Protecting Nesting Sea Turtles in Volusia and Flagler Counties, Florida.
2018 Turtle Nesting Season:
4 months down, 1 to go!
September 1, 2018
Wow. The summer has gone quickly! The official turtle nesting season for our area is May 1 through September 30, so we've got one month to go! Mama turtles are still coming to shore and we're marking their nests, baby turtles are emerging and headed for the ocean, and we're doing nest cleanings to evaluate the nests that have already hatched.
As a friendly reminder, please DO NOT disturb any turtle nests on the beach... both those recently laid and those which look as if baby turtles have already emerged. As part of our mission to protect sea turtles, we perform "nest cleanings." During this process we evaluate nests that have hatched and record information such as the number of eggs laid, the number of eggs that hatched vs. didn't hatch, etc. Occasionally we find baby turtles still in the nests and can determine if they require medical assistance or can be released immediately. All of this information is combined with information from other turtle nesting sites around the globe to provide a more accurate picture of nesting behavior and hatchling emergence. The more information we have, the better we can protect the sea turtles :)
As a friendly reminder, please DO NOT disturb any turtle nests on the beach... both those recently laid and those which look as if baby turtles have already emerged. As part of our mission to protect sea turtles, we perform "nest cleanings." During this process we evaluate nests that have hatched and record information such as the number of eggs laid, the number of eggs that hatched vs. didn't hatch, etc. Occasionally we find baby turtles still in the nests and can determine if they require medical assistance or can be released immediately. All of this information is combined with information from other turtle nesting sites around the globe to provide a more accurate picture of nesting behavior and hatchling emergence. The more information we have, the better we can protect the sea turtles :)
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With the above info in mind, feel free to watch the video (on right) of one of our favorite volunteers performing a nest cleaning. And remember... look, but don't touch! :)
~ The Volusia/Flagler Turtle Patrol |
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We've got 2 Summer Fundraisers underway!
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Summer Fundraiser #1
Lights Out Coffee Blend Steel Oak Coffee, a small-batch coffee roastery in Ormond Beach, is raising funds for the Volusia/Flagler Turtle Patrol this summer by donating $1 per bag of their new summer blend. They have named the blend Lights Out to raise local awareness about sea turtle nesting season and hatchling success. Lights Out is a unique blend of coffees from Colombia, Brazil and Indonesia and it will only be available during sea turtle nesting season. |
Summer Fundraiser #2
Sea Turtle Painting on Reclaimed Wood Raffle The original turtle painting for the summer seasonal coffee blend (Summer Fundraiser #1), LIGHTS OUT, by Thays Franca will be raffled off at the Thays Art Gallery & Studio on Saturday, September 29th. Profits from the sale of the raffle will go to the Volusia/Flagler Turtle Patrol. You don’t have to be present to win, but all ticket holders are invited to the live raffle event. |
If you come across a nesting sea turtle on our beaches, please keep your distance and do not disturb her.
She may become spooked and return to the water before laying her eggs.
If you find a sick or injured sea turtle, please do not place it back in the water.
Call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922) for assistance.
She may become spooked and return to the water before laying her eggs.
If you find a sick or injured sea turtle, please do not place it back in the water.
Call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922) for assistance.
FLORIDA SEA TURTLES
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There are 5 species of sea turtles found along Florida's Beaches.
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LOGGERHEADThe Loggerhead Turtle is the most common turtle on our beaches. She is named for her immense, block-like head and strong jaws.
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LEATHERBACKThe Leatherback Turtle is the largest turtle. She has a leathery shell, can reach up to 7 feet in length and weigh up to 1,500 pounds.
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GREENThe Green Turtle gets her name from the color of her fat. She is an herbivore, eating plants, sea grasses,
and algae. |
HAWKSBILLThe Hawksbill Turtle has a beautiful, distinct carapace (shell). It is tortoiseshell in color and almost heart-shaped.
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KEMP'S RIDLEYThe Kemp's Ridley is the most endangered sea turtle in the world. She is relatively small, weighing less than 100 pounds.
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