I am a firm believer that you can't teach a child to care for the earth without helping him fall in love with it's wonders.
Well, let me tell you, my boys love for the ocean grew a little deeper yesterday, after a visit to the NOAA Sea Turtle Facility.
Basically, it's just a big steel barn (they actually do call it the turtle barn), where they raise a whole bunch of sea turtles.
It's part of a decades long effort to increase the dwindling population of sea turtles. Most specifically, the Kemp Ridley, which makes its home in the Gulf of Mexico.
They raise new hatchlings until they are two years old (big enough to no longer be prey for crabs and other sea critters)
Mostly though, we just stared at them and wished we could stuff a few in our pockets.
(oh, and as an aside, a few of you asked for more information about our journal "word bank" – click here for a better photo, and a few more details)
If your little sea lovers would like to learn more about sea turtles you can visit these great sites:
Happy Wednesday, folks!
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Wonderful!
This is so uplifting and your photos are dear. thank you for the links.
This is really wonderful. What an amazing homeschooling adventure.
A turtle farm!? So cool.
I love sea turtles! Your photos are great, those turtles are beautiful! and what an amazing learning experience. Thanks for the links!
Oh, I love sea turtles. Now I have some new places to visit to add to my list for our next Texas trip. What a great day. Thanks for all the inspiration. You’re a terrific teacher. I am always learning something from you. Happy rest of your vacation.
Oh, those are so cute I want to take one home.
Wow – how cool for you guys! I’m sure it made a big impact on the boys. Seeing things in person is always better!
so cute! hang out on that beach blanket as long as you can.
wonderful. can i be your kid? really great wonderous stuff you do. true inspiration.
You always blow me away. I’m in love with that little turtle nose. We learned about the dwindling population on that favorite series of ours, Planet Earth… wow! Get ‘em while they’re young, those boys, and they’ll live life with a sense of permanent wonder. Love it.
Got your package, by the way! One will be sent down to you very shortly!
xo
Those little turtles are darling. I, too, agree that you cannot teach a child to care for or love the earth unless he or she experiences it…I had a long rant and rave about that with the preschool teacher I work with this morning about the very subject.
I know one of our Galveston stops when we head that way in July!
Boys, your “Mommy ROCKS” for taking you there!
thanks for the link. what a great visit. my youngest would have loved it!
Oh my goodness – I *heart* turtles so much! Did u ever hear about or have the pleasure of seeing “the turtle lady” in South Padre…she was the cutest old lady who LOVED turtles and saved so many!! We would always go and see her little exhibits/shows every summer at Padre when I was little…she died unfortunately but she was amazing!!! Here’s the link to her and the wonderful org that is helping save sea turtles of Texas…
http://www.seaturtleinc.com/turtle-lady.html
Oh, we would LOVE to visit this place! So amazing…
Wow, you are amazing! What a great trip, and I love how you’re putting learning opportunities into it. We are just out on Summer break, and my daughter is complaining that I want her to practice some things over the summer. It doesn’t look like your boys mind at all… I’m sure it’s ‘normal’ for them.
I fell in love with your blog…your pictures and your words ! Inspiring and right to the heart of things!
I found it after posting about a special book to me, Roxaboxen, and found your Roxaboxen entry!
I’ll be visiting back often.
We’re unschoolers from MA
Wow! They are sooooo cute!!! What a great thing to do. I will defintely follow the links for more. Thanks!
Where is this place located? The link you provide says they’re located in Forest Knolls, CA. That’s really near me. Is that really where you went?
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