May 10
It’s hard to believe, but nesting season is almost here! One of our many exciting summer programs will help you to understand the wonder that is loggerhead sea turtle nesting. To make things a little easier, I’ll explain the who, what, when, where, and why of turtle walks.
What: During a turtle walk we take a group of no more than 25 individuals out onto the beach following a 30 minute power point presentation. We will look for shells, discuss the ecology of the island, and do a few fun activities while looking for our nesting females. While we can’t gaurantee we’ll find a turtle, we’ll do our best!
Who: You will be guided by one of our trained staff or volunteers who are all excited to share their knowledge with each of you! Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult and all children must be at least 4 years old to attend.
When: Turtle walks will begin June 1st and run every night until July 31st. We will not have walks on July 4th as the island has many other events you will want to attend! Each night there will be two walks. The first will begin at 8:30 p.m. and the second at 9:30 p.m. Each walk will last somewhere between 1 hr and 30 min – 2 hours. Reservations are required.
Where: You walk will begin at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center for a 30 minute power point presentation on Georgia’s Sea Turtles. From there you will take your own car to one of Jekyll’s beaches to begin your walk.
Why: Because they are fun, educational, and memorable! Even if we are unable to find a nesting female during your walk, you will hopefully still learn a lot about the fragile Georgia coast. And afterward, you will know the proper way to come across turtles at night!
Cost:
$12/person (non-member price)
$6/person (member price)
**Price does not include general admission to the GSTC**
Please call 912-635-4444 to make a reservation
May 06
Every year AmeriCorps member nationwide participate in a special week known as AmeriCorps week. During this time members do a service project that is “off the beaten path” from their daily routine and celebrate AmeriCorps and what it means to them. This year the 2009-2010 AmeriCorps GSTC team decided to “get things done” to help the people of Haiti and other countries struck by natural disasters for their service project. Members also wanted to show off their team spirit by creating a member wall in the exhibit gallery.
With these decisions made it was time to start the planning! The GSTC team found a great opportunity for service with nearly MAP International.
MAP International is a global nonprofit with the mission to promote the total health of people living in the world’s poorest communities by partnering to: provide essential medicine, promote community development and prevent and mitigate disease, disaster and other health areas. MAP International has its headquarters here in Brunswick and frequently accepts volunteers to assist in packaging medical boxes to be shipped throughout the world.
On the morning of May 5th, the AmeriCorps GSTC team was joined by Rick Sooy, a AmeriCorps VISTA member serving in Camden County and started their service with MAP. After an orientation and tour of the warehouse the team set out to package oral rehydration packets that would later be included in the larger medical kits. The work went quickly and after what seemed like just a few laughs it was finished!
The AmeriCorps Week project was a great chance for members from all departments to spend some time together “outside of the bubble” and learn about new fun ways they can impact the world. At the end of the week members will be creating their member wall which will highlight the national diversity of the GSTC program. Stop by to check it out and join the GSTC team in thanking the members for their hard work!
~Jeannie Miller AmeriCorps Coordinator
May 04
April 24th marked the 6th annual Marine Science Center‘s Turtle Trot up on Tybee Island, GA and the second year in a row that the GSTC team was there to release some of our sea turtle patients back to the ocean. This year we were saying goodbye and good luck to Kera and Mr. Hyde. Both are sub-adult loggerheads who came to us from North Carolina as cold-stun patients (see April 20th blog for more information!). After a few months of care by the GSTC staff, Kera and Mr. Hyde were ready to go.
Mr. Hyde returning to his home
Before being released and in addition to flipper tags and a PIT tag, both Kera and Mr. Hyde had satellite transmitters placed on their carapace. This allows us to track their travels during the first few weeks of their return home. Check our website for more information if you would like to follow these turtles as well.
Kera ready to return home
The Turtle Trot race started off the day bright and early at 8:30am. The GSTC Education Staff was there with a booth about the center and some turtle specimens for participants and onlookers to enjoy. Scute, the GSTC mascot, made a guest appearance greeting the runners and families as they came off the beach. The turtles arrived on Tybee in the GSTC van around 9:30 am. As the race concluded, many of the runners and other participants gathered on the beach to see our turtles off. Mr. Hyde was released first, followed by Kera. In front of a large crowd, both turtles made their way into the water. As everyone watched, we could see them surface for air a few times while they swam further into the ocean.
Kelly and Elissa Educating the Public
It was exciting to see so many people come out for another successful release. Thank you to all who participated, and remember to check back for details on upcoming releases.
GSTC Staff at Tybee Turtle Trot Release
Sincerely,
Elissa Monahan and Heather McCarn
AmeriCorps Sea Turtle Night Patrol Members
PS Kera and Mr. Hyde will be eligible for adoption as Option #2 soon! Keep an eye on the website!
May 01
Hello Turtle Enthusiasts!
Here at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, we think learning is important for kids of all ages. One way we boost the visitors’ experience is by use of crafts. Therefore, we established a program known as Turtle Tales. On Saturday mornings at 10:30 a.m., we read a children’s book (about turtles) and create a related craft. Then, they can take their craft home with them as a means of remembering one concept or fact they learned while here.
Let me give you an example. The month of February included Valentine’s Day. Our craft was so popular, I couldn’t keep up with the demand. Supplies ran out, and I looked for a quick replacement. Luckily, we had created a get well card as a kind gesture to give sick or injured staff and volunteers.
However, we are a sea turtle hospital. I felt it was appropriate for patrons to make cards for our turtle patients. Again, guests could bring these cards home as a way of remembering their favorite patients. Many people left their cards on our wall, which created a heartfelt display honoring and highlighting some of our patients. These were some of my favorites!
Thank you for sharing!
Amanda Noble
AmeriCorps Education Member
