Survey the beach
Morning surveys identify and record the location and species of each nest. False crawls, where a female comes ashore but does not dig a nest, are recorded too.
A community conservation effort
Escambia County staff and volunteers work together to protect sea turtles and other marine wildlife by monitoring nests and engaging the public through the Patrol and Ambassador teams.
Daily nest monitoring
From May 1 through October 31, staff and volunteers conduct daily surveys along county-owned beaches on Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key. Volunteers patrol at first light to mark nesting and hatching activity.
Morning surveys identify and record the location and species of each nest. False crawls, where a female comes ashore but does not dig a nest, are recorded too.
Staff and volunteers place a secure marking device at each nest site and mark a buffer to keep foot traffic away. This protects nests while allowing normal beach activities to continue.
Nests are checked during incubation to make sure they remain undisturbed. As hatching time approaches, volunteers check daily for signs of a hatching event.
After hatching, staff assess each nest and record the total number of hatched and unhatched eggs. Staff and volunteers also remain on standby year-round for disorientation, stranding and accidental hooking events.
Education and outreach
Ambassadors educate the public about sea turtle conservation and work with area businesses to promote sea turtle-friendly practices. The team focuses on three areas:
Furniture and other obstructions can affect nesting and hatchling turtles. Ambassadors remind visitors to take everything with them at the end of their stay and help report issues to staff and beach leaders. They also encourage visitors to enjoy sunset walks on the beach.
Nesting females prefer dark, quiet stretches of beach. Bright white lights from phones and flashlights can scare turtles away and make them use precious energy. Ambassadors encourage visitors to leave white lights at home and share alternatives for enjoying the beach after dark.
Turtles are often seen near the Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier, along with marine mammals and shorebirds. Ambassadors help educate anglers and pier managers and provide assistance so they can respond safely and correctly to hooked turtles and other wildlife.
Our Ambassador team includes people with a range of experience and availability. We welcome volunteers who have a positive attitude and enjoy protecting local wildlife.
Get involved
Contact Jordan Wingate, Environmental Program Manager, to ask about Patrol Team waitlists, future-season availability, or joining the Ambassador Team for Education and Outreach.
Environmental Program Manager
For organizations and classes
Interested in having an Ambassador speak to your organization or class about sea turtle conservation? Contact Jordan Wingate.
Downloadable guides
Download the volunteer FAQ or the Coastal Guide to Living With Sea Turtles.
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