The National Save The Sea Turtle Foundation’s Adopt-a-Nest Program Supports Sea Turtle Conservation in Broward County
Connie Versteeg, Staff Marine Biologist
The National Save The Sea Turtle Foundation’s Adopt a Nest Program directly supports the joint efforts of Nova Southeastern University and the Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program to document and protect the turtle nests that are placed on the busy beaches of Broward County. This program allows supporters to symbolically “adopt” a nest that will be monitored throughout the incubation period, and excavated after the hatchlings have departed. The resulting data are critical to the long-term protection of Broward’s nests, and the funds generated help the Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program purchase supplies needed in order to protect the nests.
Kade Versteeg showing off the new ATV his Mom and her colleagues will use to monitor the turtle nests along Broward County’s beaches. This vehicle was purchased with funds generated from the 2016 Adopt-a-Nest program.
The National Save The Sea Turtle Foundation’s Connie Versteeg and BCSTPC biologists Jessica Novy, Curtis Slagle and Dr. Derek Burkholder (L-R) receive the proceeds of the 2016 Adopt A Nest Program.
Thanks to the support of many people, 328 nests were adopted along Broward County Beaches during the 2016 sea turtle nesting season! The resulting funds allowed the purchase of a new four-seated ATV that will make the nesting surveys considerably more efficient, and has room enough to allow Ride-Along programs to better educate the public about the challenges sea turtles face along the coastline. “It will also be our main tagging bike as we start flipper, pit, and satellite tagging turtles this summer!” Reports Dr. Derek Burkholder of The Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program and NSU Research Scientist.
Every year, more than 3,000 sea turtle nests are laid in Broward County. In 2016, there were 3,400 Loggerhead nests, 137 Green nests, 27 Leatherback nests and 3 unknown for a total of 3567 nests!
Every year, more than 3,000 sea turtle nests are laid in Broward County. In 2016, there were 3,400 Loggerhead nests, 137 Green nests, 27 Leatherback nests and 3 unknown for a total of 3567 nests!
