The Sea Turtle Connection
What have we done?
After identifying the problem, we immediately started brainstorming ways to solve it. Signs were already up on beaches in Wellfleet, Cape Cod but they were made of paper and Mass Audubon said that the signs had to be constantly re-printed and hung. But the signs were important, they helped to inform people about what to look for and what to do if they found a turtle. The easiest way around the constant rain and snow during this time in New England was to find a way to design signs out of a sturdier and more durable material. Aluminum was the best way to go and after a design for them was created, the next step was fundraising.
Costa Rica is a huge exporter of coffee and in small local markets, I saw a lot of bracelets being made with the beans. I took this idea back home with me, and got started on making my own. After making enough bracelets, I started selling them at farmer's markets and giving away pamphlets to anyone who stopped at my booth in hopes of spreading the word.
I ended up raising over $300 in sales (and several donations from my local community) and the order for four signs was immediately placed.
I then headed down to Dennis and placed them at Chapin, Corporation, Crowes Pasture, and Cold Storage beach. They look great and will be on those beaches for years to come. The signs were even featured in the October 2014 Mass Audubon newsletter.
In order to further raise awareness and educate my community, I went to my hometown's middle and elementary schools and gave presentations on the problem I addressed, along with some extra background information, what I have done, and what the kids could do to help. I also have plans to speak for their environmental club and inform people and spread the word that way.
After cold shock season passed, Mass Audubon released the information that even though normall 100 sea turtles are brought in, this year they took in over 1,200 sea turtles. I am amazed and so happy about the monumental impact this project could create.
