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The Georgia Sea Turtle Center’s (GSTC) Ride with Dawn Patrol program offers participants the unique opportunity to see what it is like to be a sea turtle field biologist tasked with daily nest monitoring on Jekyll Island. The morning will be spent patrolling Jekyll Island’s beaches with our sea turtle patrol team, riding half of the beach in all-terrain vehicles and walking the other half on foot, assisting with a variety of tasks, including potentially locating and protecting nests, checking for signs of predators, and potentially conducting nest inventories. The opportunity to work alongside our research scientists and AmeriCorps Members and contribute to efforts to protect the sea turtle population on Jekyll Island will make this an immersive experience one will never forget.
Tickets include single day general admission to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. General admission provides access to the learning center, public areas of our hospital and daily programs. Valid any day* during public operating hours Monday – Sunday, 9AM to 5PM.
*General admission good for one year from the day of purchase.
MEETING TIME:
- Participants must arrive at Great Dunes Pavilion at 07:15 AM and plan to be picked up by 7:30 AM (please bring your receipt).
- The program lasts until the patrol is complete, usually between 2 and 6 hours. Participants will have the option of staying out on the beach as long as biologists are patrolling. Our research biologists are prepared to accommodate participants during this entire time.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be able to walk at least 1 mile and up to 4 miles. Tolerance of hot, humid, buggy, and windy conditions is required.
- Must be able to tolerate extreme heat.
AGE LIMIT:
- Participants must be at least 6 years old. All minors under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
ATTIRE:
- Participants must be aware that conditions on the beach will include extreme heat.
- Due to insects and the potential for intense sun, we recommended bringing comfortable clothing, including a short-sleeved shirt, light jacket/rain jacket, shorts, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and closed-toed shoes.
PROVIDED ITEMS:
- Insect repellent
- Sea turtle patrol vests
WE ENCOURAGE YOU BRING:
- Water (at least 2 liters)
- Snacks
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Camera
UNAPPROVED ACTIVITIES:
Performing the following activities during patrol is grounds for immediate dismissal with no refund:
- Unauthorized handling or harassment of sea turtles
- Operate the vehicles at any given time
GUARANTEE:
Although the Ride with Dawn Patrol program is only offered during peak hatchling periods, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center does not guarantee that guests will observe a sea turtle nest inventory or sea turtle hatchling while participating in the program. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is not responsible for any injury or complication that arises while participating in this program. Participants must comply with all instructions, including but not limited to vehicle safety and prohibited activities (e.g., touching or photographing a sea turtle). Non-compliance will result in the termination of the program with no refund.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT US:
EMAIL: [email protected]
PHONE: (912) 635-4141
