That’s right! We are planning to release 3 turtles: Pumpkin, Night Watch and Skidaway on Sunday, September 20, 2009 during the last day of Jekyll Island’s Annual Shrimp and Grits Festival!

As most of you probably know, Pumpkin (LEFT), a sub-adult Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtle, was supposed to be released on May 13, 2009 during our Annual Nest Fest event. However, due to complications observed after the transmitter placement, we decided not to release Pumpkin, in his/her best interest.

Now that Pumpkin’s infections have cleared up and he/she has been taken off of antibiotics, has sunk to the bottom of her tank, and is eating normally, it’s time to let her go! You’ll be able to track Pumpkin after his/her release on www.seaturtle.org (please be patient, it usually takes a few days for the tracking page to come up) and you’ll also be able to adopt Pumpkin as an Option #2 turtle through the GSTC’s Adopt-a-Sea Turtle Program! (*Option #2 adoptions help to offset additional costs attributed to the satellite transmitters after release. We have to pay for ’satellite time’ and data management for as long as the turtle transmits a signal!)

Night Watch (RIGHT), a young sub-adult Loggerhead sea turtle, is also ready for release. She was found by the Georgia Bulldog (a sea turtle research vessel) and brought to the Center for care. He/she has responded very well to treatment and is ready for release!

Night Watch will not be getting a satellite transmitter due to her size and prominent dorsal ridge that is still evident on her carapace (shell). This ridge is normal for loggerhead sea turtles of this size class, and with time, will eventually smooth out. This ridge would require us to place the transmitter off-center and could yield in inaccurate data, not to mention potentially making the turtle feel ‘off balance’. Night Watch will still receive a final exam, flipper tags and a PIT tag.

And last, but not least, Skidaway. Skidaway is a small, juvenile Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) sea turtle. This is the rarest and most critically endangered species of sea turtle in the world! Skidaway has been with us since June 2009 from the Tybee Marine Science Center. Skidaway will also not be receiving a satellite transmitter due mostly to her size…the transmitter is too big and weighs too much for such a small turtle! She will receive a PIT tag.

Details:

When: Sunday, September 20, 2009

Time: 3:00 pm

Location: North side of the Convention Center on Jekyll Island, GA

This event is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, space is first come, first serve! So come on out and say good-bye and good luck with us to 3 wonderful patients!

Sincerely,
Stefanie Ouellette
Marine Field Programs Coordinator

*Please note that all releases are subject to change at any time (date, time, location, etc.) in the best interest of the turtle(s).

Tags: Georgia Sea Turtle Center, jekyll island sea turtle center, night watch, pumpkin, sea turtle, sea turtle release, shrimp and grits festival, skidaway
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Click on the icon to find this event on Facebook!
  
June 1- July 31 
Turtle Walks 
Explore the beach at night, and learn about the amazing journey of the loggerhead sea turtles nesting along the Georgia Coast. www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org
  
June 1 - June 30 
2009 Women’s Golf Month 
Jekyll Island offers a “Ladies Play Day” on Wednesdays for $25.00 ea. Includes 1 hour group lesson, Green Fee & cart. All participants receive one year subscription to Golf Digest! Jekyll Island Golf Course. 912-635-2368.
  
JJune 6 
Golden Isles Family Fishing Derby at Rixen Pond 
Family-friendly fishing event sponsored by DNR.
  
June 8-13 
Nest Fest Week on Jekyll Island 
A week-long celebration Georgia Sea Turtle Center’s anniversary. Educational seminars and outdoor activities all week with a finale event at the Beachdeck on the 13th.
  
June 13 
Jekyll Island Glow Ball Golf Tournament  
Play golf at night using glow-in-the-dark golf balls!
  
June 15-19 
Tournament Tough Tennis Camp I 
Junior players receive instruction to sharpen their skills. (912) 635-3154
  
June 15-19 
Summer Sea Turtle Camp 
Kids ages 6-12 learn how to be junior conservationists.

  
June 19-21 
Summer Junior Golf Camp  
Kids learn basic golf skills from a PGA pro.
  
June 20 - August 8 (Every Saturday) 
Arribada Adventures at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center 
Family program designed for turtle enthusiasts both young and old! www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org.
  

June 28, 2009 - 6:00 pm 
Sunday Dinner Dance 
Grand Dining Room of the Jekyll Island Club Hotel offers a special night of gourmet dining and ballroom dancing. Reservation required. 912-635-2600 Ext. 1002
  
July 1 - July 31 
Jekyll Island Family Golf Days  
Kids 14 and under play free with a paying adult. 912-635-2368
  

July 4th 
July 4th Celebration 
Celebrate Independence Day! Big Dawg and Paul DJ Game Show, Reverse Bungee, Bounces Houses, and lots of food. 1-877-4-JEKYLL
  
July 6-10 
Futures of the Game Tennis Camp 
Tennis camp session for beginners and intermediate players. (912) 635-3154
  
July 27-31 
Tournament Tough Tennis Camp II 

Junior players receive instruction to sharpen their skills. (912) 635-3154
  
August 21-22 
Beach Music Festival and BBQ Bash 
Dance all weekend to great beach music and sign up to be a judge of delicious bbq in the first annual BBQ Bash. www.jekyllisland.com/bmf
  
September 18 - September 20 
Shrimp & Grits: The Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival 
A weekend celebration of two of Georgia’s most beloved foods - shrimp & grits. www.jekyllisland.com/shrimpandgrits
  

October 28 - October 30 
Georgia Florida Golf Classic  
Gather your teammates for a weekend of Georgia-Florida fun. www.jekyllisland.com/georgiaflorida

Tags: bash, bbq, beach, camp, coastal georgia, festival, georgia festival, Georgia Sea Turtle Center, georgia's jewel, golf, island, jekyll, jekyll island, music, sea turtle, Shrimp & Grits, tennis
Posted in Beachscape, June 2009 | 1 Comment »

By Michelle Kaylor
  
The diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) is a small to medium sized turtle found in estuaries and salt marshes along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts from Cape Cod to Texas. Seven subspecies have been formally described. Malaclemys terrapin centrata, the Carolina diamondback terrapin, ranges from Cape Hatteras to northern Florida and is the subspecies that occurs in Georgia. Adult male terrapins are significantly smaller than females. Courtship and mating take place in March and April and the nesting season occurs from early May until mid July in Georgia. Nesting typically takes place during the day. The general sites selected for nesting by the terrapins are located in areas above the high tide with minimum erosion.
  
Over the last century, populations of diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) in coastal Georgia and other parts of their range have been adversely affected by a variety of human activities, such as coastal development, harvest for terrapin stew, drowning in commercial and recreational crab traps, and mortality on roads. Two to three hundred reproductively mature female diamondback terrapins are injured and killed by motor vehicles each year during the nesting season on the Jekyll Island causeway. The causeway is a perfect spot for the terrapins to nest because it is high ground and unlikely to flood. Unfortunately, the terrapins are not aware of the heavy automobile traffic on the causeway when they cross the road.
  
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center staff and volunteers monitor the Jekyll Island causeway during terrapin nesting season. We record the location of each terrapin found, whether it is healthy, injured or dead. This data has been instrumental in determining hot spots for terrapin crossing and nesting. We will be placing 12 artificial nest mounds in these areas to encourage the terrapins to nest without crossing the road. Through previous studies, we also determined that depredation of terrapin nests by raccoons is very common on the causeway. For this reason, we will be placing specially designed caging on top of the nest mounds that allow the terrapins to enter but keep raccoons out. This technique has proven useful in increasing nesting success in other turtle species, thus we are hopeful that it will reduce the number of terrapins being hit on the causeway.
  
Injured terrapins are transported to the GSTC for emergency care and rehabilitation. Additionally, eggs are retrieved from both injured and dead terrapins for artificial incubation, hatching and eventual release. Over one hundred terrapins were successfully hatched in 2008 and released to the marsh.
  
It is our responsibility to SLOW DOWN while driving on the causeway during terrapin nesting season and watch out for crossing terrapins. If you happen to observe a terrapin crossing the road, first make sure it is safe to pull over and get out of the car, then help the terrapin across. Carefully pick the terrapin up and place her off the road in the direction she was traveling. If you find an injured terrapin, take it off the road and call the Georgia Sea Turtle Center at 912-635-4444 as soon as possible.

Tags: coastal georgia, coastal georgia turtles, diamondback terrapins, georgia marshes, Georgia Sea Turtle Center, georgia's jewel, jekyll island, jekyll island causeway, jekyll island marshes, jekyll island turtles, sea turtle, terrapin conservation, turtle monitoring, turtle mounds, turtle nesting, turtle patrol
Posted in Beachscape, June 2009 | No Comments »

Reprinted by The Brunswick News Mon, Aug 11, 2008

By ANNA FERGUSON

With a few weeks left in the season, employees at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island are crossing their fingers in hopes of having a record year for loggerhead sea turtle nesting.

As of Friday, 165 loggerhead nests had been spotted along the Jekyll coastline. The record high for nests counted on the beach of the state park is 204, established in 2003.

“Things are going good,” said Stefanie Ouellette, education coordinator for the center.

Across the state, turtle counts have been equally positive. Turtle nests have reached a record high, with an estimated 1,544 nests on Georgia’s coastline.

Florida, too, has good news to report on the turtle front, noting a record high in nests counts since 2003, Ouellette said.

Loggerheads, an endangered species, typically have a nesting season that runs from June through August, with hatching season ending in October. Nesting counts had held steady in high numbers throughout the summer but began to slow toward the start of August, making this week’s count a welcome change, Ouellette said.

A number of explanations have been tossed about to account for the high number of nests, though no one reason can be pinned down, Ouellette said.

Last year’s nesting season was a record low for Jekyll, leading researchers to believe that this year’s high is part of the reptiles natural seasonal variations. The flux in counts could also be paying off from the ongoing efforts from the scientific community to increase awareness about nest protection and turtle preservation, Ouellette said.

“There is no one particular reason,” she said. “It could be any number of things.”

Whatever the reason, the 2008 nesting season is proving to be a great year, she said.

The turtle center is now switching its public awareness efforts from nests to hatchlings.

Turtle hatching season goes through the fall and is a season that is even more sensitive for turtles than nesting. Each nests holds an average of 100 to 120 eggs, with hatch rates posed between 80 and 100 percent for unmoved nests.

The baby turtles must make it from their nests to the ocean to survive, a move that is made doubly hard by harsh human lights.

“Now is the time to be even more careful about lights and keeping lights away from the beach,” Ouellette said.

To help ensure a safe route from the sand to the water for newly hatched turtles, Ouellete reminds beachgoers to point headlights away from dunes and to take precautions with flashlights by avoiding light use near the beach and adjacent sidewalks.

Tags: Georgia Sea Turtle Center, sea turtle, sea turtle hatching season, sea turtle nests
Posted in Diversions, In the News, Nature Connection | No Comments »

Vida, the teenage loggerhead sea turtle that stranded in St. Augustine this winter, is on her way back to the sea. Today, at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, she received her satellite transmitter, flipper tags and PIT tag and is resting quietly awaiting her ride to Amelia Island tomorrow.

Q: Where is Main Beach Park?
A: At the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and North Fletcher Avenue in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida.
Directions to Main Beach Park from Interstate 95:
Exit at SR-200/SR-A1A and continue east for 12.1 miles
Turn right on CR-108/Sadler Road and continue 1.3 miles
Turn left at S Fletcher Ave/SR-A1A and continue north 2.0 miles to the stop light at Atlantic Ave

*Please note that date, time and location is subject to change at any time.

Don’t forget to stop and check out Wild Amelia Nature Festival while you’re there for the release…the Georgia Sea Turtle Center will be hosting a table, so drop by and say ‘hello’!

Tags: , georgia beach vacation, Georgia Sea Turtle Center, jekyll island, sea turtle, sea turtles
Posted in Diversions, Festivalgoer, Nature Connection | No Comments »

Adopt a Turtle

     The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is proud to announce the long awaited Adopt-a-Turtle Program! With your donation of $50 or more, you can adopt one of our sea turtle patients. Current patients and already released patients with satellite transmitters are eligible for adoption. When adopting a turtle, you will receive an official certificate of adoption, a letter from your sea turtle, a 5 x 7 photo of your sea turtle, weekly updates from the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, and you name will appear as an adoptive parent on the Georgia Sea Turtle Center website. If you chose to adopt a current patient, you also have the opportunity to be a VIP at the release of you adopted turtle!

Welcome to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center

     The Georgia Sea Turtle Center would like to welcome our 3 new Education Interns: Maura Larson, Amy Hupp, and Emily Goczalk! Working with the Education Staff, the interns will focus on visitor education and daily programs, guided tours, school groups, birthday parties, and assist in outreach programs. They will also help develop additional programs for use in the Center or create a long lasting projects while they are here!We would also like to congratulate, Sarah Mathias, our education intern from last year, who has been promoted to a full-time Educator. Also, joining the education Staff is Kelly O’Keefe. With all of our new staff members, the education Team will be able to even more turtle-tastic programs!

Turtle Tales Turtle Tales has been changed!

     It is now offered on Saturdays at 10:30am and is FREE with general admission. There are so many books about sea turtles, it’s hard to choose! Our Turtle Tales program will introduce you to the many children’s books about sea turtles. This program involves a turtle-inspired book reading and craft for children of all ages. There will be a different book and craft each month. And yes, you can purchase the books in our Gift Shop! Turtle Tales is offered on Saturdays at 10:30am and is FREE with general admission! No reservations required.

Behind the Scenes

     Ever wonder what it feels like to be on the other side of the Treatment Window? Wish you could get a closer look at the patients, off of the pavilion walkway? You’re in luck. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is pleased to offer behind-the-scenes tours. Guests will visit food preparation areas, animal holding areas, and the treatment, X-ray and Surgery Rooms. Come join us for a closer look at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center from the other side of the Treatment Window. Tours are conducted on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 P.M. and are offered on a first come first served basis,–Reservations are required. Call early or sign up in the Gift Shop- Group size is limited to 10 guests. (912-635-4444) Cost: $25/Adults - $15/Children (Must be at least 10 years of age). Price includes admission.

Educating at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center

     While we expected January to be a relatively slow month for school group attendance, we had approximately 160 students visit the GSTC! The GSTC Education Team has been busy making reservations for school group field trips and outreach presentations for the spring. Starting in February, the GSTC Education Team will also be attending numerous educational conferences throughout the state of Georgia. In addition to making oral presentations, they will also host educational exhibits and pass out information about the GSTC.

Tags: , georgia coast, georgia sea turtle center jekyll island, jekyll island, sea turtle
Posted in Beachscape, February 2008 | 4 Comments »

This much anticipated facility will provide state-of-the-art emergency care to sick and injured sea turtles, with opportunities for scientific research and long-term treatment. Visitors to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center will explore exhibits on sea turtle conservation, rehabilitation, and their amazing journey from egg to adulthood. School field trips, public programs, and special events will highlight Georgia’s unique coastal ecosystem and the mysterious world of these ancient reptiles.

Tags: 2007, ceremony, GA Sea Turtle Center, Georgia, grand opening, injured, sea turtle, sick, turtle, turtle center
Posted in Festivalgoer | No Comments »