As summer comes to an end, so does much of the busyness that seems to accompany it. If you are looking for something new, fun and fulfilling to fill your “free time” with during the fall and winter months and…

• enjoy interacting with and meeting new people
• are looking to further your knowledge and skills in turtle conservation
• are wanting to “give back” in the way of your time and talents
• have celebrated your 16 birthday
• are able to commit 8 hours per month, 3 months per year

Then the Georgia Sea Turtle Center Volunteer Program is for YOU! We have volunteer opportunities in our Education, Husbandry, Research, and Gift Shop Departments. For detailed descriptions of volunteer position requirements, responsibilities, and benefits, please visit www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org/join-us/volunteer. Our on-line volunteer application, found at the above website, must be submitted by September 8 in order to register for September’s two-day Volunteer Orientation Session on 9/11 & 9/18, 9:00am-1:00pm @ the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.

Have a great start to September!  Jenn Breehl, Volunteer Management Member

Phil, a juvenile Kemp’s Ridley turtle, swam out to deep water Friday, August 27, 2010. It was found with a fishing line wound around its neck. After a rehabilitative stay at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Phil was ready to be released. AmeriCorps members who will finish their work on the end of the month celebrated its swimming away.

Phil’s Release video (click here)

Sea Turtle Conservation presentation by DNR Wildlife Biologist Mark Dodd

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Friday, September 10^th, 7PM-8PM.

This free public program is part of the 10^th Anniversary Celebration of the State Wildlife Grants. The State Wildlife Grants have been a primary source of funds to protect species diversity and conserve wildlife and their habitats — before they become too rare and more costly to protect. DNR Wildlife Biologist Mark Dodd will talk about sea turtle conservation.

All five species of Georgia’s sea turtles are either threatened or endangered. In response, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and the DNR Wildlife Resources Division work collaboratively for sea turtle conservation. Stranded turtles found on Georgia beaches or in the water are usually picked up by Georgia DNR non-game biologists. Then the Georgia Sea Turtle Center provides state-of-the-art emergency care to these sick and injured sea turtles. In addition, the Center studies loggerhead sea turtle nests and beach conservation issues. Both the Center’s Director and Veterinarian Terry Norton and DNR Wildlife Biologist Mark Dodd have participated in the Gulf oil spill rehabilitation efforts.

This program is co-sponsored by the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island and the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division. No pre-registration is required. Jekyll Island requires a $5 per car parking fee (unless you have an annual decal). Parking is free at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on 214 Stable Road, Jekyll Island, Georgia 31527. For more information, contact the Georgia Sea Turtle Center at (912) 635-4076.

Stone Gossard, drummer of Pearl Jam, wrote an article in the S.W.O.T. (State of the World’s Turtles) report. He claimed that rock stars are like conservationists. Both types of people truly become their jobs…partly because their jobs require such dedication and introspection…partly because of the charisma of the individual. It’s interesting to ponder the idea that conservationists are rocks stars and role models of their field. Their two-part commitment can transform these individuals into more harmonious people.

Like musicians, not all conservationists are mainstream, by which I mean recognized on a national or global level. Notice, I did not add appreciated for quality of work in that definition. I speculated that maybe that is why the Grammy Awards occur. How would conservationists react if an equivalent award were to be created for them? Hmm.

Here’s a concept: mainstream musicians and conservationists are charged with the challenge of maintaining a positive role model presence for their peers and for, theoretically, the world. For those rock stars within their field, I have created the Roll Model Award as a means of honoring individuals who fit the criteria.

The Roll Model Award (Roll Model Award Crafter’s Guide) serves as a reminder of the responsibility of a metaphorical rock star. A positive role model is aware of the way in which he or she influences the behaviors or even emotions of other individuals. A skilled rock star can choose to control certain behaviors – possibly reactions – of others. This is achieved through experience and a genuine notion of humanity.

What I find truly intriguing is that both rocks stars and conservationists can seem super-human…intangible, different from everyday life. The irony I have witnessed and experienced is that pure humanity (qualities or characteristics that are distinctly human, like compassion for others) makes the conservationist a metaphorical rock star and certainly a role model. A conservationist redefines the term environmental stewardship, just as rock n’ roll tangibly changed music.

Here, at The Georgia Sea Turtle Center, we strive to make a difference.

Will you be a positive part of history?

The way you define yourself within your job helps others define you by your job.

Honestly,

Amanda Noble

Education Member 2009-2010

Thank you for reading and pondering!