County seeks volunteers for sea turtle beach steward program

Trainings to be held Aug. 27 & 29

Posted

St. Johns County is seeking volunteers to through Nov. 30 to assist with its sea turtle beach steward program.

Once sea turtles hatch from their nests, they swim in search of a large mass of seaweed, which can be pushed back onto the beach due to storms and high tide events, stranding the turtles. Volunteers will be scheduled to conduct biweekly beach cleanups, and be on call to survey the wrack lines when needed and call the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office if a stranded washback turtle is located.

All volunteers assisting the washback program must complete a county volunteer application, pass a background check, possess a valid Florida driver license, complete the online orientation session and attend one mandatory survey training that is conducted on the beach. Trainings are scheduled for 9 to 10 a.m. Aug. 27 at Butler Beachfront Park, 5860 A1A South, and from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 29 at the South Ponte Vedra Recreation Area, 2993 South Ponte Vedra Blvd. Children under the age of 18 are welcome to volunteer, but they must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.

For more information, visit www.co.st-johns.fl.us/HCP/Volunteer.aspx, or call (904) 209 3740.