To further mitigate light pollution, the National Wildlife Refuge Association spearheaded a massive native vegetation planting operation, led by Castro-Prieto. This included building a greenhouse to supply the project’s demands. A total of 5,696 native trees, shrubs, and vines were planted on Leatherback nesting beaches. Not only would this shrubbery darken the beaches to a more natural state but would also stabilize the beaches themselves making them more resilient to climate change. In order to complete this project Castro-Prieto maintained direct communication with local communities informing them of the challenges faced by Leatherbacks. She also listened to their ideas, created affinity, and negotiated so both parties benefit from the outcome. She explained that this will allow local beach goers to feel empowered to protect their own environment.
The future of Leatherback Sea Turtles in the North Atlantic is still uncertain. Their nesting environments continue to deteriorate, but thanks to the work from folks like Castro-Prieto, those at Sandy Point NWR, and supporters like you, these turtles still have a fighting chance.
Please help us prevent more Leatherbacks from becoming roadkill. These wonderful creatures bring joy to local communities and balance to ocean ecosystems. Their rarity and beauty are treasures in themselves.
💡 Did You Know? — Leatherbacks lay the heaviest eggs of any reptile but rely on a few threatened tropical nesting sites to lay their eggs! Donate today to protect these terrific terrapins.
