It is an extraordinary event to witness the lumbering of a giant green sea turtle onto the beach to lay her eggs, followed by her eventual return to the ocean, making Sea Turtle Week an important yearly reminder of marine conservation and our privilege as coastal dwellers. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported more than increased nesting activity this year from Palm Beach County, while Broward County saw a decrease. To learn more, join Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park for a 2-mile night walk with the potential to view nesting turtles in natural surroundings. The educational tour also includes a museum visit and a 20-minute film. Registration must be done between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Joining a Sea Turtle Week walk is an elaborative way to recognize and protect these precious animals.
It is extraordinary to witness a giant green sea turtle lumbering onto the beach to lay her eggs, followed by her eventual return to the ocean. This Sea Turtle Week is an annual reminder of the privilege of living on the coast and the importance of protecting these precious creatures. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported more than 7,700 green turtle nests in Palm Beach County last year, up from 6,788 in 2021; Broward had 409 nests, down from 463 the previous year. Green sea turtle season begins in June and lasts through September in Southeast Florida, while the loggerhead turtle nest season begins in March and continues into the fall.
With the help of local wildlife organizations, tour participants are given the unique opportunity to observe the majestic turtles in their natural habitat while adhering to strict guidelines that ensure the safety of the mother turtles and their eggs.
What You Need to Know:
• Start at Osprey Pavilion between 8:30 and 9 p.m.
• View a 20-minute film followed by a Q&A session
• Embark on a 2-mile walk along the beach
• Prepare for bugs
• Children must be at least seven years old
• Register by calling 954-924-3859 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Fridays
• Check out the Museum of Discovery and Science or visit mods.org/signature-events
Head to Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in Broward County for an exciting program! Begin your journey at the Osprey Pavilion between 8:30 and 9 p.m., when the 20-minute film will begin. Following the film, there will be a question-and-answer session before embarking on a 2-mile walk along the beach. Remember to prepare for bugs and that children must be at least seven years old. To register for this unforgettable experience, call 954-924-3859 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. Afterward, you can check out the Museum of Discovery and Science at 401 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale, or visit mods.org/signature-events.
Turtle Walks and Hatchling Releases
Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Palm Beach County proudly offers its Turtle Walks and Hatchling Releases, an exciting experience for participants nine and above. At the museum, guests will be driven in a car to Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club on Fort Lauderdale’s beautiful beach. Although sightings of sea turtles are only sometimes guaranteed, this fantastic opportunity promises unforgettable memories.
Hatchling Release Viewings
Gumbo Limbo’s Unique Program:
Gumbo Limbo offers an unforgettable experience to its participants. It begins with a presentation in a Gumbo Limbo classroom, followed by a beach excursion to scout for turtles. When a nest is found, everyone can join the adventure of finding a turtle and witness hatchling release viewings, where tiny newly hatched turtles swim into the ocean. These viewings occur Monday through Thursday evenings in July and August at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park (10900 Jack Nicklaus Drive, North Palm Beach; 561-776-7449; macarthurbeach.org/special-events).
Gumbo Limbo’s unique program offers a presentation in a Gumbo Limbo classroom to kick off the experience, followed by staffers scouting for turtles on the beach. Everyone joins in the adventure of finding a turtle when a nest is found. Those lucky enough to be part of the experience can witness hatchling release viewings, where tiny newly hatched turtles swim into the ocean, Monday through Thursday evenings in July and August. John D. MacArthur Beach State Park offers this fantastic opportunity at 10900 Jack Nicklaus Drive, North Palm Beach; 561-776-7449; macarthurbeach.org/special-events.
Green Sea Turtle
Eco-Experiences at Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Eco-Experiences at Loggerhead Marinelife Center
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At Loggerhead Marinelife Center, located in Juno Beach, Florida, visitors can take part in a variety of eco-experiences. These experiences focus on educating visitors about ocean and sea turtle conservation, as well as giving them opportunities to support the center’s research and rehabilitation efforts. Located at 14200 U.S. Highway 1, the center is easy to access. To find out more about their eco-experiences, visitors can contact them at 561-627-8280 or visit their website marinelife.org/eco-experiences.
Loggerhead Marinelife Center, located in Juno Beach, Florida, is committed to promoting ocean and sea turtle conservation through educational programs, research, and rehabilitation of sick and injured turtles. With its 14200 U.S. Highway 1 address, visitors can easily access the center to learn more about their mission and take part in their eco-experiences. Those interested can contact them at 561-627-8280 or visit their website marinelife.org/eco-experiences to find out more.
Sea turtles are a significant part of the life surrounding coastal communities and it is important to stay aware of their nesting and hatching annually. Fortunately, local wildlife organizations have made it easier for the public to access programs that aid participants with learning about these animals. So take advantage of events out there like the Sea Turtle Week program, or specific guided walks and trips to Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in Broward County. With these resources, along with proper education and ecological protection, we can learn about sea turtles in their natural habitat and prevent the decline of their population for generations to come.
