Be a Volunteer On Our Beach

Frequently, people offer to join our group us as a volunteer.  Because we have more willing volunteers than we have sections of beach, first time volunteers start out as substitutes for the first couple of years, then move up to regular walking routes as they become available. We hold one organizational meeting each spring for training and accepting applications for new volunteers.  We held that meeting on April 4th, and now have the volunteers that we need for our 2024 season..

So, what do our volunteers do?

All of our work is done under the requirements of  Marine Turtle Permit Number 088, issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.  Our volunteers each walk a section of beach that is approximately 1 mile in length one day a week, and commit to walking that section at daybreak (civil twilight).  New volunteers have an opportunity to become a substitute.  During turtle season (May 1 - August 31), our volunteers are on the beach early each morning.  We cover the island from the south boundary of Ft. Clinch State Park to the north boundary of Amelia Island State Park on the south end.  The entire length is approximately 11.5 miles. If you are not an early riser, this is not the job for you. Daybreak is the best time to see turtle crawls clearly. Throughout the summer months, regular volunteers may need to be away.  In that event, we use substitutes to fill in.  Some people prefer to substitute, as they are able to see different sections of the beach on different days.  And, no matter where you walk, you will encounter permitted volunteers on the beach every day.

All of our walking volunteers serve and assist as directed by our 21 permited volunteers.

If you are one of our volunteers, here is a reminder of the requirements and guidelines that you follow:   Volunteer Requirements & Guidelines 

For more information on what to look for, see our short volunteer training presentation.

Purchase a Sea Turtle License Plate?

If you are getting a new license plate, select the attractive sea turtle plate featuring a loggerhead hatchling crawling towards the surf.  If it is time to renew, make the switch to a sea turtle plate for your vehicle.  The sea turtle license plate is available in Florida through your local tax collectors office or county tag agency.

The sea turtle license plate was first offered for sale in February of 1998 and quickly became one of the most popular specialty plates in Florida.  The sea turtle plate is also one of the least expensive specialty plates in Florida.