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Marine Turtle Conservation Dedicated to the Protection and the Conservation of Endangered Marine Turtles for the last 32 Years! |
~ Newsletter No. 272, October 2024 ~
Hola Volunteers and Supporters –
Exciting Visit from Entreamigos Kids!
We were thrilled to welcome a group of enthusiastic kids from Entreamigos for an educational visit to our nursery! It was a wonderful opportunity to share our conservation efforts and teach them about the life cycle of sea turtles and the importance of protecting these incredible creatures. A huge thanks to our dedicated volunteers, Elvia and Odette, for hosting the event and ensuring the kids had an engaging, memorable experience. Their passion and commitment make visits like these truly special, and we can’t wait for more opportunities to inspire the next generation of conservationists!
We were thrilled to welcome a group of enthusiastic kids from Entreamigos for an educational visit to our nursery! It was a wonderful opportunity to share our conservation efforts and teach them about the life cycle of sea turtles and the importance of protecting these incredible creatures. A huge thanks to our dedicated volunteers, Elvia and Odette, for hosting the event and ensuring the kids had an engaging, memorable experience. Their passion and commitment make visits like these truly special, and we can’t wait for more opportunities to inspire the next generation of conservationists!
Welcome New Volunteers and Thanks to Our Team
This month, we’re thrilled to welcome our new volunteers, Jacob and Melanie Fujikawa, Nicole and Scott Cascella, Gaea Schell, Juan Carlos, and Mireya to the team! Their enthusiasm and dedication are a perfect fit for our conservation mission, and we’re excited to have them join us during this busy season. A huge thank you also goes to our current volunteers, Frank, Steve, Nick, Karen, Hallie, Ulises, Deanna, Odette, Maryel, Trish, and Karl, who continue to go above and beyond to protect and nurture our sea turtle populations. Your hard work on the beach and in the nursery is inspiring and makes a world of difference. We couldn’t do this without each of you—thank you for being such an essential part of our community!
This month, we’re thrilled to welcome our new volunteers, Jacob and Melanie Fujikawa, Nicole and Scott Cascella, Gaea Schell, Juan Carlos, and Mireya to the team! Their enthusiasm and dedication are a perfect fit for our conservation mission, and we’re excited to have them join us during this busy season. A huge thank you also goes to our current volunteers, Frank, Steve, Nick, Karen, Hallie, Ulises, Deanna, Odette, Maryel, Trish, and Karl, who continue to go above and beyond to protect and nurture our sea turtle populations. Your hard work on the beach and in the nursery is inspiring and makes a world of difference. We couldn’t do this without each of you—thank you for being such an essential part of our community!
Juan Carlos first stopped by with a nest of eggs that was on the brink of hatching, but they were in danger as they had eroded from the beach too early. You can follow the nest's journey and see the outcome in an exciting video by clicking the link HERE.
ATV Repair Success and Conservation Impact
We’re thrilled to share that our ATV is finally back in action! After being out of commission for weeks, it took 7 different mechanics and nearly 20,000 pesos to bring it back to life. The ATV plays a vital role in our conservation work, helping us transport nests, hatchlings, and sand to and from the beach efficiently. During our busiest weeks, we’re moving up to 20 nests at a time—something we couldn’t accomplish without it. Having the ATV also keeps us ahead of potential poaching incidents, and we’re excited to report that poaching is down again since the ATV’s return. It’s also essential for volunteer safety, enabling them to quickly leave the beach in hazardous situations like sudden lightning storms. We are so grateful to have this tool back in operation!
We’re thrilled to share that our ATV is finally back in action! After being out of commission for weeks, it took 7 different mechanics and nearly 20,000 pesos to bring it back to life. The ATV plays a vital role in our conservation work, helping us transport nests, hatchlings, and sand to and from the beach efficiently. During our busiest weeks, we’re moving up to 20 nests at a time—something we couldn’t accomplish without it. Having the ATV also keeps us ahead of potential poaching incidents, and we’re excited to report that poaching is down again since the ATV’s return. It’s also essential for volunteer safety, enabling them to quickly leave the beach in hazardous situations like sudden lightning storms. We are so grateful to have this tool back in operation!
Gratitude for Essential Supplies from our Donors
A heartfelt thank you to this month’s generous donors for helping us secure vital resources! Your contributions have been invaluable on our long journey of getting the ATV back in action, covering the costs of both repairs and fuel, which keep us mobile on the beach. We’re also deeply grateful for the new spray pump, which allows us to carefully add moisture to our sand and nests, and for the essential buckets, cleaning supplies, new shovel (thanks Dale!), nest sticks, replacement walkie talkie radios, and ATV oil. Each item is a crucial tool in our daily work, supporting the safety and growth of our sea turtle hatchlings. Thank you for standing with us in this conservation mission—your support truly makes a difference! A big thank you shout out to this month's donors: Nick Sanders, Caren Elkan, Bob Cole, Joe Hansen, Maria Daniel, Kerry Peterson, Gretchen Peterson, Valerie DeCleene, and Meghan Gough.
We are also incredibly grateful to Steve Raschke and Trish Schmidt for their generous donation of 10 much-needed thermometers from our wish list! Monitoring temperatures in our nursery is critical for the healthy development of our sea turtle hatchlings, as even slight fluctuations can impact their growth and survival. These thermometers are essential tools, allowing us to maintain the ideal conditions for each nest and ensure the best possible outcomes. To complete our nursery setup, we’re still hoping to secure the final 5 thermometers. If you’d like to help, please follow the link provided HERE and have them sent to:
Project Tortuga
102 Calle America Latina
San Francisco, Bahia de Banderas, Nayarit 63729
Mexico
Thank you for supporting this vital aspect of our conservation efforts!
A heartfelt thank you to this month’s generous donors for helping us secure vital resources! Your contributions have been invaluable on our long journey of getting the ATV back in action, covering the costs of both repairs and fuel, which keep us mobile on the beach. We’re also deeply grateful for the new spray pump, which allows us to carefully add moisture to our sand and nests, and for the essential buckets, cleaning supplies, new shovel (thanks Dale!), nest sticks, replacement walkie talkie radios, and ATV oil. Each item is a crucial tool in our daily work, supporting the safety and growth of our sea turtle hatchlings. Thank you for standing with us in this conservation mission—your support truly makes a difference! A big thank you shout out to this month's donors: Nick Sanders, Caren Elkan, Bob Cole, Joe Hansen, Maria Daniel, Kerry Peterson, Gretchen Peterson, Valerie DeCleene, and Meghan Gough.
We are also incredibly grateful to Steve Raschke and Trish Schmidt for their generous donation of 10 much-needed thermometers from our wish list! Monitoring temperatures in our nursery is critical for the healthy development of our sea turtle hatchlings, as even slight fluctuations can impact their growth and survival. These thermometers are essential tools, allowing us to maintain the ideal conditions for each nest and ensure the best possible outcomes. To complete our nursery setup, we’re still hoping to secure the final 5 thermometers. If you’d like to help, please follow the link provided HERE and have them sent to:
Project Tortuga
102 Calle America Latina
San Francisco, Bahia de Banderas, Nayarit 63729
Mexico
Thank you for supporting this vital aspect of our conservation efforts!
Erosion on the North End: Beach Access and Nesting Challenges
As time goes by, we’re witnessing significant changes on the north end of our beach due to erosion and shifting conditions. The longshore current has been moving sand southward again, while this year’s early seasonal winds have accelerated the changes. We can no longer access the cove at the north end, and most of the sand along this stretch has become undesirable for nesting. During the rainy season, the sand is frequently swampy and then hardens and cracks, affected by roads and development that prevents water from soaking into the ground. Instead, runoff rushes down streets to the beach, carrying sludge and impacting the sand quality. This is a stark reminder of how human development affects natural habitats and reinforces the importance of our conservation efforts.
Addressing the impact of coastal development on our beach will require thoughtful, sustainable solutions. One potential approach is to create natural buffers, such as rain gardens and bioswales, by planting native vegetation that helps absorb runoff before it reaches the beach, filtering out sludge and pollutants. Implementing permeable surfaces in nearby areas could also reduce the volume of water that rushes down streets, giving it more space to soak into the ground naturally. Additionally, working with local authorities to manage development responsibly could help preserve the beach’s natural contours and protect against further erosion. Each of these steps would contribute to a healthier habitat, providing safer, more stable nesting grounds for our sea turtles.
As time goes by, we’re witnessing significant changes on the north end of our beach due to erosion and shifting conditions. The longshore current has been moving sand southward again, while this year’s early seasonal winds have accelerated the changes. We can no longer access the cove at the north end, and most of the sand along this stretch has become undesirable for nesting. During the rainy season, the sand is frequently swampy and then hardens and cracks, affected by roads and development that prevents water from soaking into the ground. Instead, runoff rushes down streets to the beach, carrying sludge and impacting the sand quality. This is a stark reminder of how human development affects natural habitats and reinforces the importance of our conservation efforts.
Addressing the impact of coastal development on our beach will require thoughtful, sustainable solutions. One potential approach is to create natural buffers, such as rain gardens and bioswales, by planting native vegetation that helps absorb runoff before it reaches the beach, filtering out sludge and pollutants. Implementing permeable surfaces in nearby areas could also reduce the volume of water that rushes down streets, giving it more space to soak into the ground naturally. Additionally, working with local authorities to manage development responsibly could help preserve the beach’s natural contours and protect against further erosion. Each of these steps would contribute to a healthier habitat, providing safer, more stable nesting grounds for our sea turtles.
Hatchling Nursery Tours Now Available
As the nesting season begins to slow, our focus shifts to helping hatchlings make their way safely to the ocean. Join us for an open nursery tour on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5-7 pm. It’s a unique opportunity to see our work firsthand and learn more about our hatchlings’ journey!
As the nesting season begins to slow, our focus shifts to helping hatchlings make their way safely to the ocean. Join us for an open nursery tour on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5-7 pm. It’s a unique opportunity to see our work firsthand and learn more about our hatchlings’ journey!
Join Us for Public Hatchling Releases
Our public hatchling releases are going wonderfully, and we invite everyone to join in on this special event. No reservations are needed, and it’s free and family-friendly! You can catch a release every Wednesday at sunset in front of La Tarraya restaurant and every Saturday at sunset to the right of mural alley, in front of the Las Olas community. Watching the hatchlings begin their journey to the sea is a beautiful, memorable experience—come share the moment with us and wish these young sea turtles well on their way.
Giving Tuesday: Support Sea Turtle Conservation
As Giving Tuesday approaches, we hope you’ll consider donating to support our sea turtle conservation work. Every contribution helps us provide the essential resources needed for transporting nests, maintaining nursery facilities, and ensuring our equipment is in working order—all of which play a crucial role in protecting these vulnerable species. This Giving Tuesday, your support can make a difference as we continue our mission to safeguard sea turtles and their natural habitat.
Our conservation team continues to work hard to create a safe and effective environment for sea turtle nesting and hatching, and we’re reaching out for support in gathering essential supplies. One of our biggest needs right now is for contributions toward building a dedicated beach nursery—a secure space where we can carefully monitor nest development close to the shoreline. Additionally, we’re in need of baskets to transport hatchlings, nest sticks, flashlights (both red and normal) to aid in safe nighttime work, and more sand buckets.
And, of course, we can’t help but dream of a second ATV. An additional ATV would be a game-changer for our team, making it possible to cover more ground and respond quickly to both nests and potential threats like poaching. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us make a lasting impact on sea turtle conservation. Thank you for considering our team and this important mission.
Please click the following link to make a tax deductible contribution to our efforts: DONATE HERE
As Giving Tuesday approaches, we hope you’ll consider donating to support our sea turtle conservation work. Every contribution helps us provide the essential resources needed for transporting nests, maintaining nursery facilities, and ensuring our equipment is in working order—all of which play a crucial role in protecting these vulnerable species. This Giving Tuesday, your support can make a difference as we continue our mission to safeguard sea turtles and their natural habitat.
Our conservation team continues to work hard to create a safe and effective environment for sea turtle nesting and hatching, and we’re reaching out for support in gathering essential supplies. One of our biggest needs right now is for contributions toward building a dedicated beach nursery—a secure space where we can carefully monitor nest development close to the shoreline. Additionally, we’re in need of baskets to transport hatchlings, nest sticks, flashlights (both red and normal) to aid in safe nighttime work, and more sand buckets.
And, of course, we can’t help but dream of a second ATV. An additional ATV would be a game-changer for our team, making it possible to cover more ground and respond quickly to both nests and potential threats like poaching. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us make a lasting impact on sea turtle conservation. Thank you for considering our team and this important mission.
Please click the following link to make a tax deductible contribution to our efforts: DONATE HERE
Adopt a Nest This Holiday Season
Looking for a meaningful holiday gift this season? Consider adopting a nest! For Christmas, Hanukkah, or any holiday celebration, nest adoptions make a unique and impactful gift, perfect for loved ones who care about wildlife and the environment. With a nest adoption, you’ll help us ensure the safety of each hatchling from nest to sea. It’s a wonderful way to spread awareness, support conservation efforts, and give a gift that truly makes a difference.
There are still many nests in need of adoption. It’s a wonderful way to support turtle conservation, and you can learn more through the link HERE.
Looking for a meaningful holiday gift this season? Consider adopting a nest! For Christmas, Hanukkah, or any holiday celebration, nest adoptions make a unique and impactful gift, perfect for loved ones who care about wildlife and the environment. With a nest adoption, you’ll help us ensure the safety of each hatchling from nest to sea. It’s a wonderful way to spread awareness, support conservation efforts, and give a gift that truly makes a difference.
There are still many nests in need of adoption. It’s a wonderful way to support turtle conservation, and you can learn more through the link HERE.
Weather-Wise: Last Month's Weather in Review
October brought mild weather with daytime highs in the mid-80s and nighttime temperatures ranging from the upper 70s to the low 80s. We received 6.22 inches of rain during the month, bringing our annual total to 44.39 inches.
With cooler weather settling in, we had to remove the sun shade from the nursery to prevent nests from cooling too much. Now, we’re transitioning to heating strategies to keep the nests within an ideal temperature range, ensuring a safe incubation environment for our hatchlings.
Your steadfast support support means the world to us as we work together to safeguard sea turtles. We couldn't do it without you!
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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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: 311-258-4100 Email: [email protected] [email protected] |