Leatherback Restoration Project

Proyecto Todos Tortuguero's mission is to protect the endangered sea turtles, who nest on the shores of the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Volunteers run nightly patrols relocating nests into a incubation area, manage a hatchery, organize beach clean-ups, and educate school-aged children, fishermen and residents on environmental conservation.

The project is currently recruiting volunteers and sponsors for the 2009-2010 nesting season. See below for details.

Our volunteers need the following equipment for the 2009-10 season:

Digital cameras for data collection
Five gallon portable gas tanks
Head lamps, flashlights, and binoculars
Gasoline sponsors
mosquito netting

Mil Gracias to Lori Oliver who purchased the plastic for our invernadero this year!!

We currently have three precious Leatherback nests in the Invernadero, hatchling releases will begin mid January 2010. Add you name to our mailing list and receive hatchling info through email. Add your email here with "Hatchling Info" in the subject line: todostortugueros@live.com

Volunteer Work with Leatherbacks in Todos Santos

Proyecto Todos Tortugueros is a unique project located near the tip of Baja California . Using an invernadero or greenhouse to incubate Leatherback eggs October -April the group has successfully produced Leatherback hatchlings in a region where temperatures are too low to allow incubation naturally.

The Leatherbacks that nest on these beaches were probably born in years with above average temperatures, or are traveling north from Los Cabos due to loss of habitat . The invernadero can raise the temperature up to six degrees celcius, and the group has produced viable hatchlings using this method. The invernadero requires constant supervision monitoring temperatures, and nests. Volunteers are needed to run nightly patrols on ATV's, help identify nesting females and monitor temperatures in the invernadero October-April. Once nests begin hatching, further supervision of the invernadero is needed mid December-May.

Olive Ridley nests which are laid after October 1 are also at risk due to the low temperatures in Todos Santos. Therefore, Olive Ridley eggs are also relocated into the invernadero after October 1. Last year, Olive Ridleys nested in Todos through February.

If you are interested in volunteering during the 2009-2010 season please contact us at todostortugueros@live.com

These Leatherback hatchlings born in the invernadero are comparable to hatchlings born naturally in warmer climates. Without the invernadero, these hatchlings would never develop.

Participate in our Adopt a Hatchling program and help save thousands of sea turtle hatchlings. Participants recieve a Sea Turtle Birth Certificate, and photo of their hatchling. Proceeds go directly to rescue and care of eggs and hatchlings. To participate, click above.