Volunteering for
Sea Turtles in Todos Santos is the Eco Adventure of a lifetime!! Help population recovery, participate in marinelife
research, and experience Mexican culture! Our Volunteers are trained in collecting data on nesting sea turtles, nest
relocation, incubation greenhouse operation, nest excavation, and hatchling releases. Early morning patrols are run on ATV's,
evenings are spent releasing hatchlings, and days can be spent supervising the incubation area, helping with beach clean-ups,
designing publicity, or simply relaxing. There are lots of beautiful beaches to explore in the area, as well as a culture-rich
downtown full of shopping, dining, and art galleries.
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 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. Nest Relocation Patrols
are run late at night and in the early morning October - March. You will be trained in recording physical data on nesting
turtles, nest collection and relocation.
Daytime duties include: Incubation supervision, Recording Greenhouse temperatures,
Caring for hatchlings, Nest escavation and Hatchling releases (Releases take place December 1- April).
There are many on-going Volunteer activities that take place throughout the year and we are open to you receive your
ideas. You may work as little as four hours each day, or up to 10 hours if you desire. You can also take days off
to relax and explore Todos Santos on your own.
Accommodations:
The Volunteer Casitas are
conveniently located between the beach and centro, with several markets within walking distance. The property is gated and each Casita
has a locking door and private bathroom with hot water. There is a large palapa covered kitchen and common eating area. Volunteers
will be coming and going at different times, and so can choose to prepare meals individually or as a group. There is wi-fi,
so bring your portable internet device. Volunteers can elect to be woken up and taken to the nesting site if a turtle is on
the beach during your night off. After submitting your registration below you will be taken to a page to reserve your
Casita.
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Who Can Volunteer?
Anyone can volunteer, we accept individuals, couples, families with children and groups.
We can verify hours of work for interns and University students. Spanish language skills are not required, but come in handy.
You can also volunteer to design publicity, educational materials and hold fundraising events. Let us know what your
skills are!!
When is the Best Time to Volunteer?
December 1 - 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.
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Costs:
There
are No Registration fees! Volunteers are responsible for their travel expenses, meals and a
Contribution toward Field Equipment and Volunteer Accommodations.
Work with
local Mexican kids as they develop their swimming skills, learn about conservation, and camp out to rescue sea turtle nests
If you will be in Todos Santos for the nesting season at another
location, conservation opportunities are also available. Contact us to plan your family Camp-out (October-December),
organize a school field trip or create a group conservation activity. You can also help supervise the incubation
greenhouse (January-March), and participate hatchling releases in Las Playitas.
The Volunteer form is not required to participate in Hatchling Releases or single night Camp-outs.
Julie with Olive Ridley hatchling
Josh with Leatherback track
Junior Lifeguards 2011 Participants/ Participantes de Salvavidas Junior 2011
Our philosophy is that Environmental Advocates love the ocean and environment because of our positive experiences that have
bonded us to them. Help us give positive environmental experiences to young people by sponsoring one of our Education Programs!
