Tomorrow, Historic City News readers interested in becoming volunteers for this year’s sea turtle washback program can attend an orientation and training session at the Main Branch Library from 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. providing a basic understanding of sea turtles, a review the purpose of the program, and instruction on the procedure to assist a washback sea turtle.
All volunteers must complete a County volunteer application, pass a background check, possess a valid Florida driver’s license, attend one of the mandatory orientation sessions, and attend one of the mandatory site-specific training sessions.
“Washbacks happen when juvenile sea turtles are washed onto the beach and become entangled in seaweed, usually following a storm,” Sydney Lindblad told reporters. “They are typically exhausted and in need of medical attention.”
St Johns County volunteers are needed on an “on-call” basis. When a wrack line has formed, they are asked to complete a survey for washback sea turtles on their assigned beach, through November 31, and to help with transportation of washbacks to a rehabilitation facility as soon as possible.
Volunteers are expected to dedicate the second and fourth Saturday of every month between September and November to walk the beach with their team and to familiarize themselves with their co-volunteers and the beach they are designated to survey.
Applications can only be obtained and completed at the orientation sessions. Applications will not be accepted by mail, email, or fax to the office. Returning volunteers are not required to attend the orientation. Children under the age of 18 that meet all the above requirements may volunteer. Those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Orientation Sessions:
• July 31 – Main Branch Library 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
• August 12 – Ponte Vedra Library 5:30–6:30 p.m.
• August 14 – City Hall 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Site Specific Training Sessions:
• August 16 – Mickler’s Landing 5:30–6:30 p.m.
• August 17 – Butler Park East 5:30–6:30 p.m.
For more information, please contact Sydney Lindblad at 904.209.0344.
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