Press release
Genesee County, NY — Genesee County Parks, Recreation & Forestry and the Genesee County ACORNS
invite the community to celebrate Ruby the Turtle and her brand-new indoor habitat at the Genesee
County Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center.
The Ruby the Turtle Housewarming Celebration will be held on Friday, June 26, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the
Interpretive Nature Center in the Genesee County Park & Forest, located at 11095 Bethany Center Rd,
Bethany, NY.
Ruby has lived at the Interpretive Nature Center since 2013 and has become a familiar favorite for
students, families, and park visitors. Over the years, she has helped inspire thousands of visitors to learn
more about wildlife, conservation, and the importance of being good stewards of the environment.
In 2025, the ACORNS, a non-profit volunteer support group for the park, held a fundraiser to help create
a new indoor habitat for Ruby. Thanks to the generosity of community members, local businesses,
volunteers, and supporters, Ruby’s new home includes more space, a larger tank where visitors can
watch her swim, and an enhanced filtration system to help keep her habitat clean and healthy.
Throughout the year, Genesee County Parks staff and volunteers have worked to build Ruby’s new
habitat and help her adjust to her updated home. The Housewarming Celebration will give visitors the
chance to see the completed project and recognize the many people and businesses who donated time,
funding, supplies, and support to make it possible.
The event will begin at 4 p.m. with an open house where visitors can view Ruby’s new turtle tank. Enjoy
family-friendly activities, including face painting and a turtle craft, along with a door prize raffle for all
who attend.
Ruby’s new habitat is an exciting update for the Nature Center and will continue to support
environmental education for students, families, and visitors for years to come.
For more information, visit geneseeny.gov/ruby-housewarming or call 585-344-112