It's Turtle Time! in Brunswick and The Golden Isles of Georgia

For thousands of years, sea turtles have been born on and return to nest on Georgia's barrier islands. Of the five species of sea turtles found off the Georgia coast, the loggerhead (Caretta caretta) is the only one that consistently nests on the Golden Isles.

From May through August, nesting sea turtles swim ashore under cover of darkness to make their way across the sand, dig their nests and lay their eggs. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island welcomes their return with a week of special events and activities designed to build awareness of and appreciation for these primeval creatures.

Eighth Annual Nest Fest - May 10-15. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center sponsors a week-long celebration of the beginning of sea turtle nesting season. Last year's activities included presentations by the GSTC staff and local naturalists, a beach sweep, movie night and a party on the Jekyll Island beach deck complete with arts and crafts, educational presentations and more.

Turtle Crawl Triathlon - Saturday, May 15. The Jekyll Island Turtle Crawl Triathlon is a wonderful opportunity for participants of all skill levels to enjoy the unspoiled beauty of this barrier island. For the most ambitious of athletes, a full triathlon is offered. The race begins with a 1.5 mile swim, continues to a 40K bike ride and concludes with a 10K run. The Sprint Triathlon offers a 600 yard swim, 20K bike ride and 5K run for those seeking a more leisurely event. There also will be a 5k Fun Run/Walk. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Sea Turtle Center.

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center opened in June 2007 to provide state-of-the-art emergency care to sick and injured sea turtles, with opportunities for scientific research and long-term treatment. Visitors to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center explore exhibits on sea turtle conservation, rehabilitation, and their amazing journey from egg to adulthood. School field trips, public programs, and special events highlight Georgia’s unique coastal ecosystem and the mysterious world of these ancient reptiles.

For more information about the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and its activities, please visit them online.

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Loggerhead Turtle Facts

	Loggerheads are air-breathing reptiles, scientific name Caretta caretta.
	The common name refers to the turtle's large head.
	Loggerheads are the most common sea turtles in Georgia.
	Their food consists of mollusks, crabs and animals that encrust reefs and rocks.
	They have been on Earth for millions of years with little serious threat to the species - until recently.
	Weighing 250 - 400 pounds, adults can grow to more than three feet in length.
	Hatchlings are two inches long.
	Nesting occurs from May through August. Hatching may extend through October.
	The nest cavity is 18 - 22 inches in depth.
	Incubation period of the eggs in their sandy nest is 55 - 65 days.

Here are some basic rules for turtle-friendly behavior:

	Shut off or shield lights that are visible from the beach. Close drapes or blinds after dark. Use 25 watt yellow-bug lights where exterior lighting is necessary. Avoid using flashlights or fishing lanterns on the beach.
	Remove beach litter. Balloons, plastic bags, foam and other non-degradable pollutants cause the deaths of many sea turtles who mistake them for food.
	Quietly observe a nesting turtle from a distance. Do not shine any lights on or around her -- she may abandon her effort to nest. No flash photography. Stay behind the turtle so that she cannot see you.
	Do not harass a turtle by touching her or prodding her to move. Stay out of the way as she crawls back to the water.
	Stack or remove beach furniture.
	Keep pets on a leash, away from sea turtles and their nests.
	Leave sea turtle nest identification markers in place on the beach.
	Leave nest sites undisturbed. If you find a hatchling wandering in daylight, place it on moist sand in a dry container, shade it and call the proper authorities at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources: 912-264-7218 or 800-2SAVEME (800-272-8363).
	To report dead or injured sea turtles, or, if you have accidentally hooked a sea turtle that is small enough to rescue, contact the proper authorities at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources: 912-264-7218 or 800-2SAVEME (800-272-8363).

Sources: Turtle Time, Inc. and Georgia Sea Turtle Center