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Turtle Tracks Newsletter
November 2025
| | | FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK TO KEEP UP TO DATE ON FUTURE EVENTS! | | Green Sea Turtles Return to the Upper Keys! 🐢💚🌊 | | |
For the first time in 25 years, green sea turtles have returned to nest on the SAT monitored beaches of the Upper Florida Keys—and we couldn’t be more excited to share the news!
This season, several green turtle nests were discovered along our shores. After the main hatchings, volunteers found a few live hatchlings still making their way out. Some of these tiny survivors passed their “swim test” and were released right away to begin their journey in the ocean. A few others, needing a bit of extra care, were taken to The Turtle Hospital in Marathon for some rest and rehabilitation. Once they’re strong and ready, they too will be released to start their ocean adventure.
This incredible milestone is a hopeful reminder that conservation efforts are working—and that every protected nest, beach cleanup, and volunteer hour truly makes a difference for sea turtles in the Keys. 🌿💙
| | Community Cleanup Makes a Big Splash for Sea Turtles! 🌊🐢💚 | | |
On October 18th, the community came together at Big Pine RV Park for a beach cleanup—and the results were incredible! More than 40 volunteers rolled up their sleeves to clean up one of the sea turtle nesting beaches in the Florida Keys, removing over 820 pounds of trash from the beach and near-shore waters.
Thanks to their hard work, this stretch of coastline is now safer and cleaner for sea turtles, shorebirds, and all the other wildlife (and humans!) that call the shoreline home.
Keeping our environment clean isn’t just about beautiful beaches—it’s essential for the health and safety of all living things. Every piece of trash removed helps prevent injury and pollution, protecting marine animals, birds, and people alike.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined in to protect our coastal environment—your efforts truly make a lasting difference for the ocean and all who depend on it. 💙🌿
| | Win “Sunrise Paradise” by Wyland! 🎨 | | |
We’re thrilled to announce a once-in-a-lifetime raffle! Save-A-Turtle is offering the chance to win “Sunrise Paradise,” a stunning original by world-renowned marine artist Wyland, hand-enhanced in his personal studio and created exclusively for Save-A-Turtle.
🎟️ Only 400 tickets are available—don’t miss your chance to own this extraordinary piece while supporting endangered sea turtles.
Every dollar raised goes directly to sea turtle conservation—no salaries, no overhead, just volunteers protecting marine life. 🌊💚
DRAWING TAKES PLACE ON DECEMBER 1, 2025!
👉 GET YOUR TICKETS HERE
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Shop with Purpose:
Sustainable Gifts That Give Back! 🌊🐢💙
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Upgrade your everyday essentials while supporting sea turtle conservation! From ultra-soft tees and reusable Pirani cups that keep your drinks perfectly hot or cold, to our brand-new Save-A-Turtle Eco Totes by Recover, there’s something for every ocean lover.
🌿 Made from 100% recycled and organic materials, our eco totes are durable, stylish, and perfect for beach days, grocery runs, or everyday adventures.
Best of all, every purchase directly supports sea turtle conservation—no gimmicks, just gear that helps protect the oceans we love. 💚🌎
Shop today, feel good, and carry the mission with you—one eco-friendly item at a time.
CHECK OUT OUR NEW MERCH AND CLEARANCE ITEMS! 👉 SHOP HERE!
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Protect Our Marine Neighbors:
Safe Boating Saves Lives 💙🐬🐢
| | Boat strike victim that did not survive. Red arrow indicates start of strike wound. | |
Each year, countless dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles are injured or killed by boat strikes. These accidents are heartbreaking—but also preventable. With just a little extra care, every boater can help keep our waters safe for the wildlife that calls them home.
Here’s how you can make a big difference every time you head out on the water:
👀 Be a Wildlife Watcher
Assign a spotter to look out for manatees, dolphins, or turtles surfacing ahead. One quick sighting could prevent an accident—and save a life.
🐢 Slow Your Roll
Always obey no-wake and slow-speed zones. These areas protect animals in key feeding, resting, and travel zones. Slowing down keeps both wildlife and fellow boaters safe.
📞 Report Injuries or Strandings
If you see an injured or stranded marine animal, call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) right away. Quick action gives rescue teams their best chance to save a life.
Every mindful decision on the water helps ensure dolphins keep leaping, manatees keep grazing, and sea turtles keep returning to the sea—for generations to come. 🌊💚
| | Outreach poster developed by NOAA Fisheries and the Hawai'i Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation | | November 2025 Board Meeting | | |
Save-A-Turtle Board Meeting
(meeting link is static and good for each monthly meeting)
Monday, November 10th
6:30 - 8:30PM
Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 829 7023 2616
Passcode: 210787
One tap mobile
+13052241968,,82970232616#,,,,*210787# US
+16469313860,,82970232616#,,,,*210787# US
| | 2025 Save-A-Turtle Board Members | | |
President: Heather Skelley
Vice President: Dave Wiggins
Treasurer: Dawn Bowles
Secretary: Chelsea Oatman
Board Member: Harry Appel
Board Member: Jennifer DeMaria
Board Member: Alyssa Gruebele
Board Member: Betheny Rodden
Board Member: Jana Wiggins
Technical Advisor: Sue Schaf
| | 🐢💚 Love Sea Turtles? Let’s Connect! | | |
If sea turtles make your heart happy (they sure make ours!), you’ll love what we share online. From fun turtle facts and easy eco-friendly tips to behind-the-scenes peeks at our conservation work, there’s always something new to discover. 🌊✨
📱 Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay inspired, learn, and help spread the message of protecting sea turtles and our planet.
Together, we can make waves for wildlife—one share at a time! 🌍💙 10 Tremendous Turtle Facts
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Report Sick, Injured or Dead Sea Turtles in Florida
Call FWCC at 888-404-FWCC (3922)
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