The 2010 Nesting Season
is underway!
Nests: 50 (11 hatched) | False Crawls: 25
Documented Strandings: 11 (Calendar YTD)
Turtles 101:
- Turn off or shield all beachfront lighting after 9 pm. Click here for approved wildlife lighting solutions
- Use window coverings to block indoor lights that face the beach
- Do not use flashlights on the beach
- Do not leave toys, chairs or other items on the beach that can entrap or impede nesting turtles or hatchlings
- Fill in all holes and ruts in the sand
- Report potential nesting hazards (lighting, obstructions, etc.)
- If you see a nesting turtle, stay at least 25 yards behind her at all times
- If hatchlings are present, do not touch them or interfere with their progress to the ocean. Immediately report any problems to BSTP at (904) 613-6081
- Report it immediately to BSTP at (904) 613-6081 or to Florida Fish & Wildlife (FWC) at 1-888-404-3922
- Do not touch the turtle unless instructed to by a certified BSTP volunteer or FWC employee
Our Mission
To promote the conservation of endangered and threatened marine turtles in Northeast Florida. [See the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and other protections].
Of the
five species of turtles that nest in Florida, there are three species
that nest locally: Loggerheads, Greens
and Leatherbacks. Loggerheads (Caretta
caretta) are the most common, followed by Greens (Chelonia
mydas) and, on rare occasions, Leatherbacks (Dermochelys
coriacea). We operate under the auspices of the Florida Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Marine Turtle Program. BSTP News and Updates
- July 5th Clean up results: volunteers - 132, bags filled - 211, keys found - 2 sets (one for Jeep, one for GM). Call to claim - 904-613-6081. View photos on our Facebook page. Were you spotted doing a good deed?
- Annual 5th of July beach clean up, 7-9 a.m. Three locations: 16th Ave. S., Beach Blvd. and Atlantic Blvd. Check in to receive bags and gloves. Community service hours certificate available upon request. Download the flyer.
- For Christina ~ a kind and beautiful person, inside and out, and inspiration to many. We'll remember you always.
- First leatherback nest of the season, in Neptune Beach! Photos on Facebook.
- Help save the planet! Saturday, 6/26: Second "Hands Across The Sand" event. Join with members of BSTP and many other local groups as we form a line in the sand to peacefully protest oil exploration and drilling, and promote clean, renewable energy resources. Click here for details. All other environmental groups are welcome. Please contact us if you would like to have your group's information at our tent. Right-click here to download poster for sharing. We made history once, let's do it again!
- Special one-time only event, Friday, June 18, 7-9 PM at First Street Gallery: Booksigning for "Tracks In The Sand" to benefit BSTP.
Authored by Frank Gromling and Mike Cavaliere."So much more than a book about sea turtles, Tracks in the Sand is the profile of a state's rich coastal heritage and a showcase of its characters. Detailed with photography mined from decades of volunteer work, and fascinating in-depth personal portraits, it combines science with a poetic sense of insight uncharacteristic of the nature genre. The Turtle Patrol is a tradition, a band of hundreds of Floridian volunteers who monitor their backyard beaches every summer in the name of sea turtle conservation and protection. These enthusiasts are passionate, eccentric, and absolutely unique, a culture entirely unto themselves. This is their story, tinted green and gliding through the waves." - Another benefit for BSTP, Saturday 5/29, 9am-1pm: New Age Hippy arts/crafts show, 222 Oleander St., Neptune Beach.
You're invited: First Street Gallery's annual Sea Turtle Art Show (benefits BSTP), May 26 through July 6, Opening Reception Friday May 28 7-9 pm. Meet the artists and BSTP volunteers. Complimentary wine and light appetizers will be served while you enjoy Music in the Courtyard.
- Follow us on Facebook for relevant updates on the oil spill and nesting status: Facebook.com/BeachesSeaTurtlePatrol
- First Coast News did a story on 5/2 about the local impact on sea turtles from the oil spill. Read the text version.
- Come out and meet BSTP volunteers and learn about sea turtles: Monday 4/12, Saturday 4/17, and 3 locations on Sunday 4/25. Click here for details.
- 2009 NESTING DATA
Nests: 36 (Hatched: 30, Infertile/undeveloped: 5, Lost: 1)
Eggs (35 evaluated nests): 3,801 (2,746 hatched, 1,055 unhatched)
Disorientations: 2
Predations: 2
False Crawls: 22
Strandings: 24
Statewide totals - [March 29] Annual newsletter mailed to members and supporters.
Now you can make secure, online donations to BSTP with your credit card or PayPal account!
- Now is the time to take action and register your opposition to oil exploration and drilling in our near-shore waters! We have prepared a list of resources for you.
- Photos & results from Hands Across The Sand, silent protest against oil drilling in Florida waters held on February 13.
- Join the A1A Parrot Head club in their annual polar plunge to benefit BSTP. Saturday, 2/6, 8:30 am, at Atlantic Blvd. on the beach.
- 2010 season kickoff meeting and volunteer orientation - Monday, April 12, 6:30 PM. See calendar for details.
- A note about recycling your Christmas tree: DO NOT take it to the beach, that is considered to be illegal dumping. Call your city manager's office if you don't know where to take it. You may be able to set it curbside.
- 2009 News Archive
Got Gear?
We've got all the turtle gear you need to make a statement and show your pride in being a sea turtle conservationist and a supporter of BSTP. Grab an official patrol t-shirt, wooden ornament or surfer necklace, all featuring our special hatchling mascot. Also available are front license plates that spell TUR-TLE, similar to the FL Dept. of Motor Vehicle specialty tag (as shown below). Combined with a BSTP membership these items make a great gift for the environmentalist in your life who has everything.
P.O. Box 50723
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32240-0723
Emergency Phone: (904) 613-6081
