Every year, turtles venture from the Hackensack River across Western Highway in the Blauvelt/West Nyack area to lay eggs – a dangerous trek that requires some human help.

That’s where volunteers from the Turtles of Western Highway step in. They are a division of the Hudson Valley Humane Society that patrols the road to keep the shelled creatures safe by slowing drivers down.

"I'm a big animal guy. I enjoy helping animals, working with animals. And lately, I've been really pushing myself [to] pay it forward," said Patrick Amato, of Nanuet.

Amato, and his wife Karen, are first-time volunteers with the conservation effort that has been helping the reptiles for more than a decade.

The group told News 12 that they have helped three turtles since Saturday.

"A turtle is not going to run from a car if it approaches. It really is up to people driving cars to look for them four weeks out of the year and literally, give them a brake," said Carolyn Hill, one of the group’s leaders.

Hill met with other allies of the species on World Turtle Day, such as Rockland County Executive Ed Day and other county officials.

"Anyone can protect turtles anywhere. It's a matter really of community awareness and public awareness,” she said. 

Turtles of Western Highway Facebook