Sea turtle nesting season starts May 1 in southwest Florida — are you ready to keep your beaches turtle-friendly?

Learn why sea turtles dig the dark and how to minimize artificial light along their nesting beaches during two April 5 workshops presented by the Sea Turtle Conservancy:

  • Venice: 9 a.m. April 5 at Venice City Hall, 401 W. Venice Ave., Venice, FL 34285. Contact: Stacey@conserveturtles.org or 352-373-6441.
  • Longboat Key: 1 p.m. April 5 at Longboat Key Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, FL 34228. Contact: Longboat Key Code Enforcement, 941-361-6411, ext. 1917.

Mote Marine Laboratory encourages those who live and work along southwest Florida’s coast to attend these educational workshops. Mote scientists and volunteers monitor sea turtle nesting activity during each day of nesting season along 35 miles of beaches, Longboat Key through Venice.

For turtle-friendly tips and nesting season information, visit Mote’s Environment Updates and scroll to Sea Turtle Nesting.