Discover, Plan & Go!

to increase the chances of survival for the largest endangered leatherback turtle population within United States jurisdiction, while conducting innovative research to increase our understanding of this unique reptile. This season marks the 26th consecutive year of Earthwatch support of the project! This support for studying the leatherback turtle at Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge has generated a 560% increase in the leatherback nesting population in St. Croix since the program’s inception Unfortunately, storm surge, unusual erosion patterns, and above average rainfall have increased our hatchling mortality rate to 58% in recent years. When this natural mortality rate is added to the mortality that these turtles must face from human related and other natural sources, the chances of survival are very slim. We are continually studying the problems this population faces in order to create effective resource management guidelines to ensure the long-term survival of this 150-million-year-old species The magnitude of this project is beyond the resources and funding of WIMARCS, the Virgin Islands Division of Fish and Wildlife, and US Fish and Wildlife Service. This is where your assistance becomes invaluable. Your participation will enable us to substantially increase the reproductive output of the Sandy Point leatherbacks, as you will not only relocate eggs that would otherwise be destroyed, but you will also collect data that is crucial to the survivorship of this magnificent reptile. During your stay on St. Croix, you will be personally involved in a far-reaching program designed to assess the stability and basic reproductive ecology of a discrete population of endangered sea turtles. To this end, we will ask you to complete detailed datasheets requiring precise measurements and observations. Science is an exacting discipline, often involving long hours and hard work. But hand in hand with this, we find the intimate role we play in saving the leatherback turtle extremely rewarding, and think you will too. This project provides a hands-on experience that is exciting, full of wonder, and lots of fun. Once you have completed your expedition, we hope that you will carry the story of the leatherbacks’ plight, and what is being done to help them, back to your own communities. Please read this briefing, as well as the suggested books and articles in the ‘Recommended Reading’ section. Get your mind, heart, and legs in shape, as walking in soft sand all night is rather strenuous. The better prepared you are, the better time you will have. See you in paradise!

As an Eons member, you'll get a free, 1 year membership to Earthwatch — a $35 value — when you sign up on any expedition. And members pay $100 less on their expedition contribution — so you save $135! Just put code EONS2007 in the comment field on the signup form, or, if you call, tell the Expedition Coordinator that you found us on Eons.

Earthwatch expedition-related costs may be tax-deductible in the US as volunteer expenses. Please check with your tax adviser.