Over 40 turtles were rescued from a dying Pennsylvania lake in 2025; now, after a massive cleanup, they’re finally returning to the water they once called home

In a notable restoration project, Crystal Lake in Pennsylvania faced pollution and sediment challenges. While draining the lake, residents discovered numerous deceased animals and took action to rescue surviving turtles. Aark Wildlife Rehabilitation stepped in to incubate turtle eggs and care for adult turtles, leading to the successful reintroduction of 49 musk turtles into their habitat on September 27, 2026.