Adventure Awaits: Pop-Up Sea Turtle Hatch Success Evaluation

3860 North Ocean Drive,Riviera Beach FL 33404

25 August, 2021

Description

FREE EVENT Come see science in action as biologists evaluate hatch success of a sea turtle nest (with the chance to see hatchlings!) FREE EVENT A public hatch success evaluation is a unique opportunity to observe Palm Beach County sea turtle biologists during an inventory of a recently hatched and marked sea turtle nest. With permission from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, permitted personnel will guide guests from Ocean Reef Park in Riviera Beach to a marked nest up to 0.5 miles north of the Park. Guests will receive an introductory talk about sea turtle biology and conservation and will have the opportunity to witness a live excavation of a nest, aiding in important data collection for resource managers: Basics It is August in Florida! These events involve up to a mile walk on the beach…Please be SURE you can handle this experience. “Feels like” temps on the beach can exceed 100 degrees.Often during these events, biologists will find live hatchlings that have yet to make it out of the nest, but not always (there is no guarantee of seeing live hatchlings). Come prepared with a reusable water bottle filled with COLD water, wear appropriate clothing (we always recommend long sleeves and a large hat for sun protection). You may also want to bring a towel with you to put on the sand to kneel or sit on during the excavation (NO Beach Chairs Please!). Closed-toed shoes are required to participate (your feet will thank you for keeping them off the hot sand!). Event will take place rain or shine but will be cancelled in the event of lightning (no rescheduling). This is an actual excavation of a turtle nest, where all eggs do not hatch. There will be strong odors, and participants may see hatchlings that either did not make it, or were not developed properly. This is nature…which sometimes can be difficult to witness. The beach can get buggy in the evening, so be prepared with bug spray or clothing that covers the skin. Registration is limited to the first 25 people to sign up May not be suitable for children under 8 CHECK YOUR EMAIL THE DAY OF THE EVENT FOR ANY SPECIFIC INFORMATION. WE WILL MEET AT THE NORTHERN WALK-OVER AT OCEAN REEF PARK. PLEASE BE ON TIME! We're a Palm Beach County Department whose mission is to establish, maintain, and implement programs for the protection, preservation, and enhancement of the land and water resources of Palm Beach County