By The Sea Lecture Series

Join us after hours for a lecture series featuring local scientists, conservationists, and photographers with brews!

Unwrap The Waves

Loggerhead Marinelife Center's Unwrap the Wave Initiative allows for students and community members to get into the "spirit" of conservation by collecting their candy wrappers from Halloween and recycling them.

January 2018 Newsletter

CEO CHATTER WITH JACK LIGHTON

 
Dear Friend of LMC:
On behalf of our entire team, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your incredible support of our Center and our mission.
2017 was our most impactful year to date. With your support, LMC welcomed more guests, educated more students, protected more sea turtle nests, removed an extraordinary amount of marine debris from our environment, and last but certainly not least – we saved more sea turtles.

Conservation in Action

One of the unique examples of our expanded conservation impact is LMC’s Responsible Pier Initiative (RPI.) This program has had an extraordinary impact on our planet.
The RPI impact at a glance:
  • 64 pier partners
  • Active in five states and Puerto Rico
  • 378 sea turtles saved
  • 111 miles of monofilament fishing line recycled
  • 58 sea birds rescued


Looking Ahead

As we look ahead to the first several months of 2018, we have a number of exciting activities in store for our community.

TurtleFest – This fun, free, family-orientated festival is just around the corner, returning on Saturday, March 24TurtleFest offers something wonderful for the whole family, including exceptional music on the Tire Kingdom live main stage, wonderful shopping, interactive learning and conservation stations and of course, sea turtles! Stay tuned for next month’s newsletter, where we will provide pro tips on how to enjoy TurtleFest 2018!

Love is in the air! Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Are you looking for the perfect gift for your honey? Consider adopting an LMC sea turtle patient for your valentine. Sea turtle adoptions are fun unique gifts that also help to support our patients’ rehabilitation.

Spring Break Camp – Do you have a young eager learner in town over spring break? Send them to LMC’s fun interactive camp, where they learn all about sea turtles and their ocean home. There are a number of other educational programs available to gift to friends and family. Giving the gift of education will help positively impact young minds, and ultimately, our planet.


Spotlight on our Supporters

We are so grateful to our supporters who have kindly raised significant funds that help expand our conservation and education impact:

Wanderer Bracelets – LMC is honored and very proud to be partners to benefit our shared mission of sea turtle conservation. Thank you for your kind support!

Juno Beach Mobil – This family owned and operated station has raised nearly $10,000 for LMC by hosting “Turtle Tuesdays” each Tuesday at the Juno Beach Mobil station!

Provident Jewelry – Our wonderful friends and great community partners at Provident Jewelry hosted a beautiful holiday party and selected LMC as their community partner of choice. This event raised over $10,000 for the Center!

Beach Bash Palm Beach – This wonderful event, which took place in December at Palm Beach’s lovely Beach Club, was a sold-out success. We would like to thank our presenting sponsor Lilly Pulitzer and our many sponsors and guests who helped us raise money for our mission.

Increasing Our Impact

Our capital expansion campaign is designed to increase our conservation and education impact by transforming our campus in many exciting ways. I would like to personally thank everyone involved in our campaign. We are humbled yet excited to report that in less than one year, we raised over 50 percent of our current $14 million campaign goal. As we look to complete our fundraising, should you have any personal or corporate contacts who may be interested in becoming involved, please refer them to Lynne Wells, capital campaign director, at lwells@marinelife.org.

For an exciting look at our Capital Campaign video, please visit marinelife.org/about/expansion.

The sea turtle tells us the health of our ocean; the ocean tells us the health of our planet. We love this saying as it elegantly summarizes our passion and mission. We also know there is no Plan(et) B, so our work has never taken on such an important meaning.

Thank you for your incredibly kind support. We look forward to visiting with you on campus soon!


With Gratitude,

Jack E. Lighton

President & CEO

 


TurtleFest 2018

Loggerhead Marinelife Center will host its 15th Annual TurtleFest on Saturday, March 24 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Over 10,000 guests will join together at TurtleFest 2018 at the free-admission event, which focuses on promoting conservation through up close interactions with threatened and endangered sea turtles, as well as music, local art, shopping, educational presentations, games and other activities. Visit marinelife.org/turtlefest for more information!

The sounds of TurtleFest 2018 include The Helmsmen, Del Pelson and The Bryce Allyn Band.

Interested in volunteering for TurtleFest 2018?
Please fill out the online application Here >>
(Printable version Here >>)

Interested in being a marketplace vendor or environmental- and marine-themed artists in exhibiting?
Download Application Here >>
Questions? Please email Cassidy: [email protected].

Interested in being a sponsor at TurtleFest 2018?
Download Opportunities Form Here >>
Questions? Please email Veronica: [email protected].

Interested in covering TurtleFest 2018 as a media member?
Please email Hannah: [email protected]

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Valentine’s Day

Chocolates, teddy bears, flowers… looking for something different to arrange for Valentine’s Day this year? Loggerhead Marinelife Center is offering admission for a special Evening Guided Tour on Feb. 13 and 14. All are welcome to enjoy holiday-themed treats, light bites and bubbles as an experienced guide leads guests through our Exhibit Hall, behind the gates of our sea turtle rehabilitation area to meet our current sea turtle patients, and into our sea turtle hospital for a peek at where the action happens. This Valentine’s Day edition tour includes a special Valentine’s Day Adoption per person! Register: Feb. 13 or Feb. 14

 


Knowledge is power!

2018 Junior Marine Biologist Summer Camp dates are announced! Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s summer camp programs are interactive, educational and stimulating. Each camp is geared towards children ages 6* through 17. Students participating in the Junior Marine Biologist Summer Camp program will gain an understanding of various nature-related topics such as (but not limited to) ecology and marine biology, with an emphasis on conservation. Camp hours are Monday–Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Late pick-up (5 p.m.) is available for an additional fee. Early bird pricing between Feb. 1-28. 

This summer, choose from four hands-on, feet-wet camp sessions throughout the summer including Ocean Adventures, Sea Turtle Savers, Conservation Kids and Field Experiences sessions.

Ocean Adventures – Explore Florida’s coastal ecosystems and all the marine animals that live there! Campers will journey from mangroves to coral reefs as they explore different habitats for the incredible diversity of flora and fauna. Campers will learn about the importance and complexity of coastal habitats, learn to take samples and use observation to collect data, enjoy snorkeling excursions and more. Ocean Adventures encompasses sea turtles and their marine environment as well as behind-the-scenes access to our sea turtle hospital.

Sea Turtle Savers – Join us for our all-new camp session dedicated to aspiring sea turtle researchers, veterinarians and biologists! Our Sea Turtle Savers session will give your sea turtle lover an opportunity to be a marine science researcher, veterinarian and marine biologist throughout the week for a hands-on experience they won’t soon forget. Campers will learn the process of rescue to release as they participate in rescue and rehabilitation simulations, take a behind-the-scenes tour of our sea turtle hospital, learn how to conduct a sea turtle nesting survey and spend a day in the life of LMC staff.

Conservation Kids – Ready, set, SAVE! Watch as your child turns from camper to Conservation Kid as they learn the importance of ocean conservation for sea turtles, the ocean and their future. Campers will learn how to responsibly enjoy the outdoors while having fun fishing, canoeing and snorkeling safely for marine life. Each Conservation Kid will receive a Sea Turtle Safety award upon completion of the camp session and leave with tools and resources to implement responsible practices in their own community.

Field Experiences (Ages 14 – 17) – Got a budding scientist on your hands? Our Field Experiences camp is designed to prepare high school-aged kids for a future in biology or other related sciences. Campers will spend their days making observations about the local environments as well as experiencing them first hand. Activities will include snorkeling excursions, habitat transects, seining for fish, lab experiments, dissections, sea turtle nesting surveys and more. *Additional fees apply.

 

A Resolution to Travel With a Purpose: 2018 SWIM Destination Eco-Tours – Did you make a resolution to travel more or give more back in 2018? Enter Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s SWIM (Serving the World’s Imperiled Marine life) Eco-tour Destinations, which offer participants the unique opportunity to explore beautiful ecosystems and local culture while assisting local organizations in daily conservation efforts like mangrove restoration, sea turtle monitoring programs and marine animal research and rescue in Nicaragua or Maui, Hawai’i.

These week-long, immersive conservation vacations give unparalleled opportunity to experience marine life in a meaningful, safe and responsible way.

“One of the coolest things about SWIM is that everyone you meet on the trip has that passion for conservation,” says Susan Graham, former Maui SWIM participant. “I definitely would recommend going on a SWIM trip. I mean, what better excuse do you have to travel other than saving the world?”

Dates:
The Honu of Maui, Hawai’i: June 24-30, 2018
Hawksbills of the Pacific, Nicaragua: August 12-18. 2018

For more information about SWIM programs, visit marinelife.org/SWIM.

 

 

 

 

 

Eco-Adventure Series: Sunset Kayak & Twilight Discovery – Join LMC staff on Sunday, Feb. 4 at 5:30-7:30 p.m. for a naturalist tour of the Jupiter Intracoastal Waterway. With chilly weather still ahead, we’ll look out for manatees as well as sea turtles, native flora and birds of prey as the sun sets over the iconic Jupiter Lighthouse. Don’t worry, the fun doesn’t stop after sunset – continue to watch for sea life as your kayak illuminates the water around you after dusk! To register, please visit www.marinelife.org/eco. Cost: $25.00/person, including kayak and all gear. Recommended for ages 16+ (Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Minimum 10 years of age)

 

 

 

 

Wild Child Program starts February 2018 – Bring out your child’s inner WILD in our new Wild Child program every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. beginning this February! This 60-minute program will introduce your child to the colors, textures, sights and sounds of the ocean as we adventure into our local beach-side park to discover nature. Pre-registration is required. Ages: 3-5 Cost: $5/child. To register, please visit our Event Calendar here>>> and select your desired date. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We’re Hiring! Now Accepting 2018 Camp Counselor Applications – Do you or anyone you know have an interest in taking part in education the next generation of ocean stewards? Join our team of marine science educators as a full-time junior or senior camp counselor for the 2018 summer season. We are currently seeking applicants pursuing or having earned a degree in marine science, education or relevant discipline to share their knowledge with over 400 campers, ages 6 – 17. For more information or to apply, please visit www.marinelife.org/careers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Astronomy Nights at Loggerhead – Hurricane season is over and the skies look clear for our Astronomy Nights program! Join us each month to enjoy a presentation on the highlights of this month’s night skies in partnership with the Astronomical Society of the Palm Beaches. After a brief presentation on what you will “scope out,” you’ll head down to high powered telescopes to see it for yourself. Astronomy Nights takes place at LMC with a different topic each session. From the Pleidedes to Andromeda, the night sky is always changing so no program is the same! Cost: $10/adult, $5/child. To register for our Astronomy Nights program or to learn more information, visit our event calendar here >>>

 

 

 

 

 


Conservation Corner


In collaboration with over 40 conservation partners, in 2017 the Responsible Pier Initiative (RPI)​ expanded to 64 fishing piers across five states and Puerto Rico, and is responsible for the successful rescue of 378 sea turtles. Stay up to date on all of our conservation efforts on the blog. 

 


RESEARCH REPORT

Photo courtesy of Bethany Augliere

With a new year comes another sea turtle nesting season! Our research department is preparing for the 2018 nesting season to begin in March. We will be conducting both morning and night survey work this season. We are currently in the hiring process for a field operations assistant and seasonal field technicians. We are now accepting applications for summer internship positions.

Fibropapillomatosis is a deadly disease that gives sea turtles larger tumors. These tumors can affect their vision and swimming, preventing them from surviving. Associate Director of Research Justin Perrault, along with our research team, is conducting research on these tumors and what percent of nesting sea turtles test positive for the virus. Their research was featured in an article on Oceana by Bethany Augliere. READ HERE>>>
 
 
 


what’s new in Rehab?

The Sea Turtle Hospital at Loggerhead Marinelife Center has received an influx of juvenile green sea turtles that have stranded over the last few weeks, particularly since the cold front the first week of January. These small greens normally inhabit shallow waters where extreme temperature fluctuations can occur, so they have been impacted by the frigid air and water temperatures seen in South Florida. The cause of these turtles stranding is not what most people would think of when they think of cold weather and sea turtles.
News outlets have produced multiple stories about the mass strandings of cold-stunned turtles in the Florida Panhandle, with numbers reaching over 900 sea turtles and in Texas with numbers over 2,000. Our turtles were not cold-stunned like those turtles. Most of our new patients have been hit by watercraft. This is likely occurring because sea turtles, especially greens, are known to “bask” at the surface to absorb heat from the sun when the water drops below optimal temperatures. When they are floating at the surface, they are more vulnerable to boat strikes and impact injuries. This shows that turtles are impacted in many ways when Florida temperatures become too cold.

These small turtles are also a great reminder to boat responsibly and keep your eyes out for wildlife.

Crimson

Blade

Uga

 VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

For the month of December, we recognize Jennifer Penello as volunteer of the month. Jennifer has been actively volunteering since July 2014. Over the course of the last three years, she has dedicated more than 800 hours of her time to educate young children. Teaching science to children is Jennifer’s passion and we are grateful to have her on the LMC team. As an education docent, she leads Jr. Vet Lab every Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. Jennifer has also written and illustrated her own book, Planteo and Fungiette, which is currently being sold inside LMC’s gift store. She is one of the most reliable volunteers here at LMC. Thanks for all that you do, Jennifer! 

 


MASCOT CORNER: Fletch’s 2018 Vision

Hello Friends,

Fletch here, the huggable and lovable Loggerhead Marinelife Center mascot. On Dec. 28, I ended 2017 with two turtle-y fin-tastic events. First, I attended a sea turtle release in the morning. It was very heartwarming to see so many people attend the release and cheer on Brother Kenny and Brieanna as they went back to their ocean home.

That night I attended Beach Bash at the Beach Club on Palm Beach. Yes, a sea turtle at the Beach Club dancing the night away and taking photos with guests. It was a wonderful event, but my flippers were tired at the end of the night from dancing.

Now, let’s get serious and talk about my vision for 2018. Yes, a sea turtle mascot with a vision. For 2018 my vision is “A Clean and Blue, and Trash Free Ocean Home.” I need your help to make this vision come true. It’s simple you and your family can help by taking the Marinelife Guardian Pledge and practicing its principals as part of your daily life style:

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Respect and Cleanup
Reduce the amount of waste you produce
Reuse something instead of throwing it away
Recycle something old and make it into something new
Respect the environment, don’t trash it
Cleanup the environment where others have trashed it

Following the these steps each day will help keep my ocean home “Clean and Blue, and Trash Free.” Thank you for helping!
Take the Marinelife Guardian Pledge.


Support Sea Turtle Conservation!

Adoption Spotlight Roses are a classic for Valentine’s Day, but this year you can also give your loved ones the gift of Rosie! Adopting Rosie or one of the other sea turtles at LMC is the perfect way to show your love for your valentine and for the patients recovering at the Center. You can adopt online at marinelife.org/adopt or on campus in LMC’s gift store. Online adoptions must be completed by Friday, Feb. 2 for guaranteed arrival by Valentine’s Day.

 

Gift Store – Start the the New Year with our rejuvenating collection of personal care products. Including a new line of 100 percent therapeutic grade essential oils, candles, shower gels, sea salt scrubs, luxurious body butters and lotions, and perfumes and colognes! What a great way to start the year feeling great pampering yourself and helping save the sea turtles!

 


Loggerhead Marinelife Center in the News

Florida Weekly story on LMC’s research efforts.

Every month, local, national and global news outlets cover the Center’s work in dozens of print and web articles, television packages and shows – highlighting our rehabilitation and research efforts, educational programs, conservation initiatives, signature events and more.

In December 2017, we garnered more than 23.5 million impressions and TV hits. Read on for some of last month’s press highlights, and don’t forget to share these stories in your own social media circles. After all, who doesn’t love good news?

Beach Bash Coverage in New York Social DiarY

In December, we received an inquiry from two freelancers for New York Social Diary, an online outlet that covers elite socialites and the elite social scene. The two freelancers wanted to cover Beach Bash Palm Beach in advance of the event, so the public relations team at LMC secured the coverage, which appeared online two weeks before Beach Bash. New York Social Diary receives over 190,000 unique monthly visitors to its site. In addition to the coverage, we now have a good professional relationship with the freelancers and the publication for future media opportunities.

Read the story here >>

Coverage of Loggerhead on Boat Radio

Boat Radio is an online radio show that receives over 1.5 million downloads each month and reaches individuals in the United States, South America, the Caribbean, Canada, Spain, Australia, Brazil, Norway, New Zealand, Sweden and other countries. The show covers topics including conservation, sailing around the world and maritime history. We received a media inquiry from one of the show’s reporters and secured the interview. This coverage is a great way to educate listeners around the world about LMC’s conservation efforts.

Listen here >>

Record-breaking Green Sea Turtle Nesting Season COVERAGE

Early in November, Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s research biologists were out checking a few remaining sea turtle nests, even though nesting season was technically over. While on the beach, they found a new green sea turtle nest, which was laid on Nov. 1. In over 30 years of research on our 9.5-mile stretch, this is the latest green sea turtle nest the team has recorded. Thus, we pitched this good news and information, along with high-quality images, to various local outlets. These pitches secured coverage in the Palm Beach Post, Jupiter Courier and Florida Weekly, reaching over 4,645,000 impressions combined.

Read the Florida Weekly story here >>

Read the Palm Beach Post story here >>

Read the Jupiter Courier story here >>

In other newS

Other December press highlights include television and print coverage of Brieanna’s and Brother Kenny’s release, other coverage of Beach Bash, coverage of SWIM, coverage of LMC’s research projects in Oceana (check out the research report for more details!) and more.

 


THANK YOU TO OUR outstanding SUPPORTERS!

Thank you to Lilly Pulitzer, the presenting sponsor for Beach Bash Palm Beach. LMC and over 600 philanthropists gathered at The Beach Club on Dec. 28 for the social highlight of the season to raise funds for our center! We would also like to thank the many other generous sponsors who helped make Beach Bash possible: The Gardens Mall; Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa; PNC; Douglas Elliman Real Estate; Jupiter Medical Center Urgent Care; Private Oceans; Jennifer McCloskey; Kendra Scott; AirBar; Prep Obsessed; LIC Frozen Cocktails; Tito’s Handmade Vodka; Palm Beach Illustrated; Endless Summer Rum and Cooperstown Brewing Company.

  
 
We are very thankful to Provident Jewelry for raising over $10,000 for Loggerhead Marinelife Center at their annual holiday event. Guests enjoyed an exciting evening party held at the Jupiter location, sponsored by Palm Beach Illustrated. The evening featured pinup girls, live music from Mr. Trombone, specialty drinks from Perfect Vodka, a custom designed Provident Jewelry catalog dress from Vivre Couture, and a selection of the latest timepieces and exquisite jewels.
                    
 
LMC is honored and very proud to partner with Wanderer Bracelets to benefit our shared mission of sea turtle conservation and social responsibility. Each bracelet was handcrafted in Bali and provides sustainable work for village artisans. In 2017, Wanderer Bracelets donated $10,000 (proceeds from their sea turtle bracelet sales) to LMC. To learn more about Wanderer Bracelets visit wandererbracelets.com.


 

Special thanks to our Blue Friends Society January beach clean-up sponsor, Weger/Mackay Group – Sally Ann Weger, VP and Donna J. Mackay, CFP, CFA

 
Thank you to Juno Beach Mobil station for their continued support. The Mobil station donates a portion of the proceeds from gas purchased on Tuesdays to LMC to support our mission. 

MANATEE LAGOON

It is Manatee Season! Have you ever visited Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center? We are very thankful to have this wonderful partner in conservation here in the Palm Beaches! During your visit, you’ll learn about manatee and ocean conservation. While attending the center, you may see a few manatees in the lagoon and learn about how manatees play an integral role in the overall health of Florida’s ecosystems.

We encourage you to take the time to spread information about the gentle sea cow, especially if you live in South Florida or a place where manatees congregate during manatee season. The Manatee Masters at Manatee Lagoon will provide you with all of the educational materials you will need to spread awareness. For additional information about manatees, please refer to Manatee Lagoon’s activity calendar.

LMC is grateful to partner with Manatee Lagoon, which features a multifunctional educational center, a manatee webcam, two levels of observation areas and so much more. We are excited to watch the center grow as a world-class educational facility in Palm Beach County. Together, we can continue to raise awareness about the sea turtle and the manatee, and help inspire our neighbors, friends and family to be leaders of ocean conservation. Pre-registration is required for events.

January Activities 

Manatee Lagoon Tour – Join us on a walking tour of our visitor center and learn about manatee anatomy, physiology and the importance of GPS tracking devices, as well as the Lake Worth Lagoon.

Mindful Moments Yoga (Adult) – Join Manatee Lagoon for yoga classes against the beautiful calming backdrop of Lake Worth Lagoon.

Manatee Tales Story Time – Listen as a Manatee Master storyteller reads colorful books about aquatic species that live in Lake Worth Lagoon. Children ages 2 to 5 are welcome.

Junior Aqua Lab – A series of four experimental activities that deal with some of the properties of water. Ages 9 to 14.

Children’s Art Class – Every Saturday express your creativity with a different art theme each week.

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