Fall is in the air and, hopefully, turtles have by now gone to a suitable location for their long winter’s nap. You may notice some empty signposts that previously held “turtle crossing” signs. The signs (and the turtles) will be back come spring.

Road-crossing turtles are typically females off to lay eggs, or hatchlings, heading for the relative safety of a pond. Thanks to the following for their part in helping alert drivers to the presence of turtles on Hopkinton roads.

— The Hopkinton Conservation Commission purchased 10 signs this spring.

— The Hopkinton DPW installed the posts under the watchful eye of Phil Schiloski.

— Additional aid in first installing the signs, or in their just completed removal, was provided by Sarah Minsk, Morrie Gasser, Duarte Eduardo and Craig Nation, who was accompanied by two of his worthy support staff.

— Ed Harrow, Hopkinton

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