Share the Beach - Alabama's Sea Turtle Conservation Program | Another Record Setting Day in Gulf State Park

Just when I thought we were done with major record setting, you go and open a new chapter. Today Shanna Smith (first year team member) found two nests on her patrol. She already found the first nest of the season for our team and now 2 more. I think we are going to have to keep her around for a while. I had to look back to see who trained her and move over Neal I get the credit on this one! Patrolling without her regular partner, she discovered the first crawl and alerted me right away. She was confident that she had found a nest and sent me a picture to prove it. I initiated the one call to get the team moving and we were on our way. Before Denise and I could get there she continued her patrol and found the second nest. A quick picture of that one and she finished her patrol. She returned to the second nest and waited for me to arrive. When we got to the pavilion parking lot Denise took off for the first nest and I sent the one call on the second nest. I went to meet Shanna at the second nest with a stake in hand to mark it. Steve and Carmen finished their patrol and came to help. The team began to arrive and supplies were taken to both nests. Denise and her crew finished first and came over to finish the second nest. Thanks to Shanna, Carmen, Steve, Cathy, Lynn, Carolyn, Hap, Doug, Susanna, and Donna for helping get everything done.

Special thanks go out to Kelly (Turtle Whisperer) and Roger Reetz for joining us today. Kelly showed she still has the egg walk by telling us right where to find the second egg clutch. It sure was nice to have them there for this record setting day for the team. I also need to recognize Patti Nesmith, newest member of our team, for coming to help on her first nest. Boy what a day; congratulations team!