Coastal Connections - Part 1: Hey There, Turtle… I Like You

Message Brian & ShawnaMeet Kendra Bergman, marine biologist and founder of Coastal Connections, who's passionate about protecting the endangered sea turtles of Vero Beach.From a chance childhood encounter with a green turtle in Hawaii to establishing a thriving conservation organization, Kendra's journey reveals how dedication and community involvement can create remarkable change. She shares the incredible success story of green turtles on the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, where annual nests have exploded from just 50 to an astonishing 20,000 in recent decades.Discover why sea turtles are essential keystone species. Their unique biology creates connections between ocean ecosystems and land habitats that countless other species depend on. These ancient mariners, which take 20-25 years to reach reproductive maturity, transport nutrients across oceans, fertilize dune systems with nitrogen, and provide critical food sources for commercially important fish.What began as a grassroots effort has transformed into an organization with dedicated volunteers responding to sea turtle emergencies throughout Indian River County. Kendra emphasizes that conservation success happens when individual actions multiply across an entire community. When everyone makes small changes, the collective impact becomes tremendous.Be sure to join us for part two as we dive deeper into sea turtle conservation, exploring the meaning behind those colored ribbons marking nests on our beaches and learning more about how you can participate in protecting these magnificent creatures for generations to come. Have you spotted a sea turtle during your beach visit? Share your experience in the comments!Presented by Killer Bee MarketingHelping local businesses in Vero Beach connect with their neighbors. Support the showSupport The ShowKeep It Local. Keep It GoingBe sure to connect with us on Instagram at @myverobeachdotcom