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