Sea Turtle Rescue/Recovery

2024 Nesting & Stranding Virtual Classroom training

All individuals interested in participating in the 2024 Nesting Season must register and attend one classroom session.

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. Volunteers for other sea turtle response programs must attend this annual training and register with links provided, but should also contact their program volunteer coordinator directly to sign up for any additional required training for their area.

Each Session will be divided into three parts. Volunteers, patrollers, and responders associated with other Texas sea turtle programs must attend the Session from 8:00 am – 3:00 pm. To register, please click on the webinar registration link below the Session date that you would like to attend. If you have difficulty registering via the link or have questions, please contact us via email: pais_seaturtlevolunteer@nps.gov or by phone: 361-949-8173, ext. 268.

Report as AT: Specific Task


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. Please click on the webinar registration link below the UTV Classroom Session date that you would like to attend.

Virtual Orientation Classroom Sessions (register for one):

Session 1: 4 February 2024 (Sunday), 8:00 am – 10:00 am—Microsoft Teams Webinar Session 1
Session 2: 9 February 2024 (Friday), 8:00 am – 10:00 am—Microsoft Teams Webinar Session 2
Session 3: 17 February 2024 (Saturday), 8:00 am – 10:00 am—Microsoft Teams Webinar Session 3
Session 4: 2 March 2024 (Saturday), 8:00 am – 10:00 am—Microsoft Teams Webinar Session 4

In person Beach Driving Practical Sessions (register for one):
Session 1: 4 February 2024 (Sunday PM), 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm—Beach Practical at PAIS
Session 2: 9 February 2024 (Friday PM),12:30 pm – 4:00 pm—Beach Practical at PAIS
Session 3: 10 February 2024 (Saturday AM), 8:00 am – 11:30 am—Beach Practical at PAIS
Session 4: 10 February 2024 (Saturday PM), 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm—Beach Practical at PAIS
Session 5: 17 February 2024 (Saturday PM), 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm—Beach Practical at PAIS
Session 6: 1 March 2024 (Friday AM), 8:00 am – 11:30 am—Beach Practical at PAIS
Session 7: 2 March 2024 (Saturday PM), 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm—Beach Practical at PAIS
Session 8: 7 March 2024 (Thursday 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.  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  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.
To register or receive more information, please email pais_seaturtlevolunteer@nps.gov or call 361-949-8173, ext. 268.
Report virtual and practical sessions separately as AT: Specific Task

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! Training dates:
Session 1A: 11 February 2024 (Sunday AM), 8:00 am – 11:30 am—PAIS Headquarters Picnic Area
Session 1B: 11 February 2024 (Sunday PM), 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm—PAIS Headquarters Picnic Area
Session 2A: 18 February 2024 (Sunday AM), 8:00 am – 11:30 am—PAIS Headquarters Picnic Area
Session 2B: 18 February 2024 (Sunday PM), 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm—PAIS Headquarters Picnic Area
Session 3A: 24 February 2024 (Saturday AM), 8:00 am – 11:30 am—PAIS Headquarters Picnic Area
Session 3B: 24 February 2024 (Saturday PM), 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm—PAIS Headquarters Picnic Area
Session 4—ARK Refresher: 25 February 2024 (Sunday PM), 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm—PAIS Headquarters Picnic Area
Session 5—ARK Refresher: 8 March 2024 (Friday 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.
For additional information or to register, please email pais_seaturtlevolunteer@nps.gov.
Report as AT: Specific Task
Mid-Coast Chapter, Texas Master Naturalist, Inc. P.O. Box 761 Fulton, TX 78358