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Turtle Digs
With Coastal Connections, Inc
You're Invited!
Please join us at our upcoming public educational sea turtle nest evaluation. During July and August, Coastal Connections, Inc, is permitted to provide a one-of-a-kind interactive educational opportunity on the beach where you can learn more about our sea turtles, see how our team collects scientific information about nest success, and maybe even watch a hatchling get rescued and released into the ocean. These events occur three days after a nest hatches so we apologize for the short notice, but this is one event you won't want to miss!
Things you should know before registering:
--Summertime in Florida is HOT. Even though these events are held in the morning, please bring water, a personal fan, and sunscreen (and possibly bug spray). It is important that you are able to stand outside on the sand for up to 45 minutes.
-- Not every nest we evaluate is located beside a beach access. You may have to walk up to 1/4 mile on the beach to arrive at the Dig location. If a beach wheelchair is needed, please reserve one before arrival.
--There is a 60-person maximum for "front row" viewing of the nest Dig. An RSVP is required to stand in an "Up-Close" viewing space at the event. If reservation spaces are full, you may still attend the event and watch from behind the roped-off area.
Photo and Liability Disclaimer:
At check-in, you will be asked to sign a liability waiver and photo release. This will be mandatory for onsite participation at any Turtle Dig event. If you do not wish to be photographed, please make sure to mark NO on the waiver and wear your "No Photo" sticker. Additionally, the summertime brings hot temperatures to the beaches and some nests may be a far walk from our Check-In tent located in front of Ocean Grill. If you think you may have an issue being in the heat for a long period of time, please consult your physician before attending our Turtle Digs. Small battery-powered personal fans may be available at our donation table if needed.
Special ADA Requests - Beach Wheelchair
We believe all people can and should be a part of a sea turtle's success story. For this reason, CCinc is dedicated to inclusivity and connecting all people with our mission. If you or a loved one is in need of a beach wheelchair to get to and from the Dig location, we would be happy to provide you with one. We ask that you please reserve a wheelchair at least 24 hours in advance of the Dig. If you would prefer to watch the Dig from the comfort of your place of residence, we will continue to hosts virtual Turtle Digs via Facebook or Instagram Live.
To reserve a beach wheelchair please email our Programs Coordinator.
DONATIONS
We are excited you are interested in attending a Turtle Dig with us. Thanks to generous donors, we are able to offer this program, along with many of our other programs, completely FREE. Because of this, we hope we can broaden our reach to educate and connect people of all backgrounds and demographics to the environment because we all have the ability and responsibility to protect it. Coastal Connections, Inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates off income from grants and generous individual supporters. We ask that if you are able, please consider providing a donation within your means to support our mission of protecting coastal habitats.
Turtle Dig Agenda
1. Sign In in Front of Ocean Grill - 7:45 am
Please arrive early. The suggested arrival time is between 7:30-7:45 am. Following sign-in, guests will be directed to the nest on the beach which is being evaluated. You are also welcome to check out our education and donation tables before or after the event.
2. Welcome Introduction on Beach - 8:00 am
After walking down to the nest, one of our educators will start off with a brief welcome and review of the safety protocol as people begin to arrive and space out around the hatched nest. Then the presenter will give a short educational presentation about our local sea turtles and how you can protect them through everyday actions.
3. Nest Excavation and Evaluation - 8:10 am
During the presentation, you will get to watch our team leaders excavate and evaluate the hatched nest and look for straggler hatchlings that may have gotten stuck and left behind by their siblings. Contents of the nests will be shown around the circle at socially safe distances after the evaluation is complete.
4. Close of Event and Release of Live Hatchlings* - 8:45 am
The last part of the nest to be shown around the circle will be any straggler hatchlings found within the nest cavity. If a hatchling is found it will be immediately released after the excavation is complete. The event will be formally ended before any hatchling releases occur. Please note, hatchling releases not guaranteed. Guests are encouraged to complete a short follow-up survey following the event to help our turtle team enhance this experience each year.
*Hatchlings found in a nest are considered weaker stragglers that did not hatch with their brothers and sisters. An average of 50% of the nests we excavate do not have live hatchlings inside. Rescuing and releasing a hatchling is NOT guaranteed.
Extra Activities During The Dig
Come check out our tent located at Ocean Grill. We will have:
- Sea Turtle Friendly Light Exhibit
- Free Giveaways
- Raffle Items
- Souveniers and Swag
Help Us Learn and Enhance Our Programs
Please take a moment to complete both the Pre- and Post surveys so we can learn more about the guest experience and how many people are traveling to Indian River County to see sea turtles.
PRE- Turtle Dig Survey POST- Turtle Dig Survey
A Special Thanks to Our Supporters Program Conducted By and Benefitting
National Save the Sea Turtle Foundation Ocean Grill Coastal Connections Inc. - MTP Permit#259
Coastal Connections, Inc.
Please Visit Our Boutique Store Inside ONE Sothebys
FEIN: 35-2606320
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Turtle Digs
With Coastal Connections, Inc
Please join us at our upcoming public educational sea turtle nest evaluation. During July and August, Coastal Connections, Inc, is permitted to provide a one-of-a-kind interactive educational opportunity on the beach where you can learn more about our sea turtles, see how our team collects scientific information about nest success, and maybe even watch a hatchling get rescued and released into the ocean. These events occur three days after a nest hatches so we apologize for the short notice, but this is one event you won't want to miss!
Things you should know before registering:
--Summertime in Florida is HOT. Even though these events are held in the morning, please bring water, a personal fan, and sunscreen (and possibly bug spray). It is important that you are able to stand outside on the sand for up to 45 minutes.
-- Not every nest we evaluate is located beside a beach access. You may have to walk up to 1/4 mile on the beach to arrive at the Dig location. If a beach wheelchair is needed, please reserve one before arrival.
--There is a 60-person maximum for "front row" viewing of the nest Dig. An RSVP is required to stand in an "Up-Close" viewing space at the event. If reservation spaces are full, you may still attend the event and watch from behind the roped-off area.
Coastal Connections Photo Release
In gathering on the event premises of this Coastal Connections, Inc. event, be aware that photographs and audio and video recordings of your likeness may occur. Your presence on the event premises constitutes your consent to having your likeness captured by official event photographers and videographers and your consent to the publication, exhibition, and reproduction of any captured likenesses including but not limited to promotional materials including social media, print media, and video presentations by Coastal Connections, Inc. without restriction or financial compensation. If you do not wish to have your likeness captured please make a volunteer aware of your choice at check-in.
Turtle Digs
With Coastal Connections, Inc
Please join us at our upcoming public educational sea turtle nest evaluation. During July and August, Coastal Connections, Inc, is permitted to provide a one-of-a-kind interactive educational opportunity on the beach where you can learn more about our sea turtles, see how our team collects scientific information about nest success, and maybe even watch a hatchling get rescued and released into the ocean. These events occur three days after a nest hatches so we apologize for the short notice, but this is one event you won't want to miss!
Things you should know before registering:
--Summertime in Florida is HOT. Even though these events are held in the morning, please bring water, a personal fan, and sunscreen (and possibly bug spray). It is important that you are able to stand outside on the sand for up to 45 minutes.
-- Not every nest we evaluate is located beside a beach access. You may have to walk up to 1/4 mile on the beach to arrive at the Dig location. If a beach wheelchair is needed, please reserve one before arrival.
--There is a 60-person maximum for "front row" viewing of the nest Dig. An RSVP is required to stand in an "Up-Close" viewing space at the event. If reservation spaces are full, you may still attend the event and watch from behind the roped-off area.
Checkout
Coastal Connections Photo Release
In gathering on the event premises of this Coastal Connections, Inc. event, be aware that photographs and audio and video recordings of your likeness may occur. Your presence on the event premises constitutes your consent to having your likeness captured by official event photographers and videographers and your consent to the publication, exhibition, and reproduction of any captured likenesses including but not limited to promotional materials including social media, print media, and video presentations by Coastal Connections, Inc. without restriction or financial compensation. If you do not agree to the foregoing, please do not enter the event premises.
Turtle Digs
With Coastal Connections, Inc
Please join us at our upcoming public educational sea turtle nest evaluation. During July and August, Coastal Connections, Inc, is permitted to provide a one-of-a-kind interactive educational opportunity on the beach where you can learn more about our sea turtles, see how our team collects scientific information about nest success, and maybe even watch a hatchling get rescued and released into the ocean. These events occur three days after a nest hatches so we apologize for the short notice, but this is one event you won't want to miss!
Things you should know before registering:
--Summertime in Florida is HOT. Even though these events are held in the morning, please bring water, a personal fan, and sunscreen (and possibly bug spray). It is important that you are able to stand outside on the sand for up to 45 minutes.
-- Not every nest we evaluate is located beside a beach access. You may have to walk up to 1/4 mile on the beach to arrive at the Dig location. If a beach wheelchair is needed, please reserve one before arrival.
--There is a 60-person maximum for "front row" viewing of the nest Dig. An RSVP is required to stand in an "Up-Close" viewing space at the event. If reservation spaces are full, you may still attend the event and watch from behind the roped-off area.
See you soon!
Thank you for RSVPing to our Turtle Dig! Please arrive no later than 7:45am at the Ocean Grill in Vero Beach. Please remember, the beaches are very hot this time of year. If you think you would have any issues standing in the sun for a long period of time, please consult your physician before attending. We may have personal battery-powered fans available for a small donation.
!!Be on the lookout for an additional confirmation email coming soon!!
This email will contain a link to an important pre-event survey. Your responses to this survey are critical for CCinc to obtain funding from the Tourism Development Council for our conservation work that enhances eco-minded travel in Indian River County.
Our team will also follow up with all Turtle Dig guests via email after the Turtle Dig experience is complete with pictures and a follow-up survey.