Category: For the Record

Wilson’s Plover End of Season Report 2017

CONSERVATION – Disney Conservation Fund

By Yank Moore, JIA Conservation Land Manager

With the 2017 nesting season behind us, Jekyll Island’s Wilson’s Plovers have migrated away from our beautiful beaches. We send with them our hope that they will return next year in late spring to nest again. This season the JIA Conservation Staff identified a Jekyll-record 17 Wilson’s Plover nests with another record of 4 Willet nests. Eleven plover nests survived predators and other challenges to make it to hatching, as did a single Willet nest – the first documented willet hatch since we began this study a few years ago. This year the adult pairs seemed to take advantage of the more expansive open-dune habitat that resulted from the high tides around Hurricane Matthew last Fall. Low rolling dunes with sparse vegetation are the ideal habitat for nesting Wilson’s Plovers, providing shelter and cover to hide from predators but plenty of space to see them coming, and close proximity to the water’s edge where plovers feed. Only four plover nests fell victim to predators this year, with one predation by a raccoon, surprisingly the first we’ve documented. Two nests were abandoned after being buried in rapidly growing sand dunes, a sign of shoreline recovery following Hurricane Matthew.

Out of all the nests, we were able to band 15 chicks. The bands provide a unique color combination that allows us to specifically identify each individual chick. At least five chicks made it to fledgling size (when they are able to fly for the first time) and will hopefully make it to adulthood and return to the area to nest in the coming years. With enduring help from the Jekyll Island Foundation, we will continue to monitor our small nesting population again next year, hoping for another record breaking year on Jekyll. Always remember, if you enjoy Jekyll’s beach with your dog (or cat!), never allow them to chase birds, keep them on a leash, and respect the “no pets” area on the south end of the island. These rules are in place to keep Jekyll’s beach a haven for birds like the Wilson’s Plovers that may one day be lost if not for our careful stewardship.

Girls of Summer

CONSERVATION/EDUCATION – Utility Task Vehicle

By Breanna Ondich, Jekyll Island Authority’s GSTC Research Specialist 

Wintertime for the research team means we are reminiscing over the girls of summer (sea turtles that is). Our sand shores successfully produced over 7,800 hatchling sea turtles! The patrol team encountered 40 different sea turtle moms in 2017 depositing their precious eggs beneath the earth. Jekyll Island’s grand total was 130 nests, roughly 6% of Georgia’s 2,189 total nests. All of the nests on our beaches were deposited by loggerhead sea turtles, while a few other islands had some visiting green sea turtles, kemps ridleys, and at least one leatherback. 

It was as long ago as 1958 that the very first loggerhead sea turtle was tagged on Jekyll Island. Of the 40 sea turtles we were able to catch on the beach in 2017, we know that 20 of those were returning to Jekyll Island from a previous summer, 16 new moms came to us untagged, and the last 4 were first tagged during a previous summer somewhere else in the state of Georgia. If you include knowledge gained by partnering with the Northern Recovery Unit Loggerhead DNA Project (University of Georgia), loggerhead sea turtles lay an average of 4 nests each summer that they nest. This past summer, four different turtles – “Pudge,” “Pooky,” “Mosquito,” and “Eloise” – tied for having the most nests on Jekyll Island in 2017 with 6 nests each! 

Tagging sea turtles and managing their nests is important, but so are our education efforts. Thanks to the generous support of the Jekyll Island Foundation and its donors, we were able to continue our very popular Ride with Patrol program in our new Kawasaki Mule Pro, which allows up to 4 guests at a time to ride along with us in the utility task vehicles and get a first-hand look of what it’s like to be a sea turtle biologist. At least 273 people participated in the program in 2017, and we spoke to 1,193 additional people on the beach during our Turtle Walk and Sunrise Walk eco-tour programs. Thirty-nine of our nests were sponsored by 61 parents in our Nest Trackers program, a new record for one season! Beyond our regularly scheduled programs, our patrol team educated over 3,341 additional people incidentally on the beach about sea turtles. The team also intercepted 1,101 people with white lights to hand out red cellophane to turn those lights into red turtle-friendly lights instead. 

As the oldest and largest research project on Jekyll Island, none of this would be possible without the support of all of our collaborators: The Jekyll Island Authority – Georgia Sea Turtle Center, AmeriCorps, The Jekyll Island Foundation, The University of Georgia, and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Thank you for another successful nesting season here on Jekyll Island!

The following are resources for further information:
Georgia DNR Sea Turtle Conservation Program
A History of Sea Turtle Tagging and Monitoring on Jekyll Island, Georgia, USA
rnAbout Loggerhead Turtles
About Green Turtles
About Kemp Ridley Turtles
About Leatherback Turtles
Ride with Patrol Information
Turtle Walk Information
Nest Walk Information
Beach Lighting Information

Guess What???

This is an exciting week for the Jekyll Island Foundation as we introduce our fresh, new brand identity and website, paving the way for GROWTH!

You’ll notice new elements including a new logo, brighter colors, and vibrant photos that remind you why you fell in love with Jekyll Island, and what keeps you coming back again and again.

With the launch of our new website you’ll see simplified content, streamlined navigation, expanded opportunities to Get Involved, and our new Membership Program.  

Speaking of Memberships, here’s what to look for:

• Member-Only Communications and Special Offers
• Member Reward Card
• Member Decal
• Island Parking Passes

… and much, much more!

What about our Partners? These folks – corporations – have faithfully invested behind the scenes, never asking for much in return. We are grateful for their partnership. Let’s Show ‘Em Some Love. 

And, while you’re at it, check out our Friends page for in-the-moment, social media exchange. Share your own pictures. See what other Island lovers are saying. Become part of the conversation by adding #JekyllIslandFoundation to your posts!

Along with the new brand and website, our newsletter also received a sprucing up. It’s easy to open on any mobile device, tablet or desktop, easy to read highlights with links to full articles, and easy to share with your family and friends. Share away!

With all of these changes, some things remain the same – our commitment to our donors to continuously seek projects that preserve and protect Jekyll’s natural and historical assets and educational opportunities that build ambassadors for the future sustainability of the Island.

We hope you take a few moments to ‘ride with us’ through the new trails, and will consider joining us as we pursue our mission to CONSERVE. PRESERVE. EDUCATE. We hope to see you soon!

Wilson’s Plover Mid-Season Update 2017 

CONSERVATION: Plover Patrol

By Yank Moore, JIA Conservation Coordinator 

Wilson’s Plover nesting season is in full swing here on Jekyll Island and the Jekyll Island Authority (JIA) Conservation Department has been busy continuing the advancement of shorebird monitoring efforts with the help of the Jekyll Island Foundation. We have continued our robust nest monitoring program to better understand the importance of Jekyll Island’s beaches and dunes for Wilson’s Plovers, a shore bird listed as “Threatened” by the State of Georgia. This has been a productive season already with 13 nests and counting, six of those have made it to hatching and one is still incubating. 

The pairs of adults are taking advantage of the dunes at the southern tip of the island that were hit hard during Hurricane Matthew. This area is now recovering well, leaving plentiful expanses of young vegetation and low rolling dunes that are ideal nesting habitat for the Wilson’s Plover. We have also documented the nests of at least four Willets, which is a larger shorebird that can be seen on our beaches year-round. These birds nest further back in the dunes in dense vegetation clumps making them a lot harder to find. At least one of these nests hatched a couple of chicks, which is a first since the Conservation Department started monitoring nests two and a half years ago. 

As far as the chicks go, we have color banded a total of 11 Wilson’s Plovers so far and hope to band a few more. The color bands allow us to specifically identify each individual chick making it easier to monitor their success up to fledging, or the time at which they fly for the first time. We are still seeing quite a few of these banded birds feeding in the runnels and are optimistic that we may have better success than the last couple of years. Always remember, if you enjoy Jekyll’s beach with your dog (or cat!), never allow them to chase birds, keep them on a leash, and respect the “no pets” area on the south end of the island. These rules are in place to keep Jekyll’s beach a haven for birds like the Wilson’s Plovers that may one day be lost if not for careful stewardship.

WATCH OUT! New GSTC Vans Hit The Roads 

CONSERVATION: GSTC Wildlife Transport

By Jamie Gamby, GSTC Rehabilitation Technician 1 
Allison Hardman, Rehabilitation Technician 1 

Have you been driving down the causeway at high tide lately? Well if so, you have probably seen our newly wrapped Georgia Sea Turtle Center vans out and about. During the summertime, the Husbandry Department is extremely busy patrolling the causeway in search of female diamondback terrapins (DBTs) crossing the road to nest, traveling to pick up new sea turtle patients, and hitting the beach to release patients back to the wild. 

In November, we were lucky enough to receive a new, larger van through the Jekyll Island Foundation’s generosity. This van is extremely beneficial because the larger size makes us able to transport more animals at once and we are also able to have climate control in the back, making the animal’s ride less stressful. Now that we have two vans available we are able to respond to multiple situations at once without as many delays while trying to figure transportation. Our DBT AmeriCorp Member may be out on the causeway saving terrapin lives, while some of the team is either picking up a new patient or releasing one back to the wild. 

Both vans were also recently wrapped in beautiful images designed by JIA’s Marketing team and they reflect our mission of rehabilitation, research, and education. The older van received a marsh scene with a DBT hatchling, which is extremely fitting since that is the vehicle used in the summer to patrol the causeway for terrapins. There also have been multiple studies conducted here at the GSTC on terrapins. In addition, each year we keep 20 DBT hatchlings and place them on exhibit to help raise awareness about the species, their threats, and how everyone can assist in their conservation. Then our newer van has an iconic image of Bell, our hatchling loggerhead sea turtle from last year who was also an adoptable patient. Since this vehicle is mostly used for transporting sea turtles, this wrap greatly reflects all of our hard work in rescue, rehab, and release. 

Whatever the situation may be, when we are on the road you can’t miss us coming with the new brightly colored wraps! Please stop by the center and check out our newly wrapped vans.

New Discovery Station Exhibit 

EDUCATION: GSTC Exhibitry

By Katie Higgins, JIA Education Coordinator 

The Jekyll Island Authority’s (JIA) Georgia Sea Turtle Center (GSTC) is pleased to announce the installation of the brand new Discovery Station exhibit brought to our public through the generous support of the Jekyll Island Foundation (JIF). This interactive display is designed to bring the cool science of wildlife rehabilitation to our general audience. Using museum grade microscopes, this exhibit allows guests to view blood slides from our current turtle patients and discover which patient is healthier depending on the number of red blood cells they see. Another scope focuses on epibiota, or hitchhiking organism, specimens harvested from the shells of our incoming debilitated sea turtles. These organisms range from barnacles to leeches to Columbus crabs. Larger than life models allow guests to get even closer with a hands-on experience. 

The exhibit not only enriches the guest experience, but also provides our volunteer environmental educators a centralized station for engaging with the public. A built-in water table gives the opportunity to temporarily house smaller aquatic organisms behind the safety of its plexiglass lid. Removing the lid allows for hands-on activities such as our marine-debris focused “Sink or Float” activity where guests can use a stop watch and predict what kind of materials will sink or float in the water. 

The installation of exhibit upgrades has been achieved through collaboration and creativity amongst JIA and JIF employees. The GSTC’s education department had a vision and a focus for content, while JIF supplied ongoing support for purchasing and coordinating materials. JIA’s maintenance and marketing teams built and executed the vision. The result is a sparkling new addition which fits beautifully within the original exhibit gallery theme and purpose. Continued improvements are planned, bringing content on sea turtle conservation up to today’s standards. Blending science with public engagement is the kind of turtle twist that only the GSTC can provide.

Shrimp & Grits festival just around the bend 

EVENT: Shrimp and Grits

by Jessica Scott, JIA Marketing Communications Manager 

Named the “2017 Best Festival in the Southeast” by Southeast Festival and Events Association, the Jekyll Island Shrimp and Grits Festival combines the classic southern dish with family-friendly entertainment, more than 100 art and craft vendors, live music, kids’ zone, food, a craft brew fest, wildlife demonstrations, and more. 

Jam-packed with lively entertainment and fun activities for all ages, this year’s spirited three-day event will be take place Friday, September 15, through Sunday, September 17, under the oaks in the National Historic Landmark District. 

From captivating guest chef demonstrations and never-ending variations on the classic shrimp and grits dish, to live music by popular regional artists and an irresistible craft brew tasting experience, the schedule of activities promises a memorable long weekend for Southern foodies and fun-seekers. Features for the 2017 festival include three music stages, the popular Jekyll Island Experience Pavilion, Southern Living Pavilion, and an extensive lineup of craft brew vendors. 

The festival kicks off Friday evening with Day One of the three-day Craft Brew Fest, live music, and voting for the best shrimp and grits vendors. Saturday is full of exciting events, including “Georgia’s Best Shrimp & Grits” Cooking Competition, featuring the best chefs and restaurants from around the state. Even more live entertainment, including live demonstrations from Southern Living and Go RVing, round out Sunday’s activities. 

General admission to the festival is free. Tickets for the VIP Experience and Craft Brew Fest, presented by Southern Eagle Distributing, will be available online. For more information, including the latest three-day schedule for the 2017 Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival, visit www.jekyllisland.com/shrimpgrits.

State Bond Funds to Improve Life Safety and Access Issues in the Historic District 

PRESERVATION: Life Safety and Access Improvements

By Bruce Piatek, JIA Director of Historic Resources 

Recently, the Jekyll Island Authority (JIA) board approved $1.6M in state bond funds to be used over the next five years to address life safety and access improvements within the National Historic Landmark District. 

The life safety improvements include the addition and upgrade of fire exits, enhanced fire suppression systems, and additional improvements to make the area safer for guests and staff. Access improvements will consist of the installation of new paved walkways, ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms, as well as the removal of access obstacles. 

These funds were approved by the State of Georgia based on a review I conducted of all the properties in the historic district shortly after my arrival on Jekyll. 

As a result of the approved funding, a five-year plan is in development to prioritize the improvements, develop the documents needed to obtain bids, and begin the construction process. Samples of the types of projects included in the bond improvements can be seen in the images included with this article. These upgrades, coupled with the MOSAiC Project, will keep us quite busy over the coming years.

Mountain Mamma 

CONSERVATION/EDUCATION: Sea Turtle Patrols

By Breanna Ondich, JIA Park Ranger 

Jekyll Island is one of only two remaining islands in the state of Georgia that continues to patrol its beaches at night in search of nesting sea turtles. As an ongoing effort that first began in 1958, Jekyll’s beaches have been visited by hundreds of spectacular sea turtle moms, each with their own secret story – a story that could never be told without the tired eyes of sea turtle patrollers driving along the shoreline for almost 1,000 nighttime hours each and every summer. 

Meet loggerhead sea turtle “Pudge!” Named for her excellent body condition and extra turtleneck rolls, this hefty lady was first tagged on Jekyll Island in 1997. She has been back to nest in 2007, 2010, and 2013, laying a total of 18 nests. So far this year, she has been seen five times and is responsible for nest number 20, which you can follow the progress of by participating in our Nest Trackers program. 

Instantly a favorite every year we see her, Pudge is a famous sand dune mountain climber and always heads straight for the highest and driest spot to find the perfect place to lay her precious eggs. Laying a nest too low below the sand dunes puts incubating eggs at risk of becoming washed over by high spring tides, as too much water will cause the developing embryos inside to drown. Pudge always puts a smile on our faces when she begins to return to sea, as we watch her slide headfirst down some pretty steep slopes. As for her babies, they are always in for the ride of their lives as they slide and tumble downhill within their first few moments of crawling. 

Each turtle we find is unique and offers a tiny glimpse into her mysterious life. Your best chance for meeting turtles like Pudge is to participate in our extremely popular Ride with Patrol. The Jekyll Island Foundation and its donors are the main reason we have vehicles to patrol in today. Without the vehicles, our nesting sea turtle research and education would simply not exist. When you donate, know that you are directly helping us learn about and share the history of individual turtles like Pudge, which we hope will help to light a passion in others about sea turtles, good environmental stewardship, and conservation.