That’s right, we are planning a sea turtle release tomorrow, Wednesday 4/29, on Jekyll Island, GA! Sorry for the last minute notice, but we just found our ourselves! This release will another cooperative effort between the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and the New England Aquarium (Boston, MA).

Many of you might remember last winter (2007) when we received 7 cold-stunned sea turtles from the New England Aquarium (NEAq); 5 of those 7 were released last summer.

Cruella de Vil

Cruella de Vil (pictured LEFT) and Tinkerbell had some extenuating circumstances that required them to remain in our care a bit longer. While Tinkerbell will still need to stay for a little longer, we are happy to announce that Cruella is now ready for release!

The NEAq will be driving down to Jekyll on Wednesday, April 29, 2009 with 7-9 sea turtles (mixed species: loggerhead, green, kemps) for release….and Cruella will be joining them! Unfortunately we do not have a lot of details, especially in relation to the time of the release.  The NEAq folks will be calling us from the road when they have a better idea of their arrival time.  For now, we are looking at some time in the late afternoon (after 3pm).  The release will take place on the north corner of the Convention Center (area will be marked off).

We are happy to once again work in a cooperative effort with the New England Aquarium. 

Hope to see you all at the release!

Sincerely,
Stefanie Ouellette
Marine Field Programs Coordinator

Earth Day is celebrated on April 22^nd each calendar year, but The Georgia Sea Turtle Center celebrated a little early at the Jekyll Island Mother Nature Festival this past Saturday! Over 550 guests visited the Center and children of all ages participated in earth-friendly games and recycled crafts on the front lawn. Many popular crafts and activities from 2008 made repeat appearances including the Recycle Toss, Handmade paper, the Styrofoam Plate Press, Wearable Paper Bag Carapaces and a Recycled Journal decorating station.    

So what’s new? The Jekyll Island Garden Club gave seedlings a head start at the Sunflower Seed Planting Station and the more adventurous at heart created an edible cup filled with dirt, worms and top soil!

 (Actually chocolate pudding, gummy worms and oreo crumbles) 

Live animals wowed the crowd, including  Diamondback Terrapin hatchlings from the GSTC’s Conservation Project and a box turtle, corn snake and young alligator from the Jekyll 4-H Center! 

Of course, not all the fun was had by the younger crowd. A number of vendors and exhibitors showcased their eco-friendly products, services and crafts along the surrounding sidewalks.  A silent auction of nature-themed items donated by vendors and supporters gave the adults something to peruse. The 23 items helped raise nearly $1000 dollars for the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. We really appreciate your sea-port!

 And what would a festival be without food? Food for all was served consciously on biodegradable cups and plates including a vegetarian  grilled pineapple sandwich with cream cheese!

For the first time, Scute’s Scribblers made their debut among many earth inspiring feature items in the GSTC gift shop. At Shell-e-brate Earth Day 2008, the GSTC Education staff began collecting used and broken crayons donations from surrounding schools and restaurants.  One year later, 80 pounds of petroleum based unusable crayons have been given a second go-round as recycled sea turtle shaped crayons! Crayons are sold individually in eight different colors or in a 5 pack box that any child would love. Proceeds from this project go to support Scute’s Scholarship Fund, a program providing Georgia Sea Turtle Center field trip experiences for local schools.

And who is Scute, you ask? Why he’s the Georgia Sea Turtle Center’s Loggerhead Mascot! This was Scute’s first Earth Day festival and what a great time he had visiting with the young and young at heart. 

If you missed this year’s event, mark your calendar for April 2010. Keep checking our blog for upcoming event details for our next big event - Nest Fest 2009!

~Kelly O’Keefe, Educator

Hey kids!  Are you looking for a fun and educational way to spend your summer?  Join the GSTC Education Staff for our first annual Sea Turtle Camp!  Click the image below to see a full size view.

Registration is required and space is limited.  To download the Sea Turtle Camp Registration Form please click here.   

Hope to see you there for Turtle-riffic good time!

~Alicia Marin

GSTC Education Coordinator

That’s right, YOU can now adopt BETTY and/or AUSSIE (as an Option #1 adoption)…but only for a limited time!

BETTY

AUSSIE

We are hoping to potentially release them very soon, in mid-May (although this is not definite or confirmed just yet).  If we do get confirmation of their release for mid-May, then they will be removed from Option #1 adoption eligibilty as of May 1, 2009.  We are hoping to have a satellite transmitter to attach to each one’s shell prior to their release (we usually do this a few days in advance of the release to give the turtle time to adjust) so we (and you!) can track their journey once they get back to the big blue sea.  After their release, Betty and Aussie will be once again eligible for adoption, but as an Option #2.

When we release a turtle with a satellite transmitter, we continue to have costs associated with that turtle.  We have to pay for satellite time and data management for as long as that turtle’s transmitter keeps sending signals.  Option #2 adoptions are very important because they help us pay for these services.

We will do our best to provide any updated information we have regarding Betty and Aussie’s pending release on our BLOG, as it becomes available.  Adoptions can be purchased over the phone (912-635-4444), in person, or through our on-line store.  Please visit our website for more information about Betty and other adoptable turtles!

An adoption is an easy way to support the GSTC no matter where you live, a unique gift for a loved one, or a fun, educational class project…so adopt a turtle today!

Sincerely,
Stefanie Ouellette
Marine Field Programs Coordinator

On April 25, 2009 The Tybee Island Sea Turtle Project will be hosting the 5th annual Turtle Trot, a 5K Beach Run on Tybee Island, GA.  This fundraising event is to help support the Tybee Island Sea Turtle Project and kick-off the nesting season (which officially begins May 1)! Please use this link www.tybeeturtletrot.net to view the flyer for more information including times, cost, location, etc.

Following the race (~10-10:30am), in a collaborative effort between the Tybee Island Marine Science Center and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center (GSTC), 2 loggerhead sea turtles from the GSTC will be released*: Snowball and Blizzard.  The release is open to the public and will take place on the beach in front of (or near) the Tybee Island Marine Science Center.

Both of these turtles came to us from North Carolina in what we believe was a ‘cold stunning’ event.  What is ‘cold stunning’? Glad you asked! Turtles are ectothermic (used to be called cold-blooded). When they get into cold water suddenly (usually less than 50 F), they become comatose because all their bodily functions depend on external temperatures. This causes them to strand and also reduces their immune system so they often have a number of secondary problems such as fungal pneumonia and bone infections.

Snowball and Blizzard will each have a satellite transmitter attached to their carapace (shell) prior to release, tentatively set to occur on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at the GSTC at approximately 10am.  If you want to see this procedure, come on down to the GSTC for the day (admission fees apply).

*Please note that all releases are tentative and subject to change at any time (date, time or location), for any reason.

Hope to see you there!

Sincerely,
Stefanie Ouellette
Marine Field Programs Coordinator

Ever wonder what other organizations are involved in conservation efforts around the world and with other sea turtle species? The WILD Foundation - A Voice for Wilderness is one such organization.  WILD was founded in 1974 and is the only international organization dedicated entirely and explicitly to wilderness protection around the world.  The are involved in the conservation of olive ridley sea turtles along the Orissa coast. Find out more about their efforts by clicking on this link: http://www.wild.org/field-projects/endangered-olive-ridley-turtles/

You can check out other projects and organizations that we support on our LINKS page on our website!

Sincerely,
Stefanie Ouellette
Marine Field Programs Coordinator

All CREATURES Great & Small…come to the Blessing & Parade of Animals THIS SATURDAY, Apri 4!  2, 4 & no legged creatures WELCOME!!!

The event will take place at the Historic Jekyll Island Circle of Oakes. 10am=Blessing and 11am=Parade.  Here’s a program of events and attendees:

• Celebration Gran Marshall & Master of Ceremonies
• Therapy Dogs of Glynn Cooridinator–Hank Fahl
• Canie Corp Host & Hostesses with Glynn County Trainer–Officer Brian Falk
• Jekyll Island Fire Truck for Critter & Human Water–Captain Dave Smith & Staff
• Glynn County Animal Services–Director Beverly Morris
• Fun - Fun - Fun
• PRIZES for Best Dressed Critter!
• Gathering MUSIC - M U S I C !
• Jekyll & Glynn Clergy

Event sponsored by WeDo Animal CARE & Therapy Dogs of Glynn.  Please call 912-634-9527 for questions/information.

Sincerely,
Stefanie Ouellette
Marine Field Programs Coordinator

Jekyll Island is slowly coming back to life after a long, sleepy winter. If you’ve got Spring fever like we do, mark your calendar for Saturday, April 18 from 10am to 4pm.  You’ll want to join us for the Jekyll Island Mother Nature Festival at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center!

In 2008, the GSTC debuted it’s first annual Shell-e-brate Earth Day family festival. Over 550 people took part in the green shell-e-bration.  This year, it has blossomed into an island-wide event! Join us for a day of eco-fun and earth friendliness as we create recycled crafts like Styrofoam plate press animal art, make your own handmade paper, decorate a recycled sea turtle journal or color a wearable paper bag carapace. Taste a yummy dirt cup creation, visit with diamondback terrapin hatchlings and have your photo taken with Scute, the Loggerhead sea turtle mascot!  And be sure to visit our vendor expo featuring organizations with earth-friendly creations, products and services.

But who says that kids have to have all the fun? The week of April 13^th -17^th, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center will be hosting its Citizen Science Workshop & Lecture series.  Five guest speakers will present on topics ranging from honeybees & vermicomposting to organic gardening & cooking. Also, new for 2009 is our Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Regift silent auction! Gifted but never used nature-themed items will go home with the highest bidder the day of the event. All proceeds go to benefit continuing efforts of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Have something you’d like to donate? Click here to download the auction donation form.

Several outdoor excursions and activities will be taking place around Jekyll Island, including kite demonstrations, a fishing derby at Rixen pond, bicycle rentals, horseback riding and eco-tours with Captain Phillip. Check out www.jekyllisland.com/mothernaturefestival for a complete listing and excursion reservations.

Sea you there!

~Kelly O’Keefe, Educator