The annual training is free and open to the public, partners, volunteers, and anyone who may interact with a sea turtle during their typical job duties. Padre Island National Seashore volunteers must be at least 18 years of age to be placed on sea turtle handling permits and must possess and be able to submit a copy of their driver’s license.
Volunteers for other sea turtle response programs must attend this annual training and register with the contact information provided below, but should also contact their program directly to sign up for any additional required training for their area.
To register and receive more information for any of the training (including further clarification of which parts of the Classroom Training you are required to attend in the first one), please email: pais_seaturtlevolunteer@nps.
gov or phone: 361-949-8173, ext. 268 Report each training session separately as AT: Specific Task.
Sea Turtle Nesting and Stranding Virtual Classroom Training
All individuals associated and in partnership with Texas sea turtle nesting and stranding programs must register for one Virtual Classroom Session, which will be delivered via Microsoft Teams Webinar. Registration will be limited to 200 individuals per Session.
Each Session will be divided into three parts:
I. All individuals (i.e., city, county, and beach maintenance workers, law enforcement, border patrol, lifeguards, patrollers, volunteers, and responders) must attend one Classroom Session from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm.
II. Volunteers, patrollers, and responders registered with Texas sea turtle programs must attend one Classroom Session from 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
III. Volunteers registered with Padre Island National Seashore must attend one entire Classroom Session from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.
- Session 1: 11 February 2023 (Saturday), 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Microsoft Teams Webinar
- Session 2: 15 February 2023 (Wednesday), 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Microsoft Teams Webinar
- Session 3: 9 March 2023 (Thursday), 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Microsoft Teams Webinar
- Session 4: 18 March 2023 (Saturday), 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Microsoft Teams Webinar
UTV Virtual Orientation and Beach Driving Training
In addition to attending the 8-hour Nesting and Stranding Training, all individuals who wish to patrol at Padre Island National Seashore during the Kemp’s ridley nesting season (April to mid-July) must register for one UTV Virtual Classroom Session (delivered via Microsoft Teams webinar) and one beach driving practical session, which will be delivered in person at PAIS. The training dates are as follows:
Virtual Orientation Classroom Sessions (register for one):
- Online Classroom Session 1: 4 February 2023 (Saturday), 8:00 am – 10:00 am, Microsoft Teams Webinar
- Online Classroom Session 2: 10 February 2023 (Friday), 8:00 am – 10:00 am, Microsoft Teams Webinar
- Online Classroom Session 3: 2 March 2023 (Thursday), 8:00 am – 10:00 am, Microsoft Teams Webinar
In person Beach Driving Practical Sessions (register for one):
- Beach Practical Session 1: 4 February 2023 (Saturday PM), 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm, Beach Practical at PAIS (Only one practical session this day due to morning webinar.)
- Beach Practical Session 2: 5 February 2023 (Sunday AM), 8:00 am – 11:30 am, Beach Practical at PAIS
- Beach Practical Session 3: 5 February 2023 (Sunday PM), 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm, Beach Practical at PAIS
- Beach Practical Session 4: 10 February 2023 (Friday PM), 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm, Beach Practical at PAIS (Only one practical session this day due to morning webinar.)
- Beach Practical Session 5: 3 March 2023 (Friday AM), 8:00 am – 11:30 am, Beach Practical at PAIS
- Beach Practical Session 6: 3 March 2023 (Friday PM), 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm, Beach Practical at PAIS
- Beach Practical Session 7: 4 March 2023 (Saturday AM), 8:00 am – 11:30 am, Beach Practical at PAIS
- Beach Practical Session 8 : 4 March 2023 (Saturday PM), 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm, Beach Practical at PAIS
* The classroom portion will be delivered via Microsoft Teams Webinar. Registration will be limited to 200 individuals.
* Additionally, participants must travel to PAIS Headquarters to complete a beach driving practical and fitness walk. Each practical session will be limited to 20 individuals (2 passengers per UTV) and training will take place outdoors.
* Participants should take the Classroom UTV Orientation prior to attending the beach practical session.
* Participants who sign up for the February 4th or 10th webinars and beach practical on the same day, must be able to arrive at PAIS after the webinar for a 12:30 pm start.
* UTV drivers will be paired with a passenger during the beach driving practical. Closed-toed shoes, long-sleeved shirts and long pants are required during training. Helmets and safety equipment will be provided.
Nesting Egg Packing and Tagging Training
Learn how to properly excavate and pack a nest for transportation to our incubation facility at Headquarters and how to tag (metal and PIT tag) when you encounter a nesting sea turtle! The training dates are as follows:
Session 1A: 12 February 2023 (Sunday AM), 8:00 am – 11:30 am, PAIS Headquarters Picnic Area
Session 1B: 12 February 2023 (Sunday PM), 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm, PAIS Headquarters Picnic Area
Session 2A: 11 March 2023 (Saturday AM), 8:00 am – 11:30 am, PAIS Headquarters Picnic Area
Session 2B: 11 March 2023 (Saturday PM), 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm, PAIS Headquarters Picnic Area
Session 3A: 25 March 2023 (Saturday AM), 8:00 am – 11:30 am, PAIS Headquarters Picnic Area
Session 3B: 25 March 2023 (Saturday PM), 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm, PAIS Headquarters Picnic Area
Please note:
Make sure you’re registered for one of our general Nesting and Stranding Training Sessions before you sign up for an Egg Packing and Tagging Training Session. Registration is limited: each session will be limited to 20 individuals and training will take place outdoors, weather permitting. Participants should pack water, snacks, sunscreen, hat and be prepared for the weather.
