Green Group Studio enjoyed another amazing Earth Day this year at Gumbo Limbo, a nature center that’s focus remains on the preservation and education surrounding Red Reef’s coastal and marine environments. We were given a private tour where our guide—Debbie—walked us around the property, showing us everything from the FAU Research Gallery to the marine aquarium that’s creation was showcased on Fish Tank Kings. This non-profit organization has helped to rehabilitate hundreds of turtles since the inception of their Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility in 2010, and we are proud to have helped them get just a little bit closer to reaching their dream of building a full-service sea turtle hospital.
Did you know that the three largest threats to sea turtles are disease, trauma and marine debris?Tumors caused by the chemicals leaked from trash dumped into the ocean are one of the most common diseases treated by the kind-hearted staff at Gumbo Limbo. With an estimated 70% of young green sea turtles living in Florida Bay and the Indian River Lagoon afflicted, buying organic products and natural cleaners can help to make you a turtle-friendly consumer! Trauma from boat strikes are the leading cause of unnatural sea turtle deaths in Florida, always obey no wake zones and stay away from sea turtle habitats like sea grass beds and shallow reefs. Tons of pounds of trash are pulled out of Florida waters every year. To sea turtles, plastic bags look like tasty jellyfish and discarded fishing lines can easily become a strangulation device. ALWAYS recycle and dispose of your trash and fishing gear properly!
Sea turtles are listed as “Threatened” and “Endangered,” but Gumbo Limbo is working hard to educate the public on turtle-friendly habits and to rehabilitate South Florida’s sick and injured sea turtles. To give back to such a great local cause that has had such a significant impact on our community, visit GumboLimbo.org to find out about volunteer and donation opportunities!
What did you do this Earth Day? Leave a comment below and let us know how you’ve made a difference!
