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Citizen Scientist
Exclusive For Members Only
BECOME SEA TURTLE RESCUE STAFF ON THE ULTIMATE ECOTOURISM EXPERIENCE
What is the Citizen Scientist Program?
As a Citizen Scientist, you will learn about sea turtles and the threats they face while being trained to rescue hatchlings and collect valuable data that impacts future conservation efforts. During your five night adventure and training, you will work directly with Sea Turtle Oversight Protection trained and permitted staff. Together from sunset to sunrise we will monitor nests, rescue hatchlings that disorient due to artificial lights and safely release them to the ocean’s edge to begin their journey. The Citizen Scientist Program is offered annually from June through September. Beginning with an afternoon check-in and evening training on Tuesday, your experience will conclude the following Sunday afternoon. Our comfortably furnished, vegetarian studio guest quarters are located on the second floor above our headquarters, less than one block from the beach.
The Mission of the Citizen Scientist Program is:
• Help ensure species survival
• Be an ambassador of ecology
• Document official data
• Conduct hands-on conservation
• Become a member of our nonprofit organization
When is the program available?
The Citizen Scientist Program is offered annually from June through September. Beginning with an afternoon check-in and evening training on Tuesday, your experience will conclude the following Sunday afternoon.
Program Inclusions and Cost
Your $1,500 tax-deductible program fee includes:
• A five (5) night stay in our eco-friendly studio guest quarters, steps away from Fort Lauderdale beach
• A comprehensive education about sea turtle biology and coastal ecology
• On-site training alongside senior, permitted rescue staff and use of authorized field equipment
• A one-year membership to Sea Turtle Oversight Protection: Certificate of membership, hatchling birth certificate and action alerts
• One organic cotton S.T.O.P. staff t-shirt (additional shirts available for purchase)
A $500 nonrefundable deposit and signed reservation agreement are required upon booking. Balance is due 30 days prior to program start date.
Off-campus Program Inclusions and Cost Per Person
Your $250 tax-deductible program fee includes:
• A five (5) night meetup at our Headquarters, steps away from Fort Lauderdale beach
• A comprehensive education about sea turtle biology and coastal ecology
• On-site training alongside senior, permitted rescue staff and use of authorized field equipment
• A one-year membership to Sea Turtle Oversight Protection: Certificate of membership, hatchling birth certificate and action alerts
• One organic cotton S.T.O.P. staff t-shirt (additional shirts available for purchase)
• A $250 nonrefundable tuition fee per person and signed reservation agreement are required upon booking.
What are the Accommodations?
There are 2 comfortably furnished, vegetarian studio guest quarters (GQ), located on the second floor (no elevators) above our headquarters, less than one block from the beach. Both have kitchen facilities, private bathrooms with standing shower, air conditioning and WIFI.
Our “CM” guest quarters sleeps up to 4 people and features:
• Fully equipped kitchenette with toaster oven, 2 burner stove top, full size refrigerator, coffee maker and blender.
• Dining area with seating for 4
• One queen size murphy bed
• One full size futon
Our “CC” guest quarters sleeps up to 4 people and features:
• Fully equipped kitchenette with 4 burner stove and oven, 3/4 size refrigerator, coffee maker and blender.
• Dining area with seating for 4
• Three extra-long twin murphy beds
• One full size futon
Program Calendar
Beginning with an afternoon check-in and evening training on Tuesday, your experience will conclude the following Sunday afternoon.
• June 15- 20
• June 22-27
• June 29- July 4
• July 6-11
• July 13-18
• July 20-25
• July 27- August 1
• August 3-8
• August 10-15
• August 17-22
• August 24-29
• August 31-September 5
• September 7-12
Age Requirements and Limitations
Due to the rigorous, physically demanding and random nature of our rescue activities, we must advise that this program may not be suitable for individuals with limiting disabilities. Our Guest Quarters are located on the 2nd floor and are not ADA compliant. One adult parent or legal guardian must be with any occupant under the age of 18 at all times. Minimum age: 13.
FAQ
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Before Arrival
All those participating will receive a digital copy of our 35-page manual. At the end of studying the protocols outlined in the manual, you will be asked to submit a test.
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First Night
You will meet with the Program Director for a mandatory technical presentation at our Headquarters, where you will learn about the coastal habitat, the species of turtles that nest on our beaches, their life cycle, the natural and human-caused dangers that affect them, the protocols within the manual and data collection. Following this 4-hour training class, you will accompany our rescue volunteers on to the beach to begin Field Training.
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What Are The Hours Of The Program?
Nesting and hatchling emergence on Florida beaches occur between sunset and sunrise. Therefore, the program takes place each evening from 8pm to 4am.
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During Shift
We will continue sharing important facts about the coastal habitat, the importance of sea turtles to the ocean ecosystem and more about the challenges these animals face the moment they emerge from their sandy nest. As a volunteer patrolling the beach, you will be guided through the rescue and recovery procedures for hatchling disorientation due to artificial light sources.
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Expect the Unexpected!
This is an opportunity to help conserve one of the Earth’s oldest endangered species. However, as with all wild animals, their movements and behaviors are unpredictable. Therefore, it is paramount that the protocols directed for safe rescue and recovery are adhered to at all times.
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Will I Be Able To Touch Or Hold The Sea Turtles?
As a participant in our program, after successfully completing the education and field training portion of our course, you will be allowed to collect and release any sea turtle hatchling that is disorienting toward artificial lights. Under our permits with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, no interference should be made with turtles going in the direction of the ocean. Nest perimeters must never be breached under any circumstance.
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What About Inclement Weather?
The program will continue, regardless of the weather. Rain does not deter the turtles from hatching. Suspension of the program may only occur in the event of severe weather or lightning. Decisions will be made by the Program Director in real-time.
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Age Requirement
Due to the late hours and nature of the program, it is not recommended for children under 13 years of age. Pricing is the same, regardless of the age of the participant. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all time.
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Cancellation Policy
Your registration fee in non-refundable; however, should you be unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances, you may use your receipt as a tax-deductible contribution to the organization. Sea Turtle Oversight Protection is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. As such, your receipt may be used as a tax-deductible contribution to our organization. 100% of your registration fee will help to fund our rescue efforts.
For further information or questions, please call the Hotline at 954-404-0025 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Thank You Page
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
Copyright and Legal Notice
Founded in 2007, STOP is a non-profit, sea turtle conservation organization of volunteers with no paid staff. STOP rescues hatchlings, documents hatchling disorientation, and records and publishes hatch data for research and educational purposes in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act.
STOP works within the law and explicitly for the law under a special marine turtle permit issued by FWC to recover disoriented hatchlings, collect hatch data and documentation which is then provided to the appropriate authorities, research institutions and the general public.
While STOP advocates that citizens communicate with their city officials, STOP does NOT support, endorse or tolerate any harassment, inappropriate or unbecoming behavior of any kind within its volunteer organization or on its behalf.
With respect to each individuals rights of freedom of speech, STOP encourages these guidelines and common courtesy:
- Please do not contact homeowners and businesses directly or encourage others to do so. Leave code enforcement issues to the proper authorities. It is your right to report code violations, but not to enforce compliance.
- Many homeowners and businesses are in fact victims of misinformation, poor code education, lack of code enforcement and years of misdirection from their municipalities and code departments. In other words... Don't bark up the wrong tree.
- STOP advocates enforcement of the law. Please show the same respect to the rights of others and the laws that you demand be enforced.
- It is your right to contact public officials to voice your opinion. Please to do so with respect and with factually accurate information. Please represent yourself and the turtles well. Please do not speak on behalf of STOP, but rather as a citizen.
- Please do not use STOP materials, logos or data inappropriately. Read the copyright and Terms of Use Agreement below.
Copyright and Legal Notice
Unless otherwise noted, all logos, images, content, videos, links and pages contained in this site, seaturtleop.org or related social media sites are copyrighted ©2007-2015 by Sea Turtle Oversight Protection. All content and material is for educational and scientific research purposes only and not to be used in any manner which may be perceived as inappropriate, negative, harassing, threatening, unlawful or in violation of anyone's rights. By posting or sharing any content published by Sea Turtle Oversight Protection you agree to these terms. For questions regarding our privacy & security policy, copyright or website, in general, please contact us by phone 954-404-0025 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
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Turtle Treks of Terramar
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What is a Turtle Trek?
Following a presentation about sea turtles, their habitats, and threats they face, participants walk the beach with Sea Turtle Oversight Protection staff. During the walk, staff will explain how & why nests are protected, about their incubation cycle and what commonly happens to the hatchlings on a densely urbanized beach like Fort Lauderdale. We’ll discuss hatchling disorientation due to artificial lights, why this occurs and what S.T.O.P is doing to make a difference.
Please note, there is no promise or guarantee that you will see hatchings. Based on our 2023 permit conditions, the group is not allowed to visit or sit near nests that may hatch. Our goal is to educate and inspire you during your time with us and ensure a fulfilling experience. If you are fortunate enough to witness these amazing animals, it will be something that you will never forget.
100% of the Turtle Trek proceeds help us fund our rescue operations. Turtle Treks take place in the evenings in August & September.
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Before the Trek
Before your Turtle Trek, we’ll meet up for an educational presentation at our Headquarters, where you’ll learn about the coastal habitat, the species of turtles that nest on our beaches, their life cycle and the natural and human-caused dangers that affect them. Following this presentation, you will accompany your Trek guide on the beach habitat to begin the Educational Walk.
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During the Trek
During the Trek, we’ll continue sharing important facts about the coastal habitat, the importance of sea turtles to the ocean ecosystem and more about challenges these animals face the moment they emerge from their sandy nests. You’ll see the beach through the eyes of a newborn sea turtle.
The Turtle Trek participant agrees to assume liability of injury from any and all perceivable and unperceivable risks of injury and as to which by using his or her own best judgment for personal safety.
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Unpredictable Turtles
Expect the Unexpected! As with all wild animals, sea turtle movements and behaviors are unpredictable. They are on their own “turtle time”. Given this fact, there is no guarantee you will see sea turtles on our Treks.
Our goal is to educate and inspire you during your time with us and ensure a fulfilling experience. But if you are fortunate enough to witness these amazing animals, it will be something that you will never forget.
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Age Requirement
Due to the late hour and nature of the program, it is not recommended for children under 6 years of age.
Pricing is the same, regardless of the age of the participant. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
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Cancellation Policy
Your registration fee is non-refundable, however should you be unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances, you may use your receipt as a tax-deductible contribution to the organization.
Sea Turtle Oversight Protection is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. As such, your receipt may be used as a tax-deductible contribution to our organization. 100% of your registration fee will help to fund our rescue efforts.
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Book Now!
Turtle Treks are held Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights beginning at 8:30 pm. Space is limited to 20 people, so book early!
Turtle Walk FAQ - Instructions and Guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions
When Are the Turtle Treks Offered?
Sea Turtle nesting season on Florida’s southeast coast is March 1st to October 31st. Hatchling emergences typically occur June- September. Our treks take place in August and September, as allowed by our governing body, Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission. Availability of this program is extremely limited in accordance with the guidelines stipulated in our permits. We encourage you to reserve your space as soon as possible.
What Are The Hours Of The Program?
The program begins at 8:30pm and duration is approximately 3.5 hours.
Are There Any Age Restrictions?
Given the late hour and nature of the program, it is not recommended for children under the age of 6. Pricing is the same, regardless of the age of the participant. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Will I See Sea Turtles?
There is no promise or guarantee that you will see hatchings. Based on our 2023 permit conditions, the group is not allowed to visit or sit near nests that may hatch. Our goal is to educate and inspire you during your time with us and ensure a fulfilling experience. If you are fortunate enough to witness these amazing animals, it will be something that you will never forget.
Will I Be Able To Touch Or Hold The Sea Turtles?
In accordance with our permits with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, only qualified staff are allowed to handle the sea turtles.
What About Inclement Weather?
Turtle Treks will take place in the rain. Treks will be suspended in the event of severe weather or lightning. Decisions will be made in real-time. Please plan to arrive as scheduled. In the event the walk is not possible, you will be provided with the option to re-schedule at no cost, subject to availability. Since we cannot control the weather and your participation tuition is a direct program support contribution, refunds will not be possible.
Will I Be Able To Participate If I Have A Physical Disability Or Mobility Challenges?
The facilities at our Headquarters are ADA compliant. Public sidewalks are available along the beach habitat where our Treks take place. However, our ability to accommodate you on the sandy beach are not possible. We recommend anyone with mobility challenges to contact our Administrative Team for more information (954-404-0025) prior to booking your adventure.
Important Turtle Trek Instructions and Guidelines
- Please arrive at our Headquarters 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.
- Headquarter address: 3104 NE. 9th St. Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304
- Public street and Private lot metered parking is available. We encourage you to pay for at least 3.5 hours so that your time on the beach is not interrupted.
- Dress comfortably in medium to dark-colored clothing (white and other highly reflective colored clothing is strongly discouraged). Wear shoes that are suitable for walking long distances on the habitat. We may walk up to 2 miles during the course of the program.
- Treks operate as scheduled, even if it’s raining. Please check the forecast in advance and bring a dark colored rain jacket or poncho.
- Other items you are welcome to bring include beverages, snacks, and a beach towel. Chairs are not permitted.
- Organic, all-natural insect repellent will be available for participants free of charge.
- Flash photography, flashlights or light of any kind are not allowed during the treks (this includes glow sticks, glow necklaces, etc.)
- We will ask that you lower your cellphone back-light to its dimmest setting and that they are switched to “silent mode” before arriving at the habitat. Cellphones should be used only when absolutely necessary or in case of an emergency.
- All participants are required to remain with their assigned group for the entire duration of the program.
- If a nesting turtle is encountered, it is important that participants follow the instructions of the Rescue Staff.
- If the group happens to witness hatchling activity, our rescue staff will provide you with specific instructions on where you may observe it. Following their direction is paramount, as the health and safety of the hatchlings and the integrity of our data must not be compromised.
- If disoriented hatchlings are rescued and recovered, our staff will invite you to the ocean’s edge where the hatchlings will be released to continue their epic journey of survival.
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