Make a Difference
The Reserve’s sea turtle team monitors nests along the beaches of the Cape Romano Complex, Sea Oat Island and the Ten Thousand Islands. With your support, Friends of Rookery Bay’s Adopt-a-Sea-Turtle Program provides funding for resources, supplies and interns.
In 2024, a record 135 nests were adopted, 274 nests were identified and protected against predation, resulting in 6,229 emerged hatchlings!
Interns and volunteers patrol beaches every morning from May 1 through the end of September with support from Reserve staff to identify nests and install protective cages. Once the eggs hatch, the turtle team will return to remove the cages, excavate the nests and count the empty shells to determine hatchling numbers.
Adopt a Sea Turtle Program
A $250 Donation Provides the Following:
- Your name on the cage’s “turtle tag” and the Adopt a Sea Turtle Nest Recognition Wall at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
- An initial letter with details of nest location and date of expected hatching, along with a photo of your nest
- A second letter with result of hatching
- Invitation to the Sea Turtle Appreciation Reception
- Certificate of Adoption
Did You Know?
Your Donations Make A Difference!
Hatching success has increased by close to 100% since Rookery Bay Research Reserve started installing cages, which help prevent predation by raccoons or other animals.
