From May through August, under cover of darkness, a silent drama is played out on Jekyll Island's beach. Female loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta-caretta) swim ashore, make their way across the sand, dig their nests and lay their eggs. Designated a threatened species by state and federal law, loggerhead sea turtles have found safe haven on Jekyll Island. Their nests, tucked among the dunes of Jekyll Island's clean, white beach, have made the island a major site for conservation and education.
Sea turtle nests are marked and monitored by the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Please help us protect the sea turtles. Do not disturb the nests. If you see a nest being disturbed or find a nest that has not been marked, please note its location and call the Georgia Sea Turtle Center at 912-635-4444.
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center officially broke ground in Jekyll Island, Georgia's Historic Landmark District in February 2006 on the site of the original 1903 Power Plant building, much of which will be preserved and incorporated into the new facilities.
The ambitious, $3 million center – offering an outstanding, museum-style learning experience and a state-of-the-art rehabilitation center and veterinary clinic – is the first of its kind in Georgia. The Center officially opened June 16, 2007.
For the Georgia Sea Turtle Center's hours and daily programs, visit their website www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org, and be sure to read their blog! To book a group tour, call the Education Coordinators at 912-635-4076.
Related Links
Tidelands Nature Center
Tidelands Nature Center offers hands- on marine environmental science programs for the general public and school groups. Stop in to meet a young sea turtle, alligators, fish, hermit crabs, snakes, and other animals native to Georgia's coast!! Take a guided kayak tour of Jekyll Creek, or rent a canoe and enjoy a relaxing paddle on Rixen pond. Nature walks available throughout the year. Learn about Jekyll's coastal ecosystems. Join one of our guides on a walk to the beach, forest, or marsh.
Call 912-635-5032, email tideland@uga.edu, or visit www.tidelands4h.org for more information.
The Jekyll Island Foundation
The Jekyll Island Foundation was formed in 2000 for the purpose of assisting with the conservation, education and preservation efforts of the Island. Working with the Jekyll Island Authority, the Foundation's charge is to identify and fund projects that build, enhance and protect public enjoyment of and interaction with the Island.
Visit www.jekyllislandfoundation.org for more information.
SeaTurtle.org
Track the Georgia Sea Turtles! Turtle locations are plotted on nautical charts and available for viewing at SeaTurtle.org under the Georgia Tracking Project.
Visit www.SeaTurtle.org for more information.
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Five species of sea turtles can be found in Georgia's coastal waters.
Visit the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website for more information.