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

Come Play! at CoastFest 2009

Birds of prey! A magician! Indian Legend and Lore! Face painting! Hurricanes, Floods and Weather!

These are but a few of the things awaiting your exploration, at CoastFest 2009, Saturday Oct. 3 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at Coastal DNR headquarters in Brunswick.

Sponsored by the Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources/Coastal Resources Division, CoastFest is Georgia's largest educational event, celebrating our state's coastal environment. More than 70 coastal environmental and educational organizations will join DNR to showcase our unique coastal habitat, its wild residents, and the various things that affect it.

See live native reptiles, raptors, amphibians, fish and more. Build a birdhouse … or a terrarium. Watch performances by Native American Indians. Be a magician's assistant for some amazing science projects. Watch as a sand sculptor creates a sand castle from 16 TONS of sand!

In addition to fascinating programs and displays, there will be kids' art activities, a cannon firing demonstration, the annual CoastFest Student Art exhibit, Creek Indian encampment, nature walks along the Earth Day Nature Trail, face painting, reef ball painting, a scavenger hunt, touch tanks and living history demonstrations.

Admission to CoastFest is free. The DNR Coastal Resources Headquarters are located at Conservation Way at US Highway 17 South, near the north end of the Sidney Lanier Bridge in Brunswick. For more information, call 912-264-7218 or visit Coastal Georgia DNR online.

CoastFest is sponsored by the Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources / Coastal Management Program and made possible through a grant provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

October filled with festivals, special events in Brunswick and The Golden Isles

October delivers a wealth of annual festivals and special events to Brunswick and The Golden Isles, with activities taking place nearly every weekend. Here's a rundown of things to come:

Oct 2 First Friday Promenade. Visit the shops and galleries of Historic Downtown Brunswick. Enjoy live music, a wine-tasting, refreshments and more at shops and restaurants along historic Newcastle Street. Sponsored by Downtown Development Authority/Historic Brunswick Business Association. 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Call 912-279-2603 or visit www.brunswickgeorgia.net 

Oct 3-4 Antique Show and Sale. Vendors from throughout the Southeast offer antiques, collectibles and craft items. Postell Park, Beachview Drive in Pier Village, St. Simons Island. 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Call 912-264-3254 or visit www.stsimonsantiqueshow.com

Oct. 3 Dept. of Natural Resources Coastfest. CoastFest is Georgia's largest organized celebration of the the state's rich and vast coastal natural resources. Held annually on the first Saturday of October, this day-long educational festival is a free, highly interactive event for the entire family. Hosted by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources - Coastal Resources Division, CoastFest takes place at the division's headquarters along the Marshes of Glynn in Brunswick, Georgia. 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Call 912-264-7218 or visit www.coastalgadnr.org/

Oct 8-12 Colonial Coast Nature and Birding Festival. This festival brings casual and experienced bird enthusiasts from all over the United States to experience Southeast Georgia’s wide variety of habitats and wildlife. The whole family can enjoy a weekend of activities including nature walks, a showcase of vendors and conservation groups, kids’ activities, arts and crafts, special speakers, and informative seminars. Jekyll Island. For information call 912-635-3636 or visit www.coastalgeorgiabirding.org

Oct 10-11 Annual October Fine Arts and Crafts Festival. Celebrate coastal Georgia’s Gullah-Geechee heritage through special performances, demonstrations and workshops. Performers and participating artists will include the McIntosh County Shouters, Gospel Messengers, storyteller David Pleasant, basket weavers Yvonne Grovner and Stanley Walker, and works by 150 artists from throughout the southeast. Postell Park, Pier Village area, St. Simons Island. Sponsored by the Glynn Art Association. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Call 912-638-8770 or visit www.glynnart.org 

Oct 16-17 Brunswick Rockin’ Stewbilee. Enjoy a taste of the Georgia Coast during this traditional small-town celebration in historic downtown Brunswick. The day begins with a road race and pet parade. Throughout the day, local teams compete to see who can prepare the “Best Brunswick Stew” in judged and people’s choice competition, and local bands provide the entertainment. Mary Ross Park, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Call 912-265-4032 or visit www.brunswickstewbilee.com 

Oct 22-23 Write to Inspire: A Spiritual / Inspirational Writing Workshop. Featuring Cecil Murphey, author of “90 Minutes in Heaven;” Marjorie Wentworth, Poet Laureate of South Carolina; and Holly McClure, author and storyteller. Epworth by The Sea, St. Simons Island. Optional Sunday critique and workshop session available for extra charge. For information call 912-638-8688 or visit www.epworthbythesea.org 

Oct 30-31 Georgia-Florida Weekend. Members of the "Bulldawg Nation" descend upon Brunswick and The Golden Isles in preparation for the annual faceoff with the Florida Gators in Jacksonville.

This is just a partial listing of activities taking place throughout Brunswick and The Golden Isles. For a complete listing, be sure to visit our online Calendar of Events. Also be sure to visit the Special Offers page for information about hotel discounts, packages and other special incentives for travelers!

All images: Copyright 2009, Brunswick and The Golden Isles CVB