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Coastal Connections - Part 2: Tipsy Turtles & Shell-abrations
Manage episode 498621907 series 3656350
Ever wondered what makes those colorful ribbons and stakes appear on Florida beaches during turtle season? Kendra from Coastal Connections pulls back the curtain on sea turtle conservation in this enlightening second installment of our three-part series.
Running a marine conservation nonprofit requires remarkable versatility. During nesting season (March-October), the team conducts nighttime turtle walks and their popular "turtle digs" - scientific evaluations of hatched nests that often draw crowds of 100+ in-person observers and thousands of virtual viewers. These careful excavations serve dual purposes: collecting crucial data on nest success rates while providing unforgettable wildlife experiences for community members and visitors alike. The VIP nest adoption program takes this connection even further, allowing people to follow "their" nest through its entire incubation journey.
Beyond the beach, Coastal Connections orchestrates creative fundraising initiatives like the "Tipsy Turtle Two Mile Fun Run" and their end-of-year "Shellabration." Their innovative approaches to waste reduction include beach toy recycling stations and self-guided cleanup "beach baskets." Most impressively, they've diverted over 25,000 pounds of plastic film from landfills through their recycling program.
What truly sets Coastal Connections apart is its communication philosophy. Rather than simply telling people what not to do, they focus on the "why" behind conservation guidelines. As Kendra explains, most visitors gladly adjust their behavior once they understand how their actions affect nesting turtles. This education-first approach transforms casual beachgoers into conservation allies.
Ready to experience a turtle dig or volunteer with this remarkable organization? Visit coastal-connections.org or follow them on social media as Coastal Connections Inc to discover how you can participate in protecting Florida's magnificent marine life.
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Chapters
1. Understanding Turtle Nest Markers (00:00:00)
2. Running a Sea Turtle Nonprofit (00:03:16)
3. Fundraising Events and Community Involvement (00:05:21)
4. Turtle Digs: Science and Public Education (00:06:39)
5. Beach Baskets & Toy Recycling Bin Initiative (00:13:16)
40 episodes
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