Watch Out!   Turtles Crossing!

  And the turtles, of course...all turtles are free

     As turtles and, maybe,

        all creatures should be...

                        Dr.  Seuss

(photo:  Ed Standora)                                                                     (photo:  Stacy Kubis)

                                                   This is why I wanted to go on an Earthwatch Expedition!

Earthwatch is a non-profit organization that links scientists with everyday citizens.  It allows you to be directly involved with scientific research with the people who are trying to make a difference.   I, as a science teacher, wanted to make a difference, learn some science, and get up close and personal with an endangered species.

I was fortunate enough to get a grant from my school district:  Williamsville Central Schools in New York, which allowed me to do this!  I chose the Costa Rican Sea Turtles Project and off I went on an adventure!

To see the Earthwatch Mission Website, click here:http://www.earthwatch.org/expeditions/paladino/meetthescientists.html

I was headed to Costa Rica.  Exactly where was I going to end up? 

Go here to see a map of the area:  When you get there, click on Las Baulas National Park : http://leatherback.org

This is also the website for the project--keep looking around for more good information!

We spent most of our time on Playa Grande and Playa Ventanas (to the North), we also would patrol South Beach just before the estuary.

Water taxi that helps you cross the estuary to Tamarindo!

It's a VERY BIG turtle!  check out this website for some good biology (much better than what I can do right now!)

http://www.leatherback.org/pages/project/biology.htm

Returning to the sea!  (photo courtesy of :  Noelle Rucinski)

What would it be like if this creature never got to return to the sea? 

Leatherback with satellite tracking device!

(photo:  George Shillinger)