Suzi L Fox
Adopt a Nest Program

Show your support for the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch by adopting a sea turtle nest through the Suzi L Fox Adopt a Nest Program.  For your tax-deductible donation, a symbolic adoption plaque will be placed at a sea turtle nest that has been laid on the beaches of Anna Maria Island. The plaque will be mailed to you with information about the nest at the end of sea turtle season.

 

The Suzi L. Fox Adopt a Nest Program provides funding for our educational outreach programs including programs in the community and the production of educational materials given to visitors & residents of Anna Maria Island.

 

 

 

Adopt a Nest ($149) includes:

• Certificate of Adoption (sent via email to Adopter)

• Notification of plaque placement (sent via email; includes Nest ID and location)

• A wooden adoption plaque with nest information (mailed to recipient anywhere in the world!)

ADOPT HERE ($149)

 

NEW! Special Request Adopt a Nest ($199) includes:

All of the Adopt a Nest items, PLUS Special Requests:

• Ability to choose the general location of your plaque

  • Choose the Address or specific NestID (first come, first served)

• Ability to choose when the plaque is placed

  • Valid dates are between June 1 – July 31

  • Provide a minimum of 2 weeks notice

• Photo of the plaque at the nest site (sent via email)

• Receive notification after nest hatches (sent via email)

  • PLEASE NOTE: We CANNOT let you know when your nest is expected to hatch. This is information that our Endangered Species Permit does not allow us to give out. 

ADOPT HERE ($199)

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

How do you determine which nests sites are suitable for an Adopt a Nest plaque? 

We try to place plaques on nest sites that are not in danger of getting damaged by storms or King tides. However, as all nests are subject to Mother Nature, we cannot guarantee that your nest will hatch or be successful. 

When will my plaque be placed?

Plaques will be placed on the beach between June 1 and July 31 in the order they are received and as nests are laid. If you have a specific date when you would like your plaque to be on the beach, please consider our NEW Special Request Adopt a Nest.

Can I request to adopt a specific nest? 

Yes, our NEW Special Request Adopt a Nest allows you to request a specific Nest ID. 

Can I request to adopt a nest that is laid near to where I live or will be staying? 

Yes, our NEW Special Request Adopt a Nest allows you to request the general location (address) of your adopted nest. We never know when or where a sea turtle is going to nest, so we will do our best to find a suitable nest near to that location.

Can I request that my plaque be on the beach while I am visiting so I can see it? 

Nest plaques are placed on the beach between June 1 and July 31. Our NEW Special Request Adopt a Nest allows you to request the dates when the plaque will be posted on the beach. However, the dates requested must be between June 1 and July 31 and we will need at least 2 weeks notice to prepare and place the plaque.

Will you let me know when my nest is going to hatch? 

Our Endangered Species Permit does not allow us to give out information about when a nest is laid or when it is expected to hatch. However, if you choose our NEW Special Request Adopt a Nest, we can let you know when your nest has hatched. 

How long will the plaque be on the beach?

The plaques will remain at the nest for the approximately 2-month incubation period, unless it is removed due to a pending major storm event.

Can you send the adoption certificate to a different recipient?

A printable adoption certificate will be sent by email to the person adopting the nest upon receipt of your order. You may then print it or forward it to the recipient of your choice.

How soon will I get my Adopt a Nest Certificate?

Certificates are individually created by our volunteers and will take 1 – 5 days to deliver. If you need one right away for a gift, contact the Adoption Coordinator. 

What happens to the plaques in the event of a major storm?

Hurricane season (June 1 – Nov 31) coincides with sea turtle nesting season. History has shown that we can expect one or more tropical weather events while the plaques are on the beach. In the event of anticipated hazardous weather, all plaques will be removed from the beach and stored safely prior to the storm. Once the storm passes, we will continue to monitor the nests that remain marked, but in most cases, plaques will not be returned to the beach. 

What happens if my adopted nest washes out in a storm?

We will provide you with your Adopt a Nest plaque with information about your nest regardless of whether it washed out or hatched.

What kind of information will I get on my plaque?

Information about each adopted nest will be provided on the back of their plaque. This will include when the nest hatched, how many eggs hatched, and/or if it washed out.