sea turtles

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First sea turtle nest of 2014 laid at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park May 21

The sea turtle nesting in South Walton has officially begun. During the early morning hours of May 21, a loggerhead turtle successfully laid a nest along the beach at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. The nest is a good sized one with 153 eggs laid. The nest was moved closer to the dune line for better protection against the elements. “It was in a high traffic area,” said Jeff Talbert, park service specialist at the park. There were three false...

Become a South Walton Turtle Watch volunteer

Required FWC training held March 12 Walker volunteers are needed for the South Walton sea turtle season of 2014. The season runs from May 1 until October 31.  Walkers must be trained by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The training class will be held at Gulf Coast State College on March 12, 2014. The training is only given once, sometime after the training you will be asked to walk with someone from the area you will be walking...

Learn about sea turtles at Topsail May 3

Time: 2:30 p.m. The majestic Sea Turtles are getting ready to begin another reproductive season. Last year was one of the best on record at the park. Learn the facts about common Sea Turtles at Topsail.  Be a part of an enlightening program and see what you can do to help preserve these awe inspiring creatures of the sea. Park at the Day-Use area on Hwy 30A and take a short walk with park staff to the clubhouse $6.00 entry...

South Walton Turtle Watch takes care of our area’s nesting sea turtles

Sea turtle nesting season runs May 1 – October 31 According to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, sea turtles are among the oldest creatures on earth, and have remained essentially unchanged for 110 million years. However, they face an uncertain future. Illegal harvesting, habitat encroachment, and pollution (physical and light) are only some of the issues sea turtles face as the beautiful creatures struggle to stay alive. Each year from May – October, there are four species of Florida...

First South Walton turtle nest of 2012 laid by an endangered Kemp’s Ridley

Turtle season starts with a special visitor! It’s official, turtle nesting has begun along the beaches of South Walton. The season started off with a special occasion on May 12, 2012 as the first nest was laid by an endangered Kemp’s Ridley turtle. Kemp’s Ridley rarely lay eggs along our beaches. Kim Jackson of Suwanee, Ga. was visiting Miramar Beach when she witnessed the Kemp’s daytime nesting. “We observed her digging her hole and then she laid there for a...

South Walton Turtle Watch keeps track of nesting sea turtles

Sea turtle nesting season runs May 1 – October 31 According to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, sea turtles are among the oldest creatures on earth, and have remained essentially unchanged for 110 million years. However, they face an uncertain future. Illegal harvesting, habitat encroachment, and pollution (physical and light) are only some of the issues sea turtles face as the beautiful creatures struggle to stay alive. Each year from May 1 – October 31, there are four species...

South Walton Turtle Watch looking for a few good volunteers

2012 turtle nesting season about to start Love sea turtles and want to be a part of a great team of turtle nest walkers? South Walton Turtle Watch is looking for a few good volunteers. If you like getting up early, walking on the beach, being involved  with nature and making a difference, they are looking for you. Walking will be from during the sea turtle nesting season from May to October. Can you walk one day a week? Two...

Learn about sea turtles at Topsail Aug. 18

Location: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park on Scenic Road 30A Time: 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. The Department of Environmental Protection’s Topsail Hill Preserve State Park will be having a presentation on sea turtles. It is a very special time of year for our sea turtles and a walk along the beach may lead you to a discovery of new life. Sea turtles are busy digging, flipping up sand and laying eggs along the beaches of Florida. Learn some fun facts...

Be mindful at the beach, sea turtles are hatching

Remember, beach goers are guests in wildlife’s natural environment It is sea turtle nesting season in South Walton along our beaches. As of Aug. 5, 2011, 36 sea turtle nests have been laid this season, and more are are expected. There are also hundreds of baby turtles hatching in the evening hours along our beaches. If you see a sea turtle, it is important to stay out of its way. Do not put your hands on or near the turtle....

Dedicated group watches over sea turtles

South Walton Turtle Watch Group keeps track of South Walton nesting sea turtles South Walton turtle nest season runs May 1 – October 31 According to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, sea turtles, are among the oldest creatures on earth, and have remained essentially unchanged for 110 million years. However, they face an uncertain future. Illegal harvesting, habitat encroachment, and pollution (physical and light) are only some of the things sea turtles must face as each species struggles to...

Walton students design artwork for turtle festival

Artwork will adorn posters and t-shirts Turtle Watch, South Walton Community Council, and the Merchants of Gulf Place gratefully acknowledge Walton County elementary school art teachers Constance Rogers, Laurie Hudson, and Jennifer Bush for their participation in the Turtle Fest 2011 poster art contest held recently for area students. A winner was chosen from each school participating and will be placed on the Turtle Fest posters and t-shirts. Proceeds from the sale of the shirts will go to Turtle Watch, a not-for-profit volunteer...