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 make 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. This workshop is based on the belief that education is the foundation of conservation and that educators play a key role in conserving these ecologically important vertebrates.

Hours varies each day. For more details, go to http://www.heinrichecologicalservices.com/programs.html