Adopt a Nest

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ADOPt-A-NEST

Nest Adoption

Adopting a nest at the GTM Research Reserve supports over 25 years of research on Atlantic Green, Leatherback, and Loggerhead sea turtles. Your generous donation helps fund this ongoing research, contributions of data to state, national, and international programs to help protect the marine turtle population, and provide needed equipment and supplies for the volunteer Sea Turtle Patrol at GTM.

View Membership Levels
$1,500

Honorary Turtle Patrol

  • HONORARY TURTLE PATROL for a day! Join our legendary team, ride the UTV, monitor and/or collect data for research. Learn valuable information to help educate the community! (Up to 4 people)
  • EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITY for up to four people to witness an evening nest evaluation with a marine turtle specialist (done in late summer).
  • Sign on nest with adopting parent’s name (or names).
  • Emailed photo of YOUR nest with marine turtle tracks.
  • Mid season update on nesting activity at the GTM Research Reserve.
  • End of season update on YOUR nest with nest-specific evaluation data sheet.
  • Membership to the Friends of the GTM Reserve.
Adopt now!
Kemps
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$750

Proud Turtle Parent

  • Private evening nest evaluation.
  • Sign on nest with adopting parent’s name (or names).
  • Emailed photo of YOUR nest with marine turtle tracks.
  • Mid and end of season update on nesting activity at the GTM Research Reserve.
  • Membership to the Friends of the GTM Reserve.
Adopt now!
$300

Turtle Guardian

  • Signage on nest with adopting parent's name(s) on nest during season
  • Emailed photo of YOUR nest showing the marine turtle tracks.
  • Group evening nest evaluation visit with other adopters
  • Mid and end of season updates on nesting activity at the GTM Research Reserve.
  • Membership to the Friends of the GTM Reserve.
Adopt now!
TurtleGreen
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$100

Turtle Friend

  • Friends Membership
  • Mid and end of season updates on nesting activity at the GTM Research Reserve.
Adopt now!

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Years Of Experience

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Funds Raised By people

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Volunteers Involved

Important things you should know about the turtles:

Turtles matter!

Sea turtles keep sea grasses healthy by grazing and keep dunes healthy by nesting. Without them, our ecosystems suffer - and we suffer.

Lights out!

When sea turtles hatch, they find the ocean by looking for the bright horizon. Make sure that’s in the direction of the ocean by keeping lights off.

Recycle Ecosystem

The GTM Research Reserve is home to Loggerheads, Green Turtles, and Leatherbacks.

No Holes!

Beach holes trap nesting sea turtles and hatchlings. Fill in your holes to keep them safe from predators and starvation.

Don’t be trashy

Fishing line, bags, and even drink cups threaten turtles. Pick up any trash you see to help them navigate safely.

See a turtle?

See a sea turtle nest disturbed or an injured turtle? Report it! Call 888-404-FWCC (3922) or *FWC/#FWC.

Choose your adoption level

Honorary Turtle Patrol

$ 1,500 annually
  • Join our legendary “Turtle Patrol.” Monitor and/or collect data for research.*
  • View an evening nest evaluation with marine turtle specialists! (Up to 4 People)
  • Signage on nest with adopting parent’s name(s) on nest during season.
  • Emailed photo of YOUR nest showing the marine turtle tracks.
  • Mid and end of season updates on nesting activity at the GTM Research Reserve.
  • Membership to the Friends of the GTM Reserve.

Proud Turtle Parent

$ 750 annually
  • Evening nest evaluation.*
  • Signage on nest with adopting parent’s name(s) on nest during season.
  • Emailed photo of YOUR nest showing the marine turtle tracks.
  • Mid and end of season updates on nesting activity at the GTM Research Reserve.
  • Membership to the Friends of the GTM Reserve.

Turtle Guardian

$ 300 annually
  • Signage on nest with adopting parent’s name(s) on nest during season.
  • Emailed photo of YOUR nest showing the marine turtle tracks.
  • Mid and end of season updates on nesting activity at the GTM Research Reserve.
  • Membership to the Friends of the GTM Reserve.

Turtle Visitation

$ 100 annually
  • Evening nest evaluation visit.*