Nelson she pointed the trail along the fence where turtles are usually seen as they make their way towards the pond. “Easter box turtles and freshwater pond turtles are very common in this area of Long Island. However, eastern box turtles are species of special concern,” Nelson said.

Box turtles are most famous for their ability to retract into their shell when sensing danger. Even though the shell protects them from many predators, it does not protect them against cars and trucks.

"These long-lived reptiles do not travel far and usually live within an area less than one acre. The coloring on their shells can range from orange to yellowish patters. Generally males have red eyes and slightly concave plastron, while females have brown eyes and a plastron that is flat," Nelson said.

If you are lucky enough to find a turtle in your garden try not to disturb it. “People will find a turtle in their backyard and bring it to us thinking that the turtle will be better off at the Wildlife. It’s very important not to move the turtle out of its habitat,” Nelson said.

Habitat destruction, illegal pet trade and road kills are just some of the threats that have led to the decline in population of these fascinating creatures.

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"Sea turtles are somewhat similar to their land cousins - box turtles - and both species lay their eggs on land. But unlike box turtles, sea turtles’ head and flippers are exposed and they never have more than two nails," said Kimberly Durham, a biologist and rescue program director at the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation.