July 31 - August 3, 2023
Explore the habitats that sea turtles use on the North Carolina coast. This course will offer opportunities for participants to learn about sea turtles while being immersed in a coastal ecosystem. Join beach patrols to monitor turtle nests, participate in community science data collection, and help monitor coastal habitats. Explore sea turtle anatomy through a necropsy demonstration. Learn about Aquarium conservation projects with sea turtles and participate in hands-on activities. Return home with new experiences and field research skills to share with your classroom or organization. Earn continuing education credits while renewing your own love of learning!
The daily schedule includes talks with local experts, field experiences, and activities designed to facilitate making connections to sea turtles and the coastal habitat they need to survive.
Who is Eligible: This course is open to formal and nonformal educators, including pre-service teachers and administrators.
Activity Level: Moderate to rigorous. Activities include, but are not limited to hiking on uneven terrain and in the sand, walking through behind-the-scenes areas in the Aquarium, and helping excavate sea turtle nests. This course includes late nights and early mornings.
Cost: $250
Cost of course includes lodging, meals, entrance fees, activities and equipment, instruction and related materials, and transportation. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the Fort Fisher Recreation Area.
Location: Participants meet for start of course at Fort Fisher Recreation Area at 2:00 p.m. on July 31. The course will take place in various locations in and around the Aquarium and Fort Fisher Recreation Area. Lodging for participants will be single rooms with shared bathrooms in the National Guard lodgings at the Fort Fisher Training Center. Breakfasts and lunches will be provided by Shark Bites and dinners will be out at various locations on the island.
For additional workshop information contact Gail Lemiec at gail.lemiec@ncaquariums.com. For assistance with registration please contact the registrar at 910-772-0542.