So what does a science nerd, with a BS in Biology and a MS in Environmental Science, do in retirement? When I was asked back in 2019 about my future plans, I realized I had no idea. It was time to investigate. I did know that I could not just sit down for too long as it would drive me crazy and I am not good at twiddling my thumbs.
In preparation for my February 2022 retirement, I decided to join the January 2019 Texas Masters Naturalist (TMN) class and subsequently started volunteering at Sea Turtle, Inc. (STI). Of course, I had to do the most challenging things (that is just my nature) so the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) patrol seem right up my alley. With the spouse and the kids telling me I was too old that was more of a reason to do it – so I could at least show them and myself I could still do it.
ATV patrol involves a six to seven hour drive on the beach from STI to the Port Mansfield jetties and back, approximately 64 miles. Although it can be extremely tiring, it has also been extremely satisfying. ATV patrolling allows you time to be totally alone to think, with the sounds of waves breaking against the shore and the wind in your face.
STI staff members Tess (left) and Dena (right) locate and re-bury Kemp’s ridley sea turtle eggs in corral.
This year I have seen Kemp’s ridley sea turtle tracks and a real momma Kemp’s ridley turtle returning to the sea after laying her 123 eggs. I watched Dena placing eggs in the corral so that the eggs could be protected from predators until they hatch. I also got to identify a green sea turtle false crawl. This means the momma turtle crawls up the beach and around the dunes without finding a satisfactory place to lay her eggs. She then carries her eggs back with her to the sea to try again another day. So, this year has been a great year.
However, ATV patrolling is also a sensory overload as you are looking for turtles to come out of the surf, tracks going up the beach into the dunes, and looking into the dunes for a disturbed area where they might have created a nest to lay their eggs. Of course you are doing all this while driving an ATV at a steady pace of 10 mph, along the beach in the perfect location where you are not too high or too low on the beach so you can see the tracks, but make sure you do not run over holes or trenches made by beach-goers.
As this year’s nesting season ended, it was noted that it was a record year! As of August 29, 2022, there were 103 nests found, 10,011 eggs collected and 6,409+ hatchlings released. STI had six public hatchling releases which they announced at 6:00am on the morning of the release.
One of the sad things about being out on the beach looking for the endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, especially after a holiday weekend, is all the trash and garbage left behind. South Padre Island beach is a special place which should be protected and taken care of. Please remember that if you take an item to the beach you should bring it home to recycle, reuse or dispose of properly.
Would like to help with sea turtle conservation? There are several ways and volunteering at Sea Turtle, Inc. is just one of them. At STI you can either foot or ATV patrol, help in the office or store, or you can volunteer at one of the numerous beach cleanups that occur on SPI or Boca Chica. Boca Chica beach is also a site for nesting turtles.
What a fascinating job you do. I never knew that much was involved. Thank you so much for sharing.