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Marine Turtle Conservation Dedicated to the Protection and the Conservation of Endangered Marine Turtles for the last 33 Years! |
~ Newsletter No. 273, November 2024 ~
Hola Volunteers and Supporters –
The Final Stretch: Wrapping Up the Season
As the nesting season winds down, we’re finding more time to enjoy the stunning San Pancho nights under the stars. However, we’re still caring for many hatchlings and gathering crucial data. With cooler weather setting in, we’ve had to invest in heaters (and our electric bill) to maintain optimal temperatures in the nursery. In response to the reduction of nests, we’re also relocating new nests to safer areas on the beach. This is due to the decrease in thermal mass in the nursery—a concept that refers to the sand and eggs’ ability to absorb and retain heat. Relocating nests to the beach also allows us to collect valuable data on erosion, accretion, and changes in beach morphology.
As the nesting season winds down, we’re finding more time to enjoy the stunning San Pancho nights under the stars. However, we’re still caring for many hatchlings and gathering crucial data. With cooler weather setting in, we’ve had to invest in heaters (and our electric bill) to maintain optimal temperatures in the nursery. In response to the reduction of nests, we’re also relocating new nests to safer areas on the beach. This is due to the decrease in thermal mass in the nursery—a concept that refers to the sand and eggs’ ability to absorb and retain heat. Relocating nests to the beach also allows us to collect valuable data on erosion, accretion, and changes in beach morphology.
Join Us for Public Hatchling Releases
Even as the season slows, the magic of hatchling releases continues! Join us:
• Wednesdays at sunset in front of La Tarraya
• Saturdays at sunset to the right of Mural Alley in front of the Las Olas community
As the nursery begins to empty this month, we may need to cancel some releases at the last minute if we don’t have enough hatchlings ready to go. These little ones are on their own schedule, and they decide when they’re ready to make their appearances! Be sure to keep in touch with us on our social media feeds for the latest updates on the public release schedule.
Even as the season slows, the magic of hatchling releases continues! Join us:
• Wednesdays at sunset in front of La Tarraya
• Saturdays at sunset to the right of Mural Alley in front of the Las Olas community
As the nursery begins to empty this month, we may need to cancel some releases at the last minute if we don’t have enough hatchlings ready to go. These little ones are on their own schedule, and they decide when they’re ready to make their appearances! Be sure to keep in touch with us on our social media feeds for the latest updates on the public release schedule.
Adopt a Nest: The Perfect Holiday Gift
We currently have over 100 nests in the nursery waiting to be adopted. By adopting a nest, you help fund our work, from maintaining the nursery and equipment to ensuring we have the resources to protect these vulnerable hatchlings.
Adopting a nest makes for a meaningful holiday gift! With your donation, you’ll receive:
• A personalized certificate
• A personalized nest badge placed on your nest until it hatches
• Information on your nest’s success after it hatches
• Photos of your hatchlings after they emerge
• The satisfaction of knowing you’ve helped save sea turtles!
It’s a unique and heartfelt way to celebrate the season of giving. Adopt HERE
We currently have over 100 nests in the nursery waiting to be adopted. By adopting a nest, you help fund our work, from maintaining the nursery and equipment to ensuring we have the resources to protect these vulnerable hatchlings.
Adopting a nest makes for a meaningful holiday gift! With your donation, you’ll receive:
• A personalized certificate
• A personalized nest badge placed on your nest until it hatches
• Information on your nest’s success after it hatches
• Photos of your hatchlings after they emerge
• The satisfaction of knowing you’ve helped save sea turtles!
It’s a unique and heartfelt way to celebrate the season of giving. Adopt HERE
Support Conservation This Giving Tuesday
This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to make a difference in the lives of endangered sea turtles and the ecosystems they call home. Every contribution helps us protect nests, care for hatchlings, and support vital conservation efforts. Your generosity also directly impacts the maintenance of our nursery, the operation of our ATV, and the resources needed to ensure our volunteers can continue this critical work.
Giving is more than a donation—it’s a way to become part of our mission. Please consider supporting us this Giving Tuesday to help us continue saving sea turtles, one nest at a time. Follow this LINK to donate now and join us in protecting these incredible creatures.
This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to make a difference in the lives of endangered sea turtles and the ecosystems they call home. Every contribution helps us protect nests, care for hatchlings, and support vital conservation efforts. Your generosity also directly impacts the maintenance of our nursery, the operation of our ATV, and the resources needed to ensure our volunteers can continue this critical work.
Giving is more than a donation—it’s a way to become part of our mission. Please consider supporting us this Giving Tuesday to help us continue saving sea turtles, one nest at a time. Follow this LINK to donate now and join us in protecting these incredible creatures.
Celebrating Jaguars and Conservation at the Wildlife Expo
This month, we had the privilege of attending the Wildlife Expo in honor of International Day of the Jaguar. It was an incredible opportunity to connect with local conservationists and learn more about the important work being done to protect wildlife in our region. A special thanks to Erik and his team for their unwavering commitment to jaguar conservation. Their efforts are not only inspiring but vital to the preservation of these magnificent creatures and their habitats.
Jaguars are a keystone species in our ecosystem, and protecting them is essential for maintaining the balance of nature. Events like these remind us of the importance of collaboration in conservation and bring us joy to know that such meaningful work is happening in our area.
This month, we had the privilege of attending the Wildlife Expo in honor of International Day of the Jaguar. It was an incredible opportunity to connect with local conservationists and learn more about the important work being done to protect wildlife in our region. A special thanks to Erik and his team for their unwavering commitment to jaguar conservation. Their efforts are not only inspiring but vital to the preservation of these magnificent creatures and their habitats.
Jaguars are a keystone species in our ecosystem, and protecting them is essential for maintaining the balance of nature. Events like these remind us of the importance of collaboration in conservation and bring us joy to know that such meaningful work is happening in our area.
Community Spotlight: Educational Outreach with Entreamigos
This month, volunteers Elvia, Odette, Kiley, and Tyler had a fantastic time engaging with local children during an educational visit. The kids explored the sea turtle’s lifecycle, learned about the dangers of ocean pollution, and enjoyed games and coloring activities that brought conservation to life. A heartfelt thanks to Mireya from Entreamigos for capturing these memorable moments and sharing the photos with us!
This month, volunteers Elvia, Odette, Kiley, and Tyler had a fantastic time engaging with local children during an educational visit. The kids explored the sea turtle’s lifecycle, learned about the dangers of ocean pollution, and enjoyed games and coloring activities that brought conservation to life. A heartfelt thanks to Mireya from Entreamigos for capturing these memorable moments and sharing the photos with us!
Weather Wise
November brought a total of 1.20 inches of rain, bringing the yearly total to 45.59 inches—almost identical to the same time last year.
Daytime temperatures ranged from the high 70s to low 80s, while nighttime temperatures were comfortably cool to a little chilly, ranging from the high 60s to low 70s.
November brought a total of 1.20 inches of rain, bringing the yearly total to 45.59 inches—almost identical to the same time last year.
Daytime temperatures ranged from the high 70s to low 80s, while nighttime temperatures were comfortably cool to a little chilly, ranging from the high 60s to low 70s.
Reflections from My 40th Birthday
This month, I celebrated my 40th birthday with a trip to Puerto Vallarta filled with incredible food, plenty of indulgence, and feeding the stray cats (fully leaning into my 40s and embracing the “cat lady” within). The next day, I visited the gorgeous Vallarta Botanical Gardens, which was a truly peaceful escape. The air was so fresh, and I was surrounded by beautiful birds singing their songs, along with vibrant plants and flowers. I enjoyed a delicious meal at the garden’s restaurant and treated myself to the best mojito of my life—an experience I won’t soon forget!
In all seriousness, this trip also reminded me of the importance of programs like the spay/neuter and ear-clip initiative. These efforts play a vital role in controlling stray populations and ensuring healthier lives for the animals that share our streets.
This month, I celebrated my 40th birthday with a trip to Puerto Vallarta filled with incredible food, plenty of indulgence, and feeding the stray cats (fully leaning into my 40s and embracing the “cat lady” within). The next day, I visited the gorgeous Vallarta Botanical Gardens, which was a truly peaceful escape. The air was so fresh, and I was surrounded by beautiful birds singing their songs, along with vibrant plants and flowers. I enjoyed a delicious meal at the garden’s restaurant and treated myself to the best mojito of my life—an experience I won’t soon forget!
In all seriousness, this trip also reminded me of the importance of programs like the spay/neuter and ear-clip initiative. These efforts play a vital role in controlling stray populations and ensuring healthier lives for the animals that share our streets.
Weathering the Storms: A Season of Growth
After two months without a working computer and four months without a phone, I’m incredibly grateful to finally be back online! With the ATV running again, we’re in better shape for the challenges ahead. This year, my first as program director, has been one of transition. Filling Frank’s shoes has been daunting, but it’s also been a privilege. His 88th birthday on Thanksgiving reminded me of the deep legacy Grupo has built over the past 33 years, and I’m proud to help continue that work. Check out more pictures of Frank in action HERE.
After two months without a working computer and four months without a phone, I’m incredibly grateful to finally be back online! With the ATV running again, we’re in better shape for the challenges ahead. This year, my first as program director, has been one of transition. Filling Frank’s shoes has been daunting, but it’s also been a privilege. His 88th birthday on Thanksgiving reminded me of the deep legacy Grupo has built over the past 33 years, and I’m proud to help continue that work. Check out more pictures of Frank in action HERE.
Volunteer Flyers for 2025 - We Need Your Help!
We’re getting ready for our 2025 volunteer season and need your help to spread the word! If you’re able to hang up flyers in your local high schools, colleges, coffee shops, grocery stores, or other community spaces, please send me your email, and I’ll send you a printable PDF. Every flyer helps us recruit passionate volunteers for our sea turtle conservation efforts!
If you’re interested in volunteering or want to learn more about what to expect as a volunteer, check out our brand-new informational video created by Scott (thanks, Scott!). Click HERE to watch!
We’re getting ready for our 2025 volunteer season and need your help to spread the word! If you’re able to hang up flyers in your local high schools, colleges, coffee shops, grocery stores, or other community spaces, please send me your email, and I’ll send you a printable PDF. Every flyer helps us recruit passionate volunteers for our sea turtle conservation efforts!
If you’re interested in volunteering or want to learn more about what to expect as a volunteer, check out our brand-new informational video created by Scott (thanks, Scott!). Click HERE to watch!
Welcome (and Welcome Back!) to Our Volunteers
We’re thrilled to welcome back Kiley and Tyler from the U.S., as well as new volunteers Dave from England and Maxi from Germany. Your energy and dedication mean the world to us. A huge thank-you also to our ongoing volunteers Frank, Elvia, Steve, Nick, Karen, Hallie, Ulises, Deanna, Odette, Maryel, Trish, Nicole, Scott, Karl, Dale, Francisco, and Juan Carlos who keep us moving forward.
We’re thrilled to welcome back Kiley and Tyler from the U.S., as well as new volunteers Dave from England and Maxi from Germany. Your energy and dedication mean the world to us. A huge thank-you also to our ongoing volunteers Frank, Elvia, Steve, Nick, Karen, Hallie, Ulises, Deanna, Odette, Maryel, Trish, Nicole, Scott, Karl, Dale, Francisco, and Juan Carlos who keep us moving forward.
Thank You to Our Supporters
This month’s donations have gone towards:
• ATV & CRV maintenance and gas
• Hatchling baskets
• Nursery heaters and increased electricity costs
• Nest Sticks
• Flashlights
• Office Supplies
• Graphic Design for Flyers and Outreach
Thank you to Barbara Hernandez, Brian Culligan, Karen Wilson, Deanna Covington, Jaimie Cashen, Tori Pfaeffle, Fay Chan, Kelly Brown, Bob Cole, Alexandra Padrul, Graham Fleming, Edmundo Montes de Oca, Aiden Mouellic, Karman Ferrell, Danielle Cook, Sharon Aguiar, Erik Hauenstein, Garin Wedeking, and Lorin de Brun for your generous support this month—it’s what keeps us going.
This month’s donations have gone towards:
• ATV & CRV maintenance and gas
• Hatchling baskets
• Nursery heaters and increased electricity costs
• Nest Sticks
• Flashlights
• Office Supplies
• Graphic Design for Flyers and Outreach
Thank you to Barbara Hernandez, Brian Culligan, Karen Wilson, Deanna Covington, Jaimie Cashen, Tori Pfaeffle, Fay Chan, Kelly Brown, Bob Cole, Alexandra Padrul, Graham Fleming, Edmundo Montes de Oca, Aiden Mouellic, Karman Ferrell, Danielle Cook, Sharon Aguiar, Erik Hauenstein, Garin Wedeking, and Lorin de Brun for your generous support this month—it’s what keeps us going.
As we close out another unforgettable season, I’m reminded of the resilience and passion that make this work possible. Thank you to everyone—volunteers, donors, and supporters—who help protect San Pancho’s Sea turtles. Here’s to a bright future for these incredible creatures and the community that rallies behind them.
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.
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Grupo Ecologico de la Costa Verde
102 America Latina, San Pancho, Nayarit, Mexico Tel: +1 262 497 6671 Email: [email protected] [email protected] |