We couldn’t resist sharing this photo of a just-hatched baby sea turtle on Cyprus’s protected Lara beach from GlobalCitizen.org. According to the article, “…though the Loggerhead and Green turtles were hunted to near extinction in the first half of the last century, they are now making a dramatic comeback thanks to pioneering conservation efforts on Cyprus.” Kudos to the turtles—as well as to the people of Cyprus, who are taking steps to protect them!
Want to learn some simple ways that you and your family can help protect sea turtles? Check out these 5 Things You Can Do to Save Sea Turtles from Defenders.org.
Cleaning up after yourself on the beach or in the park does more than just leave a pleasant setting for the next happy camper. It actually helps save lives, like our little friend above. And when you consider that only one in a thousand sea turtles makes it all the way to adulthood, the more we can do to help, the better!
Have you ever participated in a beach or park cleanup—either alone or as part of a group? What feelings did it evoke? We’d love to hear about it! Just leave us a comment below.Resources:
I am too land locked to participate in a beach clean-up. I can, however, participate in cleaning up the banks of a neighboring creek and river. These flow into the Ohio river and eventually into the sea. #startingupstream
I joined a group at Washed Ashore in Oregon to do beach cleanup & help create one of their art pieces. It was an amazing and very eye-opening experience–I couldn’t believe what we picked up in just a 1/4 stretch of beach! I’d love to participate again with a group next time I get to a coast.
Such a great article.
I was always taught to “Take out what you bring in”, especially if there are no public trash receptacles. I think this teaches responsibility, awareness, and ownership. It’s a fantastic opportunity to teach others about why we do what we do.
On the topic of sea turtles, many people don’t realize that they will go to the light, so to speak. In Florida, and probably other areas, it is encouraged that you do not display Christmas lights, party lights, etc. on the beaches and that external light fixtures are of a density/type that does not encourage the turtles to come closer (often a subdued, almost orange/pink/peach look). Nests are sought out and protected, often by groups of volunteers, to give these little guys the best chance they have at survival.
Angie, thank you for sharing your wisdom about turtles! It’s so important to for us all to do what we can to keep their environment as pristine as possible, including softer (or no) lighting and taking out what we bring in. Every small, conscious choice can have an impact!
We are 13 hours inland so as for direct beach care we can only do it when we vacation. But we do our morning beach walk with buckets to pick up trash as we collect our other treasures. We also are sure to fill in and level out our sand creations as not to impede the turtles paths to the water.
I have not done any beach cleanups since I live in Minnesota, but have participated in a highway cleanup. Anyway to help clean up unwanted trash is always a good idea! Thanks for the info!