Once you have registered, you will be mailed a packet of information and you can start working towards becoming NESTS Certified.
We've developed some simple activities to help you become NESTS Certified. Earn 100 eggs to become a PARTNER and receive a Certification Certificate of Completion and a NESTS sticker. Earn 150 eggs to become a GUARDIAN and receive a Certificate, sticker and a NESTS Yard Sign. Earn 200 or more to become a CHAMPION and receive a sticker, Certification Plaque and a NESTS Flag!
1. Start by either attending an education presentation on sea turtles or a permitted sea turtle night watch program. It’s important that everyone understands what threats are facing sea turtles and what you can do to help. Please call a local sea turtle organization to schedule an informative presentation anytime of the year or to find out when the next presentation will be held. If you are interested in attending a turtle watch program, you can find the closest permitted organization for walk dates in June & July. (Required for all levels - earn 25 eggs)
2. Lights out for sea turtles. Lights near a nesting beach can cause turtles and hatchlings to become confused and wander away from the sea. During nesting season turn off lights and shield indoor lights from shining on the beach by closing drapes at night. In addition, a number of companies produce energy efficient, attractive, and effective outdoor “sea turtle friendly” lights and fixtures that you can use on and around your home or association. You can also tint your windows or close drapes to reduce lighting of the beach. These actions will reduce the risk of hatchling “disorientation” and disruption to nesting females. You can download the complete technical report on lighting problems in the Download Materials section. (earn 25 to 75 Eggs)
3. Pick up trash and keep your property and shoreline litter and fishing line free. Turtles can become entangled in debris and fishing line causing injury or death, so keep your beach and dune clean of trash and discarded fishing line. You can also take part in a Beach Cleanup Event, even the actions of an individual or small group of people can make a big difference in reducing harmful marine debris. You can either organize your own neighborhood/beach cleanup day or contact your local organizations to find out when their next Cleanup Event will be held. (earn 25 Eggs)
4. Spread the word about sea turtles and their habitats through educational information. Create a display or post sea turtle education information in a community area. And/Or include this information in your association’s newsletter. Educate your neighbors and friends about sea turtles, threats to their survival, and actions, such as becoming NESTS Certified, they can take to help. Download a poster from the Download Materials section. (earn 20 Eggs)
5. Support Sea Turtle Conservation Efforts. There are so many ways you can support sea turtle conservation programs! Visit your County's NESTS page below to find a list of groups working with sea turtle groups in your area. You can Purchase a Sea Turtle License Plate/ Decal or Join /Volunteer with a Sea Turtle Conservation Organization. (earn 25 Eggs)
6. Secure your garbage and compost to discourage raccoons. Raccoons destroy thousands of eggs each nesting season and are considered one of the greatest threats to sea turtle survival in Florida. Download the “Sea Turtles and Raccoons” from the Download Materials section. (earn 20 Eggs)
7. Landscape with Native Plants & Stabilize Dunes. Beach dunes provide exceptional habitat for a number of creatures in the dunes and beach. Not only does a high “dune profile” help block surrounding light and keep the beaches dark for nesting turtles and hatchlings, but the dunes are also home to a number of rare, endangered, and native creatures. Help to stabilize and protect beach dunes by planting native vegetation. Using native vegetation and drought tolerant vegetation will help reduce the amount of pesticide and/or fertilizers you need to use around your home. Run off of these chemicals is harmful to sea turtle feeding grounds and reefs. Check out Additional Information. (earn 15 to 60 Eggs)
8. Reduce the amount of obstacles on the beach. Beach furniture, umbrellas, large holes on the beach can actually create obstacles to a nesting female sea turtle or prevent hatchlings from reaching the sea after emerging from their nest. Take the time to fill in holes on the beach and remove or stack and secure your beach furniture. (earn 20 Eggs)
Once you've completed these tasks use the Completion Survey to add up the number of "Sea Turtle Eggs" you have earned for your nest!
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