~ Neswletter No. 260, October, 2023 ~
Hola Volunteers and Supporters ~
By the end of October, we had recorded over 1,089 nests; 657 were placed within our box nursery, 406 nests were left on the beach in better locations, and 35 were taken by poachers. Last season, we recorded a total of 1,073 nests.
An individual has been digging up our relocated nests, which most likely contain hatchlings. They are leaving the nest holes open, scattering egg shells and bad eggs around the nest area, a most irresponsible move. In nature, what is left in a nest remains under the sand, unless it becomes exposed due to erosion. The scattered nests are attracting birds to the areas where the nests are hatching and are training dogs to become familiar with the scents of the nests, which could lead to increased predation in the future.
The new weekly Friday sunset hatchling releases in front of the Beach Club and/or Las Olas community have turned out to be a large success. The release is organized by volunteers Elvia Garcia, Odette Brunel, Susana Ayón, Ulises Ledesma González, Deanna Covington, and Blanca G. (See image below)
We have three nice apartments for rent from December to May. Each apartment is fully furnished, with all utilities paid, including high-speed fiber optic internet and all appliances. They are located in a relatively quiet area near Los Olas. The rent for apartment one $1,200, apartment two $1,400, and apartment four $1,600 per month.
Because of careless lighting, we are still having a serious problem trying to release thousands of hatchlings along our local beaches. We will try to contact each homeowner to obtain their support to reduce outside lights but have had little luck.
Lighting is an excellent way to make your backyard or restaurant look more attractive. Marine turtles and hatchlings are not attracted to the colors of amber, red, orange, or dark yellow. These colors would also enhance your yard and make it more appealing.
For the second time in twenty years, the buggy’s motor burst into flames, caused by the same reason 20 years ago. The fuel line hooked into the carburetor cracked releasing gasoline. With the help of onlookers, we quickly doused the flames with three gallons of water and towed it back to the nursery. The damage to the motor was very minimal, and all the items that were damaged were scheduled to be replaced in the coming months.
By the end of October, both Can-Am and buggy are in excellent condition. Although, strangely, the Can-Am has cost us more to repair this year than the buggy. Recent repairs to the Can-Am cost us 17,800 pesos.
Adopt a Sea Turtle Nest program; it’s a great gift opportunity for the turtle or nature lover in your life! If interested, or for more information on the program, go to the following link: Adopt-A-Nest It will also help us reach our fundraising goals!
Another good way to help us is through our 501-C-3 tax deduction. To donate to Grupo Ecológico de la Costa Verde you can contact Travler, a US charity that has supported Grupo Ecológico for several years. Click on this link to make a tax-deductible contribution to help us.
October volunteers and staff: Steve Raschke, Elvia Garcia, Jessica and Mark Hiller, and Jessica’s mother - Trish Schmidt, Christian Garcia, Karen Sorum and Hallie Loveridge, Nick Sanders, Odette Brunel, Taylor Kimbell, Dionna Buttler, Acacia Zapisocki and family, Trinity Niko and Niko Noble, and Patrick Becker, Susana Ayón, Ulises Ledesma González, Deanna Covington, Rickey Burke and Susan Stephens, and Blanca G. If you or someone you know is interested in helping in the 2024 nesting season, you can join us by going to our Volunteer application page, and please spread the word about our volunteering opportunity.
Weather-wise: October daytime temperatures range in the high 80° to very low 90°, while nighttime temps are mid to high-70°. October rainfall was 10.40 inches, and for the year it was 41.40 inches. Unfortunately, there is no rain from the constant stream of tropical systems passing below San Pancho.
We value your donations and appreciate your badly needed help. In October, we received donations from: Jennifer Nelsen, Susan Stephens, Lisa Christie, Brian Culligan, Jim Cuirsch, and one 501-C-3 donation for 250 dollars. Our working capital is at an all-time low, perhaps due to two years of hyperinflation. Please help us if you can by contributing at our PayPal link.
For the first time in decades there will be no end-of-the-season dinner celebration, below are several images of past dinners.
Frank Smith, Director.
Jessica Schmidt, Co-Director
Elvia Garcia, Secretary
Grupo Ecológico de la Costa Verde, A.C.
Our email is: [email protected]
Our website is: http://www.project-tortuga.org
Adopt a Nest: https://www.project-tortuga.org/adopt-a-nest.html
https://www.facebook.com/ProjectTortuga/
https://www.instagram.com/projecttortugasanpancho/
https://www.instagram.com/projecttortugasanpancho/For new Volunteers https://www.project-tortuga.org/handbook.html
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] |