Agenda – all members will discuss their own experiences with following directions received.
Agenda – all members will discuss their own experiences with following directions received.
New Citizen Science Program – Launching Turtle Watch, Gold Coast
Gecko Environment Council is thrilled to host an exciting talk about turtles on the Gold Coast. The clutch of Loggerhead Turtles born at Tugun earlier this year helped inspire a local environmental scientist to launch a turtle-watch program.
Siobhan Houlihan is the turtle rehabilitation coordinator for Sea World and is calling on local beach users to help with this citizen science initiative. ‘We want to improve the information on nesting turtles here on the Gold Coast as currently there is very little data,’ Ms Houlihan said.
She will explain how you can be involved – and more about turtles in general – when she speaks at the free Gecko Talks on Wednesday, October 28.
Turtle Watch will begin to fill the data gap on nesting turtles not just for the appropriate authorities but so there will be better response and reporting of local marine strandings, Ms Houlihan said.
She has the support of Sea World, which rehabilitated and released the Tugun clutch, and non-profit Watergum group which is already involved in citizen science and will help train locals.
Ms Houlihan says local knowledge and involvement is vital. That’s where beach walkers come in.
‘I will also be talking about the turtles of the Gold Coast in general, and touch a little on what is involved in rescue and rehabilitation too,’ she said. Ms Houlihan has been involved in turtle care and rehabilitation at Sea World for a decade. She recently volunteered with the Department of Environment and Science in Far North Queensland’s turtle nesting programs to assist with the record number of turtles nesting there. It was so incredible it helped inspire her to get Gold Coast locals involved.
Gecko Talk is on Wednesday, October 28 at Currumbin RSL. Everyone’s welcome. While it’s free, seats are limited but you must book.
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/gecko-talk-turtle-watch-program-on-the-gold-coast-tickets-124366075279
Come early and buy a delicious RSL meal.
Gecko Talks are held every fourth Wednesday at Currumbin RSL.
Gecko’s Kids Club runs during term times. Spaces are limited so please book your child in soon.
EcoDiscoverers Kid’s Club runs on Friday afternoons after school from 3.30pm till 5.30pm.
Each week we will focus on a different animal, plant or habitat. There will be games, stories, excursions and competitions. All to reinforce the topic of the week!
The club connects children with nature and engages them with our native plants, animals and habitats and to learn how to look after the environment.
As a truly interactive club, children will have a say in what they would like to do and achieve.
Bookings are essential and need to be made prior to the session. Bookings for full term are $90 and individual sessions are $15 per session.
