Volunteer for a Day/Biologist for a Day
Our Volunteers are trained in collecting physical data on nesting
sea turtles, nest relocation, incubation greenhouse operation, nest excavation, hatchling care and hatchling releases. There
are lots of hands-on activities for all ages!
About our
Nest Relocation Project:
Three species of endangered Sea Turtles nest on the beaches of Todos Santos: Olive Ridley, the
critically endangered Leatherback, and occasionally the Black sea turtle. Beginning in October when Leatherbacks arrive
to nest, the sand temperature drops below the necessary 26 degrees celcius required for successful incubation. For this reason,
Biologists and Technicians relocate sea turtle nests to a special Incubation Greenhouse designed to Increase the
temperature and hatchling yeild. Approximately 100 nests are relocated to the greenhouse each season. Volunteers help run
night patrols, supervise the incubation areas, care for hatchlings before their release, are trained in
nest escavation, and help manage the hatchling releases.
Volunteer
Job Description:
We work with each of our Volunteers on an individual basis to design a program that fits your interests and
needs. Volunteers can work various shifts depending on the month of participation.
Night Nest Relocation Patrols are run
2am - 6am from October - March. Volunteers are trained in recording
physical data on nesting turtles, nest collection and relocation.
Beginning in December, daytime Volunteers work
in the Incubation Greenhouse recording Greenhouse temperatures, caring for hatchlings, from 10am -4pm.
Evenings from 4-7pm, Volunteers perform nest escavations and inventories, record physical data on
hatchlings and release the hatchlings at sunset. (Releases take place Dec 5- April).
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Who Can Volunteer?
Anyone can volunteer, we accept individuals, couples, families and groups. We can verify
hours of work for interns and University students. Spanish language skills are not required. We are currently accepting
Volunteer registrations for the upcoming season.
When is the Best Time to Volunteer?
December -February is our busiest season,
with Hatchling Releases every day, and nesting turtles several nights each week. February - April there
are Hatchling Releases 3-6 days per week, and we still need many volunteers as the greenhouse must be supervised throughout
the day every day. Nightly patrols continue, but nesting begins to taper off to just a couple times per week.
Register Below:
