By Christopher Manson
In January 2022, a partnership between Okaloosa Island’s Gulfarium and the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism Department was launched. “C.A.R.E.”ing for Turtles takes place at the Gulfarium every Wednesday through the end of July; then every other Wednesday in August. The hour-long program is $15 for ages eight and up.
Jessica Valek, Coastal Resource Coordinator for the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism Department, is very involved in the program. “We teach everyone about sea turtles in general, the ones we see along the Gulf of Mexico,” she says. “I do a lot of our turtle nesting work. I go out every day and look for nests. This is a good partnership.”
Attendees (locals and tourists) learn about the nesting process, how to protect turtles on the beach, and the different threats turtles face on our beaches and fishing piers. In addition, guests get a behind the scenes look at the C.A.R.E. turtle hospital and what they do there. “It’s really cool, because they always have new turtles,” says Ms. Valek.
“At the end of the program, we do a mock intake of an injured sea turtle.” The attendees assess the turtle and determine whether it should go into rehab or be released. “They get to be a turtle biologist for a day, and they get a little goodie bag with turtle-friendly items to take home. It’s a good time.”
Ms. Valek’s coastal resources team includes two other marine biologists. “I focus on sea turtle conservation and do the morning nest surveys from May to August assessing the nests. I also do outreach and education and assist with anything turtle-related.”
She has been in her current position for almost three years. Prior to that, the University of West Florida graduate had other marine biologist jobs throughout Florida. Originally from Minnesota, Ms. Valek says, “I’ve always been interested in marine biology, so I packed up and moved. And I haven’t regretted it!”
She currently lives in Navarre with her dogs Luna and Jim, as well as four cats. “I enjoy scuba diving, paddleboarding, hiking – anything on the water or anything I can do with my dogs.”
“C.A.R.E.”ing for Turtles is limited to approximately 15 people, and Ms. Valek says they usually reach that number. “We’ve gotten really positive feedback,” she says. “Most people seem to enjoy the information and getting to see the turtles. It just keeps getting better and better.”
Among the things she finds most rewarding? “The impact the program has on other people and them registering how they can make a difference not just for turtles, but for the environment in general.”
Ms. Valek’s team is involved with more than just sea turtles. “Our department is helping fund environmental-related projects,” she says. “We do beach re-nourishment, invasive species removal and artificial reefs. We monitor anything related to the coast and the water.”
Learn more about “C.A.R.E.”ing for Turtles at gulfarium.com.
Turtle Tips
“When you go to the beach, fill in your holes,” says Ms. Valek. “Flatten your sandcastles when you leave. Remove umbrellas, chairs and trash. Those are obstacles for sea turtles.”
Refrain from using white light on the beach at night. “We are giving away turtle-friendly flashlights at the Welcome Center on Miracle Strip Parkway,” she says. “We give you as many as you want.”
Be good environmental stewards. “Recycle. And don’t litter!”
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