TURTLE TALK: Need turtle info? Look to Turtle Talks to find out more
Right before a busy beach-going holiday, it is common for Boca Grande Sea Turtle Association volunteers to encounter innumerable individuals asking for additional information once they learn about the nesting of turtles on the Island. Outreach is one of the primary goals for turtle patrollers as they attempt to raise awareness and encourage participation in BGSTA. “Turtle Talks” is a children’s activity book patrollers give out during nesting season in a continuing effort to educate, inform and create interest in sea turtle nesting.
An unlikely collaboration between two barrier islands residents from Palm and Little Gasparilla brought this special publication to life. The simple token offers a powerful message to everyone: “You can make a difference in the environment.” On zone 7 this week, a longtime veteran of theBoca Grande Sea Turtle Patrol walked out on the beach to observe the number of nests and perhaps spot a hatchling. She was eager to share her personal experience from back in the days when the Chamber of Commerce oversaw the Association, and the trainer came to Gasparilla Island from Fort Myers to train volunteers.
Overjoyed by the current outreach program and the free “Turtle Talks” book, the retired turtle patroller on zone 7 asked, “How can I support the furthering of this effort?” A tax-exempt donation to the Association is one way. Send it to P.O. Box 478, Boca Grande, FL 33921.
“Turtle Talks” can also be downloaded for distribution on behalf of BSTA at www.chnep.org. For more information, please visit www.bocagrandeseaturtles.org. and spread the word about nesting sea turtles.
