As the Volunteer Management Member for the Georgia Sea Turtle Center (GSTC), one of my duties is to assist the Center’s Volunteer Coordinator, Teddy Ivey, with interviewing our volunteer applicants.  Prior to conducting the interview, I review their application, a task that I find both enjoyable and uplifting.  I always look forward to the part of the application that asks, “why are you interested in volunteering at the GSTC?”, because what follows, more than not, brings a smile to my face and warmth to my heart.  Like me, many of our applicants have not only an interest in and love for turtles, but also a desire and drive to learn about, to protect, and to promote our natural world, as well as, to “give back”.  Not surprisingly, the majority of volunteer applicants select “turtle husbandry” as their “preferred assignment”, but many are also willing to do anything and everything to assist the GSTC in its operations and mission.   “I just want to help out in any way I can,” is a common answer and request.  That response always reminds me of a quote I know, “Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer” ~Author Unknown.  I am continually inspired and touched when I interview a volunteer applicant that is willing to drive from Jacksonville, Savannah, and even the Atlanta area to “volunteer” for us.  That dedication not only shows how wonderful our volunteers are but also how highly regarded the GSTC and its Volunteer Program is both within and beyond our coastal community.  With our Center’s Volunteer Appreciation Week starting today (same week as National Volunteer Week: April 18-24), I am really looking forward to showing our volunteers just how much they are appreciated not just for the hours they donate(over 14,000 hours to date!) to the Center, but also for their knowledge and skills they have shared with us, as well as, the enthusiasm and kindness they have showed us, our turtle patients, and Center visitors.  The Georgia Sea Turtle Center staff and volunteers have played a big role in making my time here an enjoyable, worthwhile, rewarding experience both on a professional and personal level, and for that I THANK them! 

If you are interested in volunteering for us, just click on www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org/join-us/volunteer to learn more and to complete our online volunteer application.   

Jennifer Breehl, GSTC Volunteer Management Member

Only 2 days left to cast your vote for your favorite Litter Critter!  We encourage our online visitors to view and vote for their favorite Litter Critter by visiting the 2010 Litter Critter Website by 5pm, April 16, 2010.

The winner will be announced this Saturday, April 17, 2010 at our Shell-e-brate Earth Day Event!

Don’t miss your chance to contribute to this trashy, turtle-riffic, contest!

~Alicia B. Marin, GSTC Education Coordinator

Join us as we Shell-e-brate Earth Day’s 40th birthday! Come to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center for recycled games, crafts and activities with a turtle twist!

The Georgia Conservancy and Right Whale Disentanglement Team will be on site for a whale of a time!

Peruse metal art by local artist Tyler Dominey

Get your copy of Trouble on the St. John’s River and have it signed by author Jane Wood

Find that sparkly something at Earthly Expressions Jewelry

Learn about wildfire safety with Jekyll Island FireWise

It’s sure to be a green event!

Free with general admission to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center

Adults $6, Children $4 (12 and under), Seniors $5

With the a new beach lighting ordinance soon to be in effect (amended in August 2008, grace period ends May 1, 2010), many Jekyll Islands residents and beachfront business owners came out for the 2010 “Sea Turtles and Lights” workshop held at the Jekyll Island Convention Center on March 17, 2010. Many approved turtle-friendly lighting distributors were in attendance to display their approved products and spread the word about wildlife-friendly lighting.

After Eric Garvey, Senior Director of Marketing, welcomed the participants, Dr. Terry Norton, GSTC Director and Veterinarian, kicked off the workshop with a presentation about the Georgia Sea Turtle Center; what it is, what we are all about, and what we’ve accomplished in 3 very short years. Next Mark Dodd, GADNR Sea Turtle Program Coordinator, brought us up to speed on sea turtle natural history and the research conducted on the Sidney Lanier Bridge’s turtle-friendly lighting.  To wrap up the program, GSTC Marine Field Programs Coordinator, Stefanie Ouellette, gave a educational presentation on understanding lights,how lights effect sea turtles and answered the question: What is a turtle-friendly light?

After the presentations wrapped up and all questions were answered, manufacturers/vendors from Wildlife Lighting LLC, Electro Elf, Acclaim Lighting, The Coppersmith, and Justice Design Group displayed their state-of-the-art, approved turtle-friendly products in eye-catching exhibits for the participants.

A few other manufacturers/vendors (Turtle Safe Lighting, Starry Night Lights, the Lighting Science Group and Eco Smart)  were unable to attend in person, but they did send us some sample products prior to the workshop to display.

You can find LINKS to these companies on our website, as well as many other links that might be helpful or interesting to you!  You can also visit our BEACH LIGHTING page on our website to learn and understand more about sea turtles and lights.

As successful as this workshop was, we are sure we can make the next one even better! Stay tuned for information regarding our next workshop coming up this summer…..

Sincerely,

The 2010 Sea Turtle Patrol Team

This January there was a large cold stunning event in Florida during which approximately 5,000 turtles were stranded. Some of those turtles came here to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.

(Photo courtesy of Florida Fish & Wildlife)

Among them were Fria, Titimela, and Boreous. All three were green sea turtles and their names mean ‘cold’ in foreign languages. Fria and Titimela were juveniles from Indian River Lagoon, FL and Boreous was a sub-adult from Eddy Creek,FL.

On an absolutely beautiful March 24^th day, part of the GSTC staff and AmeriCorps Members made the four hour drive down to Mosquito Lagoon on the Cape Canaveral National Seashore in Florida to release these three. The turtles were placed in foam-padded tubs and transported in the back of GSTC van.

Boreous on his way to the water.

Boreous, the first to go, was placed on the sand a few feet from the shore. He immediately made his way to the water and swam off.

Titimela taking a breath.

Titimela and Fria were placed in the water. Fria took off right away, while Titimela swam a few small circles before venturing off into deeper water. The team watched from the edge of the water, as the turtles each came up to breathe, until they were all out of sight.

Jessica carrying Fria to the water.

The day was complete and all three turtles had made it to the sea. It was an amazing event filled with lots of pictures and smiles. Although it was bittersweet to see them go, we know they are better off swimming in the open ocean where they are free to roam the waters. We wish them all the best in their travels.

(From L to R) Rachel, Steven, Jessica, Elissa, Chrissy, Renee, Lisa, Christina, Joseph

Keep checking back on our website and BLOG for information on upcoming releases!

Sincerely,

The GSTC Staff