Help me help turtles!

Carleigh Merchant Start Date: Mar 20, 2023 - End Date: Jul 19, 2023
  • Costa Rica

My Travel Story

by: Carleigh Merchant Start Date: Mar 20, 2023 - End Date: Jul 19, 2023
Everyone is well aware of the endangerment of turtles. Even if you don't care about it, you're at least no stranger to the outwardly spoken rule of not using plastic straws in order to save the turtles. Although, most people don't know why. Have you ever stopped and done the research on why protecting the turtles is such an important cause? Sea turtles play a massive role in keeping our oceanic ecosystems healthy which in turn allow several other species that rely on those ecosystems to flourish. For example, the green sea turtle is considered the "lawnmower" of the ocean. They eat sea grass, esentially giving it a trim which allows it to grow thicker and healthier. Just like human hair! Healthy seagrass is essential for other species to use for food, habitat, and a nursery area. During my trip I will be doing things like beach clean up, building hatcheries to protect turtle eggs from predators, night walks to protect turtle nests from said predators, and much more. I felt inspired to do this a few months ago. The last few months of 2022 were some of the hardest months in my entire life. I felt angry with the universe, and thought that the world owed me something in return for all the awful experiences I've endured over the course of my existence. Then, one day I realized maybe it was me who owed the world. I began to ask myself why would I sit and wallow in my own dread and self pity when I could be using all that energy to actively help a cause I truly care about. The location being in Costa Rica is just a major added bonus. I am truly looking forward to being completely submerged in a different culture with different mindsets and traditions. I am excited to meet the new person I become after this trip.
  • Costa Rica

More Travel Information

Adventure Registry

  • Flashlight (red light bulb)

    15

  • Mosquito net (twin size)

    20

  • Backpack

    50