/PRNewswire/ -- Governor Sonny Perdue, along with board members and staff of The Jekyll Island Authority, officially launched Jekyll Island's revitalization today with a public celebration attended by area business leaders, government officials, dignitaries, guests and residents of Jekyll Island.
Signifying an exciting future for Jekyll Island, Governor Perdue was joined by board members and dignitaries to plant a commemorative tree at the future site of Great Dunes Park -- which one day will be a beautiful and central welcoming area for all Jekyll Island guests. Today's event marked the first official groundbreaking for the highly-anticipated public revitalization project planned for the island.
In his public remarks today, Gov. Perdue said, "The revitalization of Jekyll Island has been discussed for many years, and I'm excited that this day is finally here. This public-private partnership will result in a reinvigorated Jekyll Island that will attract more visitors who will appreciate the beauty and history of one of our state's crown jewels."
Echoing the Governor's sentiment was Jekyll Island Authority Board Chairman Bob Krueger, "This is great news for Jekyll Island," Krueger said. "This was a grand day, and marks the beginning of Jekyll Island's revitalization. It's all good, and it's a sign of great things to come for the island."
Also attending today's ceremony were delegates to the 71st annual meeting of nearly 1,400 members of the Georgia Farm Bureau. "We have welcomed this group more than 45 times on Jekyll Island, and their support has had a significant guest and economic impact on our Island," said Hooks. "It's very fitting that they're here with us today as we celebrate our future, and we look forward to hosting them many more times on our revitalized island."
Great Dunes Park
Today the island broke ground for Great Dunes Park. Once completed, it will welcome guests and residents to Jekyll Island with nearly 20 acres of beachfront space enhanced by several picnic pavilions, a deck for beach events, a play area, beach access for the public, and more. The play area will include an 8,000-square-foot environmental area for kids and other natural recreational elements. This development project, which will encompass dune restoration where appropriate, and will also incorporate structural features to protect the environment, such as bio-swells to capture and treat storm-water run-off, sea-turtle-friendly lighting, and signage to educate visitors about the environment. Pedestrian-friendly markings will guide guests throughout the entire beachfront park.
The parking area at the existing convention center will be redesigned to provide parking for the new beach park and convention center, along with expanded family and group pavilions. A new beach deck will provide elevated views of beach and lawn activities, a shaded pavilion, and restrooms. Native tree and shrub plantings will enhance the beachside feel and provide durable, low-maintenance vegetation to protect the dunes and provide a natural habitat for wildlife. Signage will educate visitors about the environmental sensitivity of barrier islands. A walkway will connect Great Dunes Park to the future Jekyll Island Beach Village. Southern Wilderness, of Edison, GA, was awarded the Great Dunes construction project at the end of November, and their winning bid was nearly a half million under the proposed $2.2 million budget for the project.
Jekyll Island Convention Center
Following the construction of Great Dunes Park, the Jekyll Island Authority is scheduled to break ground on the new Jekyll Island Convention Center. The new facility will provide more than 120,000 square feet of prime meeting space for planners and maximum enjoyment for guests. It will be integrated into its natural beachfront location in a manner that minimizes impact on the environment while creating a positive guest experience to ensure strong repeat business for years to come.
The interior design of the center will present a relaxed coastal experience in keeping with the indigenous beachfront context. The roof forms of the building's exterior will harmonize with the surrounding beachfront trees. Outdoor terraces will allow visitors to enjoy delightful vistas and balmy coastal breezes while sheltered from sun or rain. Views of the dunes and ocean will be a key feature for attracting conventions - many of which are currently meeting outside the State.
Jekyll Island Entrance Revitalization and Island Improvements:
The next phase of Jekyll Island's revitalization includes plans to improve entry corridors welcoming guests to Jekyll Island. All improvements to the entry corridor will take advantage of existing live oaks to enhance the intimate character of the Jekyll Island entry experience. The Jekyll Island Causeway and Beachview Drive, both two-lane roads, will provide adequate traffic capacity for the existing and proposed development. Relocating the present welcome center to the vicinity of the current visitors' center on the causeway will allow the inland to better display its scenic beauty to arriving guests. Expanding the entrance to two traffic lanes will further enhance the arrival experience. Current plans call for construction of a new gas station on the island with 24-hour service and a food mart, to replace the station that was closed earlier this year. Verizon Wireless recently completed a new cell phone tower in November on the south end of Jekyll Island. The tower enhances calling capacity and in-building service-level to the Verizon Wireless voice, National Access data and Broadband Access data network for the guests staying at the Jekyll Island Club.
Morgan Center
In partnership with the Jekyll Landmark Associates (a Jekyll Island Club Hotel affiliate), the Jekyll Island Authority has agreed to an adaptive reuse of the 1929 Morgan Tennis Center as the home for Jekyll Island meeting and convention activities during the revitalization process. Construction is underway and exterior and interior renovations will include a wonderful event balcony that will make the building suitable for weddings, meetings, banquets, and other events. New food service and kitchen facilities will be added to the existing building, along with new restrooms, and the facility will continue offering wedding and event services after the new convention center is completed.
Jekyll Island Beach Village
Plans continue for the Jekyll Island Beach Village, anticipated as a charming hub and popular island destination for Jekyll Island guests and residents. Current retail offerings on Jekyll Island will be integrated into the new Beach Village location, and Reynolds Companies, in partnership with the Jekyll Island Authority, will fund, design, and construct various private portions of the village, to include approximately 30,000 square feet of retail space located below approximately 60 loft units, a 150-room economy hotel, and a 200-room mid-scale hotel. A future 160-unit, vacation-ownership project or cottage development is also planned to the south of the hotels. In addition to the $50 million in public investment designated for Jekyll Island's revitalization, an approximately $120 million in private funding will be invested to build these hotels, along with restaurants and retail shops.
New Hampton Inn and Suites
In January, 2010, the first new hotel on Jekyll Island since 1974 will open its doors. The beachfront Hampton Inn and Suites will be jointly owned by New Castle and Jekyll Ocean Oaks, LLC, the owner-operator of the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. The new facility will offer 138 guest rooms, 88 of which are suites with balconies. Amenities will include a lobby bar, beach access, revitalized nature trails, an expansive pool deck, a kid's pool, and a large hot tub. The property utilizes solar panels for water heating, and the hotel is a member of the "Green" Hotel Association, a group of environmentally-friendly properties whose managers are eager to institute programs that save water, save energy and reduce solid waste.
Economic Impact
The revitalization of Jekyll Island continues to move forward despite the unprecedented national economic recession. With the $50 million of public funding committed, the Jekyll Island Authority has been able to keep revitalization on track for necessary public infrastructure redevelopment. The projects will create 200 construction jobs with a payroll of more than $56 million.
"Jekyll Island was first purchased by the State as a wonderful and special place for all Georgians," said Jekyll Island Executive Director Jones Hooks. "On completion, Jekyll Island will be back on the map as a spectacular place to live and visit in Georgia, and will once again be known as one of the premier travel destinations in the Southeast. The momentum starts today with this exciting project that will create jobs at a time when they are desperately needed, and we're confident that 'It's All Good!'"
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Monday, December 7, 2009
Public Celebration Officially Launches Revitalization of Jekyll Island
Monday, June 15, 2009
Man's Best Friend Can Be an Unwelcome Guest on the Beach
When it comes to nesting shorebirds, man’s best friend can be an unwelcome intruder on Georgia’s beaches. With summer just around the corner, the state Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division encourages travelers to give birds a better chance of survival by leaving their dog at home when visiting the beach. This is especially important from April through July, the breeding season for Georgia’s native beach-nesting birds.
Residents on barrier islands can also help by keeping their cats indoors, since even well-fed cats are inclined to kill birds.
“Nesting shorebirds already face daunting natural dangers such as high spring tides and native predators,” said Brad Winn, coastal program manager for Wildlife Resources’ Nongame Conservation Section. “Birds that nest right on the beach do not tolerate the added pressure from pet dogs and free-ranging cats.
“Dogs harass adult shorebirds, eat eggs and kill chicks. Cats actively hunt in the dunes, killing adult shorebirds and chicks. We can do better as stewards of our wildlife.”
While Wildlife Resources encourages leaving dogs behind when visiting the beach, dogs are actually banned on certain islands protected by Georgia Board Rule 391-4-7. Williamson Island in Chatham County and Pelican Spit in Glynn County are open to the public but closed to dogs. Three sand spit islands are closed to the public and pets year-round: the sandy spit seaward of the north end of St. Catherines Island in Liberty County, Little Egg Island Bar in the mouth of the Altamaha River in Glynn County, and the small marsh island in the mouth of the Satilla River in Camden County.
Beach-nesting birds such as the Wilson’s plover, listed as threatened in Georgia, prefer to nest above the high-tide line on wide, terraced beach flats or in the dunes. They lay eggs on the beach in shallow scrapes in the sand. After hatching, the chicks hide on the beach or in the grass. Disturbance by humans and pets can cause adult birds to abandon the nests and young chicks, exposing them to predators and excessive heat from the sun.
“We are down to only one pair of Wilson’s plovers nesting on Jekyll Island,” Winn said. “The Jekyll Island Authority recognizes the impact of unleashed dogs and feral cats on the island’s native wildlife and has developed an ordinance to ensure the survival of some of it’s rarest birds.”
Jekyll is the only island readily accessible to the public that still has beach-nesting birds for the public to watch and enjoy.
In addition to providing critical nesting habitat, Georgia’s beaches also serve as key wintering and stopover points for seabird and shorebird species such as the red knot, piping plover, whimbrel, black skimmer, American oystercatcher, brown pelican and royal tern. Birds from as far away as the Arctic region come through Georgia as they follow migration routes to and from South America. East Beach near Saint Simons Island becomes a huge sand flat, supporting large numbers of feeding shorebirds during migration and winter months. Owners who allow their dogs to chase shorebirds could be fined for harassing federally protected species like piping plovers.
“Please do not feed feral cats, (and) keep pet cats indoors and leave your dogs at home when you head to the beach,” Winn said. “Your pets and Georgia’s wildlife will be better off as a result.”
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Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Highly Anticipated 3rd Annual 'Shrimp & Grits: The Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival' Kicks Off Sept. 19
PRNewswire/ -- Join the Jekyll Island Authority, the Georgia Shrimp Association, and the Georgia Tourism Foundation for the only event in the Southeast dedicated to celebrating two southern favorites - shrimp and grits!
Set amid Jekyll Island's picturesque Jekyll Island Club National Landmark Historic District, "Shrimp & Grits: The Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival," will kick off on Friday, Sept. 19, at 5:30 p.m. Festivities will continue throughout the weekend, beginning Saturday at 10:00 a.m. and Sunday at noon.
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Georgia Sea Turtle Center Selects Founding Visionary As New Director
PRNewswire/ -- The Georgia Sea Turtle Center, located on historic Jekyll Island, Ga., has selected Dr. Terry M. Norton to be its new director. Dr. Norton, who assumed his new position effective September 5, has been integrally involved in planting and nurturing the idea for the center since 2001. He has been the director of veterinary services for the organization since it opened on June 16, 2007, and he will continue to serve in that capacity.
Dr. Norton comes with impressive credentials that include a Bachelor of Science degree from New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Tufts University in Boston, and more than twenty years of experience working with zoos, aquaria, and free-ranging wildlife.
"Dr. Norton was an integral part of the early success of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center," said Jones Hooks, Executive Director, Jekyll Island Authority. "He helped create the shared vision that began this great work, and now we're thrilled that he will lead the Center into the future."
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center (GSTC) provides rehabilitation treatment for injured sea turtles and other wildlife; conducts research and professional training in wildlife medicine, husbandry, biology and education; and offers educational programs for the public.
Since the Georgia Sea Turtle Center opened, more than 110,000 visitors have toured the $3 million, 10,000-square-foot facility. A restored 1903 brick building that once supplied power to the famous Jekyll Island Club hotel houses an exhibit area, retail space, and state-of-the-art rooms dedicated to surgery, digital radiography (X-rays), and long-term treatment.
"It's an interactive educational environment," explained Dr. Norton. "Visitors to our center really get engaged. For example, our treatment room has a window so that visitors can actually watch us work on our patients, and we can discuss the particular animal's life history, medical problem, and treatment or surgery. A walkway through the rehabilitation area allows them to see the turtles we are nursing back to health, with the goal of releasing them back into the sea. Our center is the first of its kind in Georgia, and as far as I know, it's the only one in the country that comprehensively integrates rehabilitation, interactive education, professional training, and veterinary research."
An Emphasis on Education and Research
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center's rehabilitation work to protect and preserve sea turtles is just one important aspect of its mission. The center also conducts research and provides educational and awareness programs for the public.
In a twelve-month period approximately 5,000 students from close to 100 different schools and scout groups visited the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. In addition, the center takes its educational programs into numerous schools. At the same time, GSTC is conducting groundbreaking research to develop diets and nutritional supplements to promote sea turtle health and healing. This research could benefit aquaria and rehabilitation institutions all over the world.
Leading the Way for Others
"Our vision extends beyond our immediate region," said Dr. Norton. "We want our research, conservation, preservation, and educational activities to benefit organizations in other parts of the country and the world. We have already developed training programs for veterinarians and veterinary students from across the United States, the Caribbean, Panama, and other places."
In the spring of 2009, GSTC plans to host an International Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Workshop in partnership with many other institutions, including Ross University in St. Kitts; the Georgia Department of Natural Resources; St. Catherines Island Foundation; the Jekyll Island Authority and Foundation; the University of Florida and the University of Georgia Colleges of Veterinary Medicine; the Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet, Florida; the Marine Life Center in Melbourne, Florida; the Turtle Hospital in Marathon Key, Florida; and possibly others.
"My long-term vision is to expand the scope of our mission," said Dr. Norton. "In the future we'd like to develop health-related programs for a wider variety of native wildlife and promote ecosystem health locally and internationally, while at the same time increasing our efforts on behalf of turtles."
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Monday, August 25, 2008
Jekyll Island Spared by Fay
PRNewswire/ -- Jekyll Island, located off the coast of Georgia near Brunswick and approximately 60 miles north of Jacksonville, Florida reports today that NO SERIOUS DAMAGE was sustained. Rain and wind caused some debris, and maintenance crews are finishing clean-up and minor repair efforts. ALL PUBLIC AMENITIES ARE OPEN, and access to the island is open and clear. The Sidney Lanier Bridge, which connects Hwy. 17 from Brunswick opened Saturday after being closed briefly due to high winds last week.
The Jekyll Island Golf facility was open Sunday, with the Pine Lakes course open for play. Indian Mound course will open Tuesday, and Oleander will open Saturday 8/30.
Summer Waves Water Park on Jekyll Island was open Sunday, and will operate its normal schedule of weekends and holidays now through September.
No damage was sustained to any historic structures in the Jekyll Island Historic District, and the Museum is open and operating a normal tour schedule.
All beaches are open and accessible. All hotels and rental cottages are open.
Debris removal is in high gear and preparations are underway for the upcoming Labor Day Weekend. Guests will be able to enjoy the beautiful beach and island amenities during this traditional beach holiday weekend. Some hotel rooms are still available; check the website at www.jekyllisland.com .
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Thursday, July 31, 2008
Sandy Toes Learns about Loggerhead Sea Turtles on Edisto
GFP Note: Loggerhead Sea Turtles are an endangered species. Thanks to efforts up and down the east coast, these guys are being given a fighting chance for their survival. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island is a great place to learn more about these graceful creatures. Click here to visit their site and see how you can become involved.
Having just arrived at our destination, we were quick to grab our swimsuits and fall out the door onto the sand of Edisto Beach, South Carolina. Slather on some sunscreen and let the vacation begin. While our expectations were high for the week, we stumbled across other finds that show us high hopes for the future.
Surrounding our beach house on the water side were two areas of orange tape. Looking closely, we could see indentations in the sand and the signs placed by the volunteers who watch the Loggerhead Sea Turtle. We sat smack down in between two turtle nests. One had been there for about 40 days and the other one about 10 days according to beach patrol Gary. Gary, who patrols the beach and is a volunteer loggerhead watcher, was eager to teach us landlubbers about the turtles.
The gracious ladies who come ashore to lay their eggs between May and August are coming home to the island of their birth. These gentle creatures can be up to three feet in size and weigh several hundred pounds. They come ashore at night to lay the ping pong ball sized eggs. Their flippers serve as a shovel and it can take an hour or more for the female to complete her nest. A typical nest will contain approximately 60-180 eggs.
The turtles are easily distracted from the work at hand. Should there be lights on the beach, or animals in the vicinity, the turtle may just crawl up and crawl back, thus exhibiting a "false crawl," whose track shape resembles a horseshoe. Gary told us she would then just abort the eggs into the ocean. A "true crawl" is one where the volunteers who walk the beach at night can locate the nest, and it has two distinct tracks.
Our second morning on the beach was thrilling. Here were new turtle tracks. Our trusty guide Gary showed us how to read the turtle tracks. In front of the nest was a huge "x" as in "x marks the spot." Gary explained the turtle patrol who had watched the turtle during the night placed the "x" to alert him of a new nest. He then placed an orange flag in the center of the nest.
Over the incubation period of the next 50-60 days, Gary and the other turtle watchers will keep a close eye on the nest. As time nears for the eggs to hatch, the sand will start to settle. A shell is then placed on top of the nest to show how much it is sinking. Experienced eyes can read those shells and determine about when the hatchlings will make their appearance. The hatchlings will boil out of the nest and head towards the ocean. The watchers are there in hopes that all of the young will make it there. Imprinting happens as soon as those hatchlings emerge. They follow the light of the moon to the ocean. If there are any lights on at the houses, the little tykes become confused and head towards the road.
Once the turtles go into the water, the males will never again touch land. Only the females will return in about 20 years or so.
Gary explained the process where the turtle watchers verify a nest. The nest will be about 18 to 24 inches down in the sand. A stick is used to verify the eggs' location. From the explanation, a gentle hand is used during this process.
Sometimes the eggs are too close to the high tide mark and have to be moved. Should the nest be moved, each egg must be individually moved without rotating the angle at which it was found. If the eggs are turned, the turtles will not hatch, or they will be deformed. While we were there, the oldest nest in front of our house had to be moved. There was an extremely high tide one night and the front part of the nest would not have been above the water line for more than a few days at most. The patrol moved the eggs about 30 feet. While this nest only had a few weeks left to go in its incubation phase, it was the only way any of the eggs will have a chance to hatch.
According to Gary, the female turtles will come ashore three or four times during the season to lay their eggs. The survival rate of the little tykes from the laying to adulthood is only about 1 in a thousand.
These animals can survive for close to 200 years. Full of grace and beauty, they are on the endangered list. Survival from predators who are natural and non-natural have severely depleted this turtle population. Over development on beaches and the loss of sandy beach for their nests have also taken their toll.
Protect the sea turtle. Give them hope. Give us hope.
Until next time,
Sandy Toes on Edisto
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Wednesday, July 16, 2008
New Lighting Guidelines for Jekyll Island Beaches to Protect Endangered Sea Turtles
PRNewswire/ -- The Jekyll Island State Park Authority (JIA) today announced it's intentions to set greater restrictions on lights near its natural beaches in order to protect sea turtles from the adverse effects of artificial light. The move, once approved as a new ordinance for the state-owned island, will likely be the model for beach lighting ordinances for all of Georgia's coast communities.
Artificial lighting is the light that emanates from any man-made device, such as street-lights, tree lights, beach-walk lanterns, and neon signs. This new ordinance, which strictly defines what will and will not be allowed on and near the beach, will be regulated and enforced by the JIA.
"Jekyll Island is well-known for its conservation efforts, especially through the work of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center," said Ben Porter, chairman of the Jekyll Island State Park Authority. "This is another big step towards making Jekyll Island one of the most environmentally-friendly communities on the East Coast."
The new ordinance was developed in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources with vital input from the experts at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Once approved, illumination of certain beaches will be prohibited at nighttime during the sea turtle nesting season for the protection of the nesting females and hatchling sea turtles making their way into the sea. Oftentimes hatchlings will confuse artificial lighting with the reflection of the moon, which they use as a marker to get to the ocean once they hatch.
"We were pleased to see the Jekyll Island Authority take the lead in placing these restrictions into an enforceable ordinance," said Noel Holcomb, Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources. "As Chairman of the Shore Protection Committee, I will promote the standards within this ordinance to the Shore Protection Committee as we consider beachfront projects for permitting under the Shore Protection Act."
Lighting may still be operated during the nesting season if the light, or reflection, is not directly visible from the beach. But the majority of the lights will be low-intensity lighting, such as amber or red LEDs, red neon lights and "Turtle Safe Lighting," which are coated and compact florescent lamps under 13 watts. Additionally, the ordinance states that tinting will be installed on all windows and glass doors within line-of-sight of the beach.
The new ordinance was announced by the Jekyll Island Authority at its regular meeting on Monday. The "first reading" of any new ordinance must be posted for public review, anyone interested in reading the proposed ordinance language can view it on the Authority's Web site at www.jekyllislandauthority.org . The Jekyll Island Authority is expected to adopt the new ordinance at its regular meeting in August.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
The University of Georgia and The Georgia Review Announce a Landmark Cultural Event: The Pulitzer Legacy in Georgia
The Georgia Review, the award-winning literary quarterly published from the University of Georgia and distributed nationwide, announces “The Pulitzer Legacy in Georgia” program—a four-day celebration of fine writing and writers hosted by the Jekyll Island Club from October 27-30. The event features four recent Pulitzer Prize winners, all of whom have an association with the state of Georgia, the University of Georgia, and/or The Georgia Review: poets Stephen Dunn and Natasha Trethewey, journalist and historian Hank Klibanoff, and historian Edward Larson.
Stephen Dunn’s Different Hours took home a Pulitzer in 2001, and he has been a frequent contributor to The Georgia Review for more than twenty-five years. Hank Klibanoff, former managing editor for news at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, won the 2007 Pulitzer in history for The Race Beat: The Press, the Civil Rights Struggle, and the Awakening of a Nation, coauthored with Gene Roberts.
Edward Larson, winner of the 1998 history prize for Summer for the Gods: The Scopes Trial and America’s Continuing Debate Over Science and Religion, is University Professor of history at Pepperdine University and former Herman E. Talmadge Chair of Law and Richard B. Russell Professor of American History at the University of Georgia.
Natasha Trethewey, a University of Georgia alumna, is the Phillis Wheatley Distinguished Chair in Poetry at Emory University and won the 2007 Pulitzer for Native Guard.
Each of these distinguished guests will participate in a variety of activities over the course of the week, including readings, panel discussions, question-and-answer sessions, and informal gatherings with attendees. “The Pulitzer Legacy in Georgia” represents a one-of-a-kind opportunity for the public to mix and mingle with four of the finest talents in contemporary American arts and letters—and to do so in a beautiful oceanside setting. The schedule will leave participants free time in the afternoon for exploring the Jekyll Island area or just relaxing on the beach.
The world-famous Jekyll Island Club opened in 1888 as a private retreat for many of that era’s most prominent Americans, including Joseph Pulitzer and his family. The Jekyll Island Club—now a National Register of Historic Places site—was described in the February 1904 issue of Munsey’s Magazine as “the richest, the most exclusive, the most inaccessible club in the world.” No longer inaccessible, Jekyll Island is renowned for its beaches and pristine coastal ecosystem, and is a destination resort that offers fine modern amenities alongside a wealth of Georgia history.
Registration for the event is open now and continues through early October or until capacity is reached. For the best choice of discounted accommodations at the Jekyll Island Club, those interested should register early. A ticket for the entire week includes admission to all conference events, including author readings and book signings, question-and-answer sessions, most meals, Jekyll Island History tours, and tours of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Individual day tickets also are available.
“The Pulitzer Legacy in Georgia” is a production of The Georgia Review and the University of Georgia. The presenting sponsor is the Jekyll Island Club, with additional support generously provided by the Jekyll Island Authority, the Jekyll Island Foundation, the Jekyll Island Museum, the University of Georgia Alumni Association, Rich Products Corporation, the UGA Odum School of Ecology, Ameris Bank, the Brunswick-Glynn County Public Library, the Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce, The Brunswick News, John Vance Hughes,and others to be announced.
For more information and to register for the program, contact the offices of The Georgia Review at 1-800-542-3481 or garev@uga.edu. Lodging reservations should be made through the Jekyll Island Club at 1-800- 535-9547. For more information, see www.thegeorgiareview.com and www.jekyllclub.com.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Georgia Sea Turtle Center Releases an Old Friend into the Sea
GFP Note: This story inspired our staff. As a result, one of our staff members visited a beach where there are currently 32 turtle nests and spent some time learning about these fabulous creatures from the volunteers who watch over them. Stay tuned as our stories come to life.
PRNewswire/ -- Dylan, a straggler hatchling who was rescued on Jekyll Island almost 10 years ago and became a national ambassador for sea turtles, is going home. Officials from the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island, and the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta released Dylan into the ocean on Monday, June 30th at 11 a.m.
Visitors to Coastal Encounters Nature Center on St. Simons Island, the University of Georgia's Tidelands Nature Center, the Georgia Aquarium and (most recently) the Georgia Sea Turtle Center have enjoyed the sights of this graceful sea turtle for many years. Now that her carapace is over 50 cm long, Dylan is big enough to return to the ocean according to standards set by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Since last summer, when Dylan returned to Jekyll Island from the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, she has been learning the skills needed to return to the wild - including identifying and capturing natural prey such as blue crabs, horseshoe crabs and whelks.
At 3 p.m. on the day prior to her release, Dylan will also be fitted with a special satellite transmitter, providing Georgia Sea Turtle Center (GSTC) researchers and visitors to the GSTC and Georgia Aquarium Web sites the opportunity to monitor her activities and movements. This will be the first time that a sea turtle has been raised entirely in captivity for this long and then released with a tracking device. By studying her movements, researchers may be able to learn about some of the differences between learned and inherited behaviors.
"We are very pleased with Dylan's progress," said Dr. Terry Norton, Director of Veterinary Services and Interim Director of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. "She has come a long way in the last year and has been a great representative of sea turtle education and conservation, helping to spread the word about the plight of the sea turtle and the marine ecosystem. We are glad to see her depart for her real home at sea and are excited to watch her travels once she is released."
"The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is an exciting project initiated by the Jekyll Island Foundation and the Jekyll Island Authority. The Center reflects our commitment to conservation, preservation and education," said William Lattimore, Jr., Chairman of the Jekyll Island Foundation. "This is a very special event for the entire community. Dylan's release is indeed an appropriate finale for Sea Turtle Weekend, the anniversary celebration of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center."
After outgrowing her tank at the Tidelands Nature Center in Jekyll Island, a partnership was formed with the Georgia Aquarium, where Dylan was relocated in November 2005. She returned to Jekyll Island in May of 2007, arriving at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center shortly before its official public opening, becoming the second patient.
"The Georgia Aquarium's partnership with the Georgia Sea Turtle Center has been important and hugely successful," said Ray Davis, Senior Vice President of Zoological Operations at the Georgia Aquarium. "We loved having Dylan in Atlanta and were sad to see her go, but it is certainly important that she will be released and continues to educate and inspire the future stewards of our oceans."
The loggerhead sea turtle is threatened worldwide and is under consideration for being reclassified as "endangered" due to diminishing populations in the Western Atlantic Ocean. Because sea turtles nest on land, responsibility for their conservation is shared between the National Marine Fisheries Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and various state agencies and independent conservation organizations.
About the Georgia Sea Turtle Center
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