Kemp's ridley LbNA #16071 (ARCHIVED)

The Kemp’s ridley sea turtle is an endangered species. However, thanks to a tremendous effort, they seem to be making a slow comeback. 2005 has been a huge year for nesting turtles, who leave the sea and hit the shore to lay their eggs. More than 40 turtle nest clutches have found all along the Texas coast, including six on Galveston Island. All of these turtles will be incubated, hatched and then released at Padre Island National Seashore. To find out more about where turtle nests have been found, visit ridleyturtles.org and savetexasseaturtles.org. The NOAA Fisheries Service operates a turtle hatchery on Galveston. It is open for tours on specific dates at specific times, check the website (http://galveston.ssp.nmfs.gov/seaturtles) for more information. On one of these websites, you can also find out when the hatchlings will be released (at Padre Island); most of the releases are public and you can attend.

Directions:
As you come onto the island, go south to Seawall. Turn right and go west on Seawall. At 7 mile road, turn right. At the intersection of Stewart and 7 mile road you will see signs for The Sandhill Crane Soccer Complex. Turn right into the complex and park by the basketball goals.

Clues:
Walk the jogging trail counterclockwise. You will pass blue exercise equipment on your left. Continue to a green bench on your right. Behind this bench is a palm tree. The mini box is at the back of the tree, wedged in between two cut-off palm fronds, about 1 ½ feet up from the ground. Try to stick it back into the same nook so that it may be protected from the elements and enjoyed by others.

We’d love to hear how this box is faring.