The Natural History and Conservation of Florida
Turtles
by
George Heinrich
Heinrich
Ecological Services
Twelfth Annual Summer Workshops
for Educators
Summer
2005: Boyd Hill Nature Park (St. Petersburg, FL)
Summer
2005: Apalachicola
National Estuarine Research Reserve (Apalachicola, FL)
Summer
2005:
Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (St.
Augustine, FL)
Florida is home to over 8% of the
world’s known turtle species and is a significant area for both turtle diversity
and habitat. Twenty-five of the 54 turtle species found in the United States
also occur in Florida. They are represented in upland communities, such as
scrub and sandhill, in rivers, lakes, swamps, and even coastal habitats, such as
salt marsh, mangrove communities and marine systems. Certainly, habitat
diversity and species richness makes Florida a chelonian hotspot.
Turtles are ancient creatures
that walked the earth with the dinosaurs and today are important and visible
elements in many ecosystems. Many species that occur in Florida are now in
decline and in need of conservation attention. Conservation efforts on their
behalf are also beneficial to the ecosystems in which they are found.
Consequently, turtles are an excellent group to use for teaching both ecology
and conservation. These workshops are based on the belief that education is the
foundation of conservation and that educators can play a key role in conserving
these ecologically important vertebrates.
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Objective:
The workshops are designed to provide
educators with a good introduction to the
ecology and conservation of Florida turtles through both classroom presentations
and first-hand field experiences. Participants
are introduced to the diversity of Florida turtles, basic identification
techniques, natural history, causes of decline, and conservation measures, as
well as educational activities and resources. Highlights include field trips to
upland, riverine and coastal habitats where participants have an opportunity to
study several species in the wild. Our
goal is to provide a lifetime experience that will allow educators to return to
their formal and non-formal educational settings and excite others.
Target
group: Designed for teachers,
environmental educators and active conservationists.
Primary
instructor:
George L. Heinrich (Heinrich Ecological
Services) is a field biologist and environmental educator specializing in
reptiles, particularly Florida turtles. A graduate of Memphis State University,
his interests include southeastern upland ecosystems, impacts of roads and
automobiles on wildlife communities, and the role of education in conserving
herpetofauna. He has worked for a number of years on the conservation of gopher
tortoises and has studied the ecology and conservation needs of diamondback
terrapins as part of a University of North Florida research team since 1995.
Mr. Heinrich has served twice as co-chair of the Gopher Tortoise Council, is the
founding president of the Florida Turtle Conservation Trust and is active with
Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC). He has coordinated
several symposia and workshops on the status and conservation of Florida turtles
and has been recognized by state and regional NGOs for his conservation work.
Other Florida turtle biologists and conservationists provide additional
instruction.
Registration:
TBA. Registration is
limited to twelve adults per workshop. See attached registration form for
deadlines and other pertinent information.
Additional expenses:
Participants should expect to cover expenses for lodging, transportation and
meals.
Field trips:
We will make plans for car-pooling during the day prior to each field trip.
Component points (for teacher recertification):
Contact the Science Supervisor or the Office of In-service Training in your
school district for instructions on how to obtain component points for attending
the workshops.
Additional info:
Contact George L. Heinrich at highpine3@aol.com
or (727) 865-6255.
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Please note: Schedules may change due to
unforeseen circumstances, such as inclement weather.
For more information, please contact:
George L. Heinrich
Heinrich
Ecological Services
1213
Alhambra Way South
St.
Petersburg, FL 33705-4620
(727)
865-6255/highpine3@aol.com
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