Please join us in congratulating
Erin Good – Jennifer Jeske – Jayne Richter
Our 2007 Gordon J. Gilbert Scholarship recipients
At a reception in their honor

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
1801 N. Ocean Blvd.
Boca Raton, FL 33432

Gumbo Limbo Announces Plans for 3rd Annual Sea Turtle Day Festival Say NO to Sky Glow!

Boca Raton, FL, February 7, 2008: Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Inc. today announced plans for the third annual Sea Turtle Day Festival to be held 10am to 4pm Saturday, March 8th on the grounds of the Nature Center on North Ocean Boulevard in Boca Raton. ”We’ve selected the date to coincide with the opening of sea turtle nesting season” noted festival coordinator Kristin Child. “We anticipate this event will set the mood for local residents to welcome nesting sea turtle mothers back to our beaches.”

Begun in 2006 to commemorate 30 years of sea turtle conservation in Boca Raton, the festival features organizations representing all areas of sea turtle and environmental conservation. Over 30 exhibitors, vendors, displays, and food stations will dot the Nature Center’s pleasant hammock setting. Special children’s activities will be offered throughout the day, as well as marine life feedings, interactive displays, and other family events. The festival celebrates efforts to keep Boca Raton a haven for these threatened and endangered species.

The Florida-based Caribbean Conservation Cooperation (CCC), a world-renowned leader in sea turtle research and conservation, will be a new addition to this year’s event. Speak with representatives from the oldest and most accomplished sea turtle organization in the world! Attend the keynote presentation given by the Dan Evans, CCC Outreach & Field Programs Coordinator, and learn how you can get involved in sea turtle conservation!

Say NO to Sky Glow! You may know that light sources visible from the beach are harmful to hatchling turtles and discourage mother turtles from creating nests, but did you know that indirect lighting is also a problem? Learn what sky glow is and what you can do to help. Even if you live miles inland, making the correct choices in light fixtures and bulbs can help many sea turtle and many other types of wildlife!

Dr. Kirt Rusenko, the Marine Conservationist for the City, holds the state sea turtle permit for five miles of Boca Raton ocean shoreline. In addition to working on various sea turtle education, research, and conservation activities year-round, he and his staff of Sea Turtle Specialists monitor the beaches for nesting and hatching activities from March to November every year. This year Rusenko will introduce a Friends of Sea Turtle Program commending select Oceanside organizations for their outstanding efforts at maintaining sea turtle friendly beaches throughout the march to November nesting season.

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center is an eco-education complex operated as a partnership between the City of Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic, University, and the Palm Beach County School System. It is dedicated to preserving and sharing the unique South Florida coastal marine hammock and sea turtle conservation programs with school children, researchers, and the interested public.

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center Inc. is a non-profit 501(C)3 company formed to insure Gumbo Limbo has the resources to continue to bring high quality programs to the community in a safe environment.

Ages 7 and up. An adult must sign-up and participate with children. This program is open to beginner & expert birdwatchers alike! Visit a variety of habitats in search of South Florida’s migrating and resident bird species. Please bring binoculars if you have them. Meet at Gumbo Limbo and travel by van to offsite locations. Reservations required (561) 338-1473.

Open to all ages. An adult must sign-up and participate with children. Wakodahatchee is a man-made wetland which has become a favorite for birders and photographers. Bring your binoculars and join us for a ¾ mile guided boardwalk tour to learn more about Florida’s wetland ecosystems. Meet at the boardwalk’s entrance, located on Jog Rd., one mile north of Atlantic Ave. in Delray Beach. Reservations required (561) 338-1473.

Ages 12 - adult. This cutting edge workshop teaches student how to use the Global Positioning System (GPS) and internet mapping software to study and help the environment. Students will learn how to gather environmental data (trails, sea turtle nests, exotic plants) and map them using web based (GIS) mapping software. The course wraps up with an eco-treasure hunt! Bring a bagged lunch for a half hour lunch break. Reservations required (561) 338-1473.

Open to all ages. An adult participate with children. Join our naturalist for an informative talk about Gumbo Limbo’s resident turtles and snakes. Learn about the different species we have and some of their adaptations to the environment. Reservations recommended (561) 338-1473.

Open to all ages. An adult must sign-up and participate with children. Wakodahatchee is a man-made wetland which has become a favorite for birders and photographers. Bring your binoculars and join us for a ¾ mile guided boardwalk tour to learn more about Florida’s wetland ecosystems. Meet at the boardwalk’s entrance, located on Jog Rd., one mile north of Atlantic Ave. in Delray Beach. Reservations required (561) 338-1473.

Open to all ages. An adult must accompany children. Celebrate sea turtles, marine life & our oceans as well as terrestrial species & habitats in a fun-filled family day of environmental education. We welcome Dan Evans from the Caribbean Conservation Cooperation, a world-renowned leader in sea turtle research & conservation as our keynote speaker. Games & crafts for the kids, tank side feedings, visit over 30 exhibitors.

Open to all ages. An adult participate with children. Join our naturalist for an informative talk about Gumbo Limbo’s resident turtles and snakes. Learn about the different species we have and some of their adaptations to the environment. Reservations recommended (561) 338-1473.

Ages 7 and up. An adult must sign-up and participate with children. These field trips are open to beginners and expert birdwatchers alike! We will visit a variety of habitat types in search of South Florida’s migrating and resident bird species. Please bring binoculars if you have them. Meet at Gumbo Limbo and travel by van to offsite locations. Reservations required (561) 338-1473.

Adults, and teens with adult participation. Carpool south to Davie, and visit the Alexander Plant Farm, a family owned plant nursery that has been in business for 25 years. The farm is stocked with native plants and other interesting shade and flowering trees, shrubs, groundcovers, and wildflowers. The farm’s staff encourages responsible gardening. Next we’re on to the University of Florida’s local campus. It offers a unique program, a BS degree in Golf & Turf Management. Dr. Phil Busey, the professor who developed much of the program’s curriculum, has written numerous articles and books on grasses. Call for trip details and reservations; 561-338-1473.

Open to all ages. Children must be accompanied by adult. Witness a feeding frenzy at the tanks as one of our Naturalists feed our sharks, sea turtles, and fish. No reservation required.

Open to all ages. Children must be accompanied by adult. Witness a feeding frenzy at the tanks as one of our Naturalists feed our sharks, sea turtles, and fish. No reservation required.

Open to all ages. Children must be accompanied by adult. Witness a feeding frenzy at the tanks as one of our Naturalists feed our sharks, sea turtles, and fish. No reservation required. Days: Sunday – Friday, Time: 2:30 pm

Volunteer Training Ages 14 – adult. Have you ever considered taking an active part in a nature center? Volunteering at Gumbo Limbo will give you the opportunity to become knowledgeable about a variety of nature indigenous to south Florida, while interacting with visitors from around the world. We offer a variety of classes for volunteers to learn more about the coastal island, hardwood hammock, and sea turtle conservation. The gift store is looking for volunteers who enjoy retail and have experience with computers. There is a mandatory, two part training session offered every month for new volunteers. Call our Volunteer Coordinator to learn more or to setup an interview (561)338-1588. A fee of $20 covers training handbook and volunteer t-shirt. Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 N. Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton, 33432

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
1801 N. Ocean Blvd
Boca Raton, 33432
(561) 338-1473

www.gumbolimbo.org