Service Learning Project

      Today I completed my service hours at Lovers Key State Park.  I was unsure of the type of work I would be performing.  I assumed I would be picking up trash along the beach, but boy was I wrong!  When I arrived at Lovers Key, the park ranger handed me wire cutters and steel chicken fencing.  He then showed me what I would be making the entire day.  For my service learning project I made five turtle cages.  Now these cages are not meant to catch turtles, but actually to protect the turtle’s nest.  Every morning the rangers walk the beach and look for fresh mother turtle tracks.  If they find tracks, they then look for a nest.  If a turtle nest is found, they place the turtle cage on top of the nest to protect it from predators.  The cage will allow the baby turtles to sneak out once they hatch, but will keep out predators, like raccoons, that will try and eat the eggs.

      It took me a LONG time to make 5 turtle cages, but I felt so happy when I completed them and saw all the baby turtles I would be saving.  It was a very rewarding feeling to think that I had actually made a difference in the environment.  After completing the cages, I drove along the trails at the park and picked up any garbage that was along the way.  It was a very calming feeling to be in the park and doing something for nature.  I plan on going back to Lovers Key State Park next week to work on more projects, so stay tuned!