Volusia County’s sea turtles shatter records with 1,482 nests this season

In the last six weeks of the nesting season on Volusia County beaches, sea turtles have set a new record with 1,482 nests (and counting!) surpassing last year’s 1,427. Volunteers and staff found over 33,000 hatched egg shells since June. Loggerheads top the beach with 1,251 nests. Green sea turtles have outdone themselves with 231 nests, up from the old record of 98. Also, 5 … Continue reading Volusia County’s sea turtles shatter records with 1,482 nests this season

Apollo District Interpretive  Programs August 2023

PLEASE NOTE: all programs are subject to cancellation and/or rescheduling due to staff limitations,weather conditions, or other factors. Some programs require reservations, a minimum age, or a cost-recovery fee. Call 386-428-3384 ext. 0 for program information during operating hours (9:00 a.m. to5:00 p.m.) or http://www.nps.gov/cana. Entrance fees apply to all interpretive program participants. SATURDAY 5th – “PAINTING SEASHELLS BY THE SEASHORE” – 10:00 AM – … Continue reading Apollo District Interpretive  Programs August 2023

Sea Turtle Nesting Season Underway

Sea turtle nesting season began May 1, and Volusia County officials are asking residents, visitors and businesses to help protect natural habitat by observing all nesting season laws and regulations. The beaches of Volusia County are home to several species of endangered or threatened sea turtles. Each year, sea turtles nest on Florida beaches from May 1 through October 31. Endangered sea turtles emerge from … Continue reading Sea Turtle Nesting Season Underway

Record Breaking Year for Sea Turtle Nests in Volusia County

The annual sea turtle nesting season runs from May 1 through October 31. Nearly 70 percent of the nation’s sea turtle nesting takes place on Florida beaches. In a typical year, about 500 sea turtle nests are laid on Volusia County beaches. Just three months into the 2022 nesting season, a record-breaking 1,410 nests have been observed. The loggerhead are the most common sea turtle … Continue reading Record Breaking Year for Sea Turtle Nests in Volusia County

scenic view of ocean during dusk

Sea Turtle Nesting Season Kicks Off 

Although sea turtle nesting season officially started May 1, Volusia County managed beaches already had three leatherback nests. One of them, which was discovered April 2, is the earliest recorded sea turtle nest on county managed beaches. With water temperatures warming up quickly, hundreds of sea turtles will be emerging from the surf to lay eggs on the beach in the next few months. During … Continue reading Sea Turtle Nesting Season Kicks Off 

Somewhere Beyond the Sea

Photos by Kelsey & Scott Walters  Living in a peninsula like Florida, we are surrounded by water and ocean life, but it’s rare that we get to see the animals beneath the waves face-to-face. The Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota combines adventure with education to provide the opportunity to meet hundreds of marine species from in and around our coastal communities.  Mote Marine … Continue reading Somewhere Beyond the Sea

Sea Turtle Nesting Season Begins

Turtle nesting season officially starts May 1, which means hundreds of sea turtles will be emerging from the surf to lay eggs on the beach in the next few months. Sea Turtle Nesting Season: May 1 – October 31 Although leatherback and loggerhead sea turtle nesting has already begun on other beaches in southern and central Florida, Volusia County managed beaches have yet to receive … Continue reading Sea Turtle Nesting Season Begins

Watch out for Washbacks!

Thousands of hatchling sea turtles are starting to emerge from the 880 nests that dot Volusia County’s shoreline. Many of these young turtles, entangled in seaweed, may be washed back to the shore by heavy surf and strong winds. The small turtles blend in with the seaweed, making them difficult to spot. Tragically, they may die of dehydration if they are left on the beach … Continue reading Watch out for Washbacks!

Sea Turtle Nesting Season Begins

Turtle nesting season officially starts May 1, which means hundreds of sea turtles will be emerging from the surf to lay eggs on the beach in the next few months.  Sea Turtle Nesting Season Begins May 1 and Ends October 31 The season unofficially started April 10, when the first leatherback nest was discovered in Daytona Beach. Since then, three more nests and one false … Continue reading Sea Turtle Nesting Season Begins

Sea Turtle Nesting Season Begins May 1

Sea Turtle Nesting Season is May 1 – October 31 Turtle nesting season started May 1, and that means hundreds of sea turtles will be emerging from the surf to lay eggs on the beach in the next few months. After incubating in the sand for about two months, the tiny hatchlings will break free and make an often treacherous crawl to the ocean – … Continue reading Sea Turtle Nesting Season Begins May 1