ADOPT-A-NEST
Each summer along the Florida beaches, many patrols make their rounds and search the beaches early in the morning for sea turtle nests. When they find tracks coming from the water, they are able to determine if the turtled nested or just came out of the water on a false crawl. If the turtle nested, the patrols and volunteers must record the location with a GPS, the date and the species, which can be determined by its tracks, along with some other recorded information that they can spot. The nest is then marked off with stakes and bright colored tape so beachgoers are aware of the location and will not disturb the protected area. Given about 45 days after the nest was laid, a depression in the sand begins to form as the eggs below will hatch. After the eggs are hatched then the stakes and tape are removed and the patrols calculate the hatching success rate.
In Broward County, FL this is all completed by Broward County’s Sea Turtle Conservation Program and Nova Southeastern University’s Oceanographic Center. In order to mark and protect each sea turtle nest, each year they require electronic supplies, tape, markers, ATV maintenance and gasoline, etc. The National Save the Sea Turtle Foundation helps to offset the cost of materials needed through their Adopt-A-Nest program which donates half of all proceeds directly to protect the nest and the rest to other conservation programs.
By adopting a nest for $40.00, you are assisting in the protection of a nest on the beach. You will be assigned with a specific nest with your name or group name on the stake marking the nest. You will receive a picture of the nest along with the information on its location as well as the date laid. Upon hatching, you will receive picture updates on the hatchlings and how many hatchlings your gift helped to support.
If you are interested in adopting a nest, please visit: National Save the Sea Turtle Foundation
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