~  Newsletter No.  269,  July,  2024 ~

​Hola Volunteers and Supporters –

Exciting Updates on Nest Relocation Method
Thanks to the generous contributions last month from Jane and John Pendleton and Nick Sanders, we have introduced a new method for relocating nests on the beach. This innovative approach allows us to closely monitor erosion and accretion during the nests’ incubation period. Additionally, we can now track the distance of turtle nests from the high tide lines and the vegetative lines, as well as the depth at which turtles are digging their nests. This gives us a better understanding of how our turtles are using our beaches.

This means it's been a busy month for training! Our volunteers are excelling at gathering new data and utilizing new forms. A special thanks to volunteer Augustine for designing creative and fun data sheets.

​Slow Start to Nesting Season
This nesting season has begun unusually slowly, a trend also observed by other nurseries in the area. Since June 1st, we have recorded 42 nests. Several factors could be contributing to this slow start, including the end of an extreme El Niño event and the forecasted La Niña for August. During an extreme El Niño, the abundance of marine food can decline, making it harder for sea turtles to accumulate sufficient fat mass for the next breeding season. This can prevent a reproduction event. Notably, it is the year following an extreme El Niño event that is most affected. After the last such event, we saw our lowest nesting numbers in the past 18 years (Found through Frank's nesting data records, which span almost 33 years). Another significant decline in nesting occurred during the last extreme La Niña event. While more research is needed on how these events affect sea turtle nesting, their back-to-back occurrence may be influencing this year's low numbers.

Consequently, our "Adopt a Nest" hatch dates will be slightly delayed this year (by a week or two). The nesting is beginning to pick up now. We appreciate your understanding.

Greenhouse Nursery Ready for Action
Our greenhouse nursery is now fully prepped and operational. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers, we have improved drainage around the yard to prevent inundation during heavy rains. We also installed shade cloths to regulate temperatures and tarps over our work area to keep dry during rain showers.

Watch here

A Promising Start: Hatchlings Begin Their Journey
Despite a slow start to the season, we're thrilled to share that the nests we carefully relocated earlier this year are now beginning to hatch! Witness the magic as these tiny hatchlings make their journey to the ocean for the first time. Follow the LINK to watch one of these incredible moments unfold.
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Volunteer Appreciation Events
Our volunteer pizza party, generously sponsored by Dave and Susie Schmidt, was a huge hit! We are immensely grateful for this delightful gift.
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Additionally, our strengths workshop, featuring Clifton Strengths assessments and led by Tracy Judge, was a fantastic experience. We are already implementing the insights we gained about each other.

​Join Our Cause: Support Vital Conservation Efforts Today
Exciting news! PayPal has confirmed our charity status, offering us reduced fees. As nesting season gets busier, your donations are crucial. Your support helps us continue our essential conservation work. 

We are currently seeking donations for:
- Building materials for up to two beach nurseries
- ATV repairs and gas
- Measuring devices for field data collection
- New tables for sand preparation
- A trailer for the ATV

Please consider donating HERE to support our efforts. Your contribution is tax-deductible. Thank you for your generosity!


Equipment Challenges
We faced a couple of setbacks this month. While printing IDs for new volunteers, our laser jet printer malfunctioned, with repairs costing nearly $300 USD (Frank has generously covered the cost of this fix). We also had issues with our ATV, which is essential for beach patrols to deter poaching and ensure volunteer safety during storms. The drive belt broke, and after fixing it, the ball joint broke, damaging the CV boot, finally we are in the process of diagnosing either dirty or faulty injectors (We are still looking for donations to help cover these costs). Unfortunately, as it is taking longer for us to cross the beach, poaching incidents have increased, with 10 nests poached or partially poached this season. A big thanks to Rodolfo and Alexis for helping us with the second tow!

Watch one of tows Here.

​Welcome New Volunteers
We are excited to welcome new volunteer Kristen Barbour, who has been a tremendous help on the beach and at camp. She has also assisted us in obtaining charity status through Benevity! We also welcome Dave Paul our newest volunteer.
Thank you to all our amazing volunteers for their continued dedication and hard work! July volunteers were Frank, Steve, Nick, Ulises, Karen, Hallie, Deanna, Odette, Jaime, Ashley, Augustine, and Trish. Without your help we could not do any of this; thank you!

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Volunteer Housing Available
There are still spots available in our volunteer housing for August. If you are passionate about sea turtle conservation and want to join our team, please apply HERE.


July Donor Appreciation
We are incredibly grateful for your generous contributions this July. Thanks to your support, we were able to cover essential daily operations such as gas, printing, initial ATV parts and labor, and nursery rent. Your generosity ensures that our work in conservation continues smoothly and effectively. This month's donors included Frank Smith, Nick Sanders, Augustine Botha, John Cordova, Nikki Gonzales, Richard Spotts, and Jason Johnson.  Thank you for being an integral part of our mission and helping us protect and preserve our precious wildlife. Also, thanks to Trish Schmidt for the new volunteer housing sheet sets.


Weatherwise
July's daytime temperatures were mostly in the 80°, while nighttime temperatures were in the high 70°. Total rainfall for July came to 8.73 inches, the total for the year came to 13.37 inches. A little warmer this month.


We appreciate your steadfast support for sea turtle conservation. Your dedication helps drive meaningful change!

Jessica Schmidt, Director
Frank Smith, Technical Advisor
Elvia García, Secretary
Karen Sorum, Treasurer
Grupo Ecológico de la Costa Verde, A.C.
Our email addresses are: [email protected]
and [email protected]
Our website is: https://www.project-tortuga.org/
Our Instagram is: https://www.instagram.com/projecttortugasanpancho/
For new volunteers: https://www.project-tortuga.org/handbook.html
Our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectTortuga
Contributions: https://www.project-tortuga.org/contribute.html
Adopt A Nest: https://www.project-tortuga.org/adopt-a-nest.html

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Come Visit our Turtle Nursery!

Call in advance so we can prepare for your visit!
Please Note that we work at Night so Morning Calls May be Missed.

Grupo Ecologico de la Costa Verde
102 America Latina,
San Pancho, Nayarit, Mexico
Tel: 311-258-4100
Email: [email protected]
[email protected]