Citizen Scientist

Exclusive For Members Only

BECOME SEA TURTLE RESCUE STAFF ON THE ULTIMATE ECOTOURISM EXPERIENCE
What is the Citizen Scientist Program?
As a Citizen Scientist, you will learn about sea turtles and the threats they face while being trained to rescue hatchlings and collect valuable data that impacts future conservation efforts. During your five night adventure and training, you will work directly with Sea Turtle Oversight Protection trained and permitted staff. Together from sunset to sunrise we will monitor nests, rescue hatchlings that disorient due to artificial lights and safely release them to the ocean’s edge to begin their journey. The Citizen Scientist Program is offered annually from June through September. Beginning with an afternoon check-in and evening training on Tuesday, your experience will conclude the following Sunday afternoon. Our comfortably furnished, vegetarian studio guest quarters are located on the second floor above our headquarters, less than one block from the beach.

The Mission of the Citizen Scientist Program is:
• Help ensure species survival
• Be an ambassador of ecology
• Document official data
• Conduct hands-on conservation
• Become a member of our nonprofit organization

When is the program available?
The Citizen Scientist Program is offered annually from June through September. Beginning with an afternoon check-in and evening training on Tuesday, your experience will conclude the following Sunday afternoon.

Program Inclusions and Cost
Your $1,500 tax-deductible program fee includes:
• A five (5) night stay in our eco-friendly studio guest quarters, steps away from Fort Lauderdale beach
• A comprehensive education about sea turtle biology and coastal ecology
• On-site training alongside senior, permitted rescue staff and use of authorized field equipment
• A one-year membership to Sea Turtle Oversight Protection: Certificate of membership, hatchling birth certificate and action alerts
• One organic cotton S.T.O.P. staff t-shirt (additional shirts available for purchase)
A $500 nonrefundable deposit and signed reservation agreement are required upon booking. Balance is due 30 days prior to program start date.

Off-campus Program Inclusions and Cost Per Person
Your $250 tax-deductible program fee includes:
• A five (5) night meetup at our Headquarters, steps away from Fort Lauderdale beach
• A comprehensive education about sea turtle biology and coastal ecology
• On-site training alongside senior, permitted rescue staff and use of authorized field equipment
• A one-year membership to Sea Turtle Oversight Protection: Certificate of membership, hatchling birth certificate and action alerts
• One organic cotton S.T.O.P. staff t-shirt (additional shirts available for purchase)
• A $250 nonrefundable tuition fee per person and signed reservation agreement are required upon booking.

What are the Accommodations?
There are 2 comfortably furnished, vegetarian studio guest quarters (GQ), located on the second floor (no elevators) above our headquarters, less than one block from the beach. Both have kitchen facilities, private bathrooms with standing shower, air conditioning and WIFI.
Our “CM” guest quarters sleeps up to 4 people and features:
• Fully equipped kitchenette with toaster oven, 2 burner stove top, full size refrigerator, coffee maker and blender.
• Dining area with seating for 4
• One queen size murphy bed
• One full size futon
Our “CC” guest quarters sleeps up to 4 people and features:
• Fully equipped kitchenette with 4 burner stove and oven, 3/4 size refrigerator, coffee maker and blender.
• Dining area with seating for 4
• Three extra-long twin murphy beds
• One full size futon

Program Calendar
Beginning with an afternoon check-in and evening training on Tuesday, your experience will conclude the following Sunday afternoon.
• June 15- 20
• June 22-27
• June 29- July 4
• July 6-11
• July 13-18
• July 20-25
• July 27- August 1
• August 3-8
• August 10-15
• August 17-22
• August 24-29
• August 31-September 5
• September 7-12

Age Requirements and Limitations
Due to the rigorous, physically demanding and random nature of our rescue activities, we must advise that this program may not be suitable for individuals with limiting disabilities. Our Guest Quarters are located on the 2nd floor and are not ADA compliant. One adult parent or legal guardian must be with any occupant under the age of 18 at all times. Minimum age: 13.

FAQ

• Before Arrival

  All those participating will receive a digital copy of our 35-page manual. At the end of studying the protocols outlined in the manual, you will be asked to submit a test.

• First Night

  You will meet with the Program Director for a mandatory technical presentation at our Headquarters, where you will learn about the coastal habitat, the species of turtles that nest on our beaches, their life cycle, the natural and human-caused dangers that affect them, the protocols within the manual and data collection. Following this 4-hour training class, you will accompany our rescue volunteers on to the beach to begin Field Training.

• What Are The Hours Of The Program?

  Nesting and hatchling emergence on Florida beaches occur between sunset and sunrise. Therefore, the program takes place each evening from 8pm to 4am.

• During Shift

  We will continue sharing important facts about the coastal habitat, the importance of sea turtles to the ocean ecosystem and more about the challenges these animals face the moment they emerge from their sandy nest. As a volunteer patrolling the beach, you will be guided through the rescue and recovery procedures for hatchling disorientation due to artificial light sources.

• Expect the Unexpected!

  This is an opportunity to help conserve one of the Earth’s oldest endangered species. However, as with all wild animals, their movements and behaviors are unpredictable. Therefore, it is paramount that the protocols directed for safe rescue and recovery are adhered to at all times.

• Will I Be Able To Touch Or Hold The Sea Turtles?

  As a participant in our program, after successfully completing the education and field training portion of our course, you will be allowed to collect and release any sea turtle hatchling that is disorienting toward artificial lights. Under our permits with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, no interference should be made with turtles going in the direction of the ocean. Nest perimeters must never be breached under any circumstance.

• What About Inclement Weather?

  The program will continue, regardless of the weather. Rain does not deter the turtles from hatching. Suspension of the program may only occur in the event of severe weather or lightning. Decisions will be made by the Program Director in real-time.

• Age Requirement

  Due to the late hours and nature of the program, it is not recommended for children under 13 years of age. Pricing is the same, regardless of the age of the participant. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all time.

• Cancellation Policy

  Your registration fee in non-refundable; however, should you be unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances, you may use your receipt as a tax-deductible contribution to the organization. Sea Turtle Oversight Protection is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. As such, your receipt may be used as a tax-deductible contribution to our organization. 100% of your registration fee will help to fund our rescue efforts.

For further information or questions, please call the Hotline at 954-404-0025 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..