Stella Maris Environmental Research is a 501(c)(3) not for-profit organization based in the heart of the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge (ACNWR). The ACNWR is arguably the densest nesting ground for Loggerhead sea turtles in the world and the most significant nesting grounds for green sea turtles in North America and a minor nesting area for the critically endangered Leatherback sea turtles. Stella Maris Environmental Research was recently permitted (MTP 19-149) to offer guided sea turtle watches and Nest Excavation surveys within the Refuge. 

We have once again obtained the permit to provide walks for this community. We have also expanded our permit to include Public Hatch Success Evaluations (MTP 19-149), which are generally called, "daytime digs". As described in the Marine Turtle Handbook, nest "digs" are a vital part of sea turtle conservation. We will excavate the nest and if there are hatchlings that can be released, it is possible to witness this. Come to the "Dig" to find out more about what this is!  "While the total number of nests on Florida beaches is important to determine population status, it is only one piece of the puzzle. An equally important piece is estimating how many hatchlings emerge annually (i.e., egg-to-hatchling survivorship). Because sea turtle eggs are subjected to a variety of incubation environments, including many that are affected by human activities, we encourage you to conduct inventories for nest productivity on a representative sample of the nests in your survey area each year."   -FWC Sea turtle Handbook. 
If you want to read about nesting surveys and the roles of the FWC Click here. 

Feel free to bring a little bug spray and water, beach conditions can be variable!

Below is a video given to us from hatchlings emerging from a nest!
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You can click the link above or see calendar below and click on link within the date. Nest Excavations are in green. 
Calendar may not fit on mobile version- please turn your phone to see all dates.