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.
- Session 1: 3 February 2024 (Saturday), 8:00 am – 4:00 pm—Microsoft Teams Webinar Registration for Session 1
- Session 2: 16 February 2024 (Friday), 8:00 am – 4:00 pm—Microsoft Teams Webinar Registration for Session 2
- Session 3: 3 March 2024 (Sunday), 8:00 am – 4:00 pm—Microsoft Teams Webinar Registration for Session 3
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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
- 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.
Nesting Egg Packing and Tagging Training
- 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.