Turtle Walks and Hatchling Release
Summer 2009
Moonlight, Sea Turtles and You! Museum of Discovery and Science
401 SW 2nd St., Fort Lauderdale, 954-713-0930
Every Tuesday-Thursday in June & July (except June 18) starting June 9 through July 15, 2009.
9pm to approximately 1am
$18 for non-members, reservations required.
The whole family can participate in an evening of discovery while uncovering the natural history and myths of turtles. Adventure begins at 9pm at the museum with an informative hands-on session about turtles (land, fresh water and salt water) with an expanded focus on sea turtles. Answers to questions about nesting, threats, conservation, and find out if sea turtle tears are a result of sadness. The adventure continues on the beach where expert guides will lead you to the nesting grounds. Nature permitting, participants will have a chance to watch a 400-pound Loggerhead sea turtle venture out of the ocean to lay her eggs. Be prepared to walk one to two miles. Transportation and snacks not provided.
Sea Turtle Awareness Program
John U. Lloyd Beach State Park
6503 N. Ocean Dr., Dania Beach, 954-923-2833
Every Friday in June and July 2009
9pm
Park Entrance Fee: single car occupant $3, two to eight in a car $5, nine or more add $1 per person. No extra charge with park entrance fee. Reservations required.
Meet around a campfire at the Seagrape Pavilion and learn about the existence of sea turtles in the past, present and future. Participants will be greeted by a friendly Park Ranger and will be allowed to browse through an assortment of sea turtle displays. Informational brochures will also be available. Program includes a Ranger talk and a 20-minute presentation followed by a question and answer period. While the program is going on, a scout will set out in search of a nesting Loggerhead sea turtle. A beach walk may be conducted only in accordance with guidelines established by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Park Service.
Sea Turtles Releasing of Hatchlings
Anne Kolb Nature Center at West Lake Park
751 Sheridan St., Hollywood, 954-926-2480
Every Wednesday & Friday starting July 8 through September 4, 2009
8pm-9:30pm
$5 per person, reservations required.
Featuring a one-hour slide presentation and lecture covering species of sea turtles found in S. Florida, habitat, breeding and nesting, identification of crawls and nests, conservation efforts, past exploitation, current management, and problems now facing sea turtles. Immediately after presentation there is a releasing of hatchlings on Hollywood Beach.
5 Ways to Save Sea Turtles
Sea turtle nesting season is underway on Greater Fort Lauderdale's beaches -- and these ancient mariners need all the help they can get. Although nearly 90 percent of sea turtle nesting in the U.S. occurs in Florida, over the last decade nesting rates in the state have dropped more than 40 percent for the loggerhead turtle. From May through October these creatures will return to their home beaches to lay eggs. Greater Fort Lauderdale's coastal residents and beach visitors can help sea turtles during the nesting season by keeping beaches clean, being aware of nesting sites and reducing artificial lighting near beaches that can distract and confuse mothers and hatchlings and lead to their death.
1. Turn Out Lights Visible From the Beach!
Sea turtle hatchlings use light and reflections from the moon to find their way to the water at night. Artificial lighting confuses the hatchlings and causes them to head inland instead of out to sea - putting them in dangerous situations which can lead to death. Artificial lights also discourage adult females from nesting on the beach. Short of turning off your lights, you can also take measures to shield, redirect and lower the intensity of the lights on your property.
2. Reduce the Amount of Garbage You Produce and Clean Up Trash You See On the Beach.
Sea turtles can become tangled in plastic and trash both on the shore and in the water. Discarded items such as fishing lines, balloons and plastic bags may also be confused for food and eaten by sea turtles, often resulting in injury or death.
3. Be Aware of Sea Turtle Nesting Areas and Avoid Nesting and Hatching Turtles.
Sea turtles are cute, and therefore tempting to touch and observe - but flashlights and people disturb turtles when they are nesting, or trying to nest, on the beach. Make sure to give nesting areas plenty of space, and do not disturb females as they emerge from the ocean looking for a place to nest. Also be conscious of where nesting areas are so that you can avoid trampling the hatchlings as they head to the water.
4. Reduce the Amount of Chemicals You Use.
The chemicals you use on your lawn and in your home can actually wash into the coastal waters - killing plants and animals. It is very important to properly dispose of toxic chemicals and, even better, find alternative products such as biodegradable solutions.
5. Volunteer!
There are countless ways in which you can make a positive difference in the lives of sea turtles. Organize a clean-up day with your friends and clear the beach of litter, give a presentation to your neighborhood or local school on things they can do to save sea turtles, and most importantly, talk to others about what they can do to make sure they are not putting these important creatures in danger.
