Intern Nathan Lamb with little Green "Leap."

Meet Nathan Lamb, one of our 2008 summer interns and the only one to raise their hand when I asked, “Who wants to be first?” Nathan is an Environmental Studies major at UNC-CH and we call him our “senior plus” because he’s already graduated and received his degree. After spending time in Costa Rica for his semester abroad, he decided to return to UNC to pick up a minor is Spanish. Perhaps he was hoping to be able to converse with our Kemp’s Ridleys in their native language.

Nathan and his family have vacationed on Topsail for years so he’s no stranger to sea turtles and the work we do at the hospital. He saw our internship as a chance to impact the conservation of marine wildlife in whole by focusing on one species. Thankfully he didn’t fall in love with squid, because somebody has to make up the height deficit that exists because the rest of us are munchkins. But seriously, he’s got a lot of other qualities that we adore: his positive approach to any job, a team player attitude and his ability to entertain and fascinate our visitors while imparting turtle wisdom.

During his off-hours, rumor has it he’s giving surfing lessons to some of our staff, notably our Director of Beach Operations, who can now paddle out to rescue floating turtles and bring them back while hanging ten. But Nathan’s real talent seems to be diplomacy. He’s living at our intern house with six women, apparently in peace and harmony!

Nathan says the internship is pretty much what he expected with no surprises – yet. When he got a chance to carry “Bradley” to the surf at our June release, he realized just what an incredible experience he was about to have. Nothing gives us more joy than seeing a recovered sea turtle go home. He’s already seen a few too many new admits in his first month at the hospital, but especially memorable for him was when “Nettie” came in during open house and he became her primary caregiver.

His advice to would-be interns, "If you’re not passionate about this kind of work, look elsewhere. If you’re lucky enough to be accepted be prepared to work hard, and be open to an amazing educational experience."

Nathan has an independent research project (in Manteo) on his schedule when he leaves us in August. He’ll be studying coastal environmental issues. After some time off for travel, he’ll look for environmental work in the non-profit sector. Until then, you can catch him at the hospital during open house, on his surfboard, or whipping up smoothies at his part-time job at the bookstore.

Hole-y turtle!

Well, it happened again. A mama attempting to nest fell into a monster hole that somebody had dug and then walked away from.. Now you’d think common sense and basic courtesy would dictate that if you dig a hole you should fill it in before you leave. It’s not only a potential tragedy for a sea turtle trying to nest, it’s a serious hazard for humans who could stumble in and break a leg, hip or worse.

Now I’ll step down from my soapbox and report that this year’s season is progressing well with lots of successful nestings.

If you want to keep track of the action visit our website: www.seaturtlehospital.org. Please report all sea turtle activity (nestings, strandings, injured turtles or hatchings) to our Director of Beach Operations, Terry Meyer @ 910-470-2880.

Turtle Talks – need cart to help with the “turtle walk’

Lilmar’s weekly “Turtle Talks” continues to grow in reputation and attendance. That’s created a good problem: she needs an angel to donate a rolling cart to the cause so she can transport all the “turtle stuff” and handouts to the sessions; something like a library cart, two or more shelves. Even a beverage cart might do the trick, if it’s a sturdy one.

So if you have something on wheels that you feel would work, please contact her at 910-328-2374 and she’ll be happy to make the necessary arrangements  (and it’s tax deductible.) 

Cart or no, these fun and informative sessions are held every Wednesday through Labor Day. The one-hour presentation, 3:45 – 4:45 PM includes lots of hands-on materials to introduce you to the enigmatic world of sea turtles. Visuals and handouts are appropriate for ages K-adult, and bring your camera to get some great shots of your kids, or yourself.

The site is the Surf City Community Center, JH Batts Rd. (off Rt. 210 between Docksider and Gilligans.) Admission is free but donations for our turtles are appreciated. Please leave food and drinks in the car.

For more information call the hospital at: 910-328-3377.

You need to know…

Hospital open house: daily from 2-4 PM, except Wednesday and Sunday. The gift shop is also open during those hours. Please note that two incorrect phone numbers appear in various places in the “Coaster” magazine.

The correct number for reporting turtle activity/strandings is: 910-470-2880.

The correct number for the hospital is: 910-328-3377.

Labor Day weekend yard sale: Please continue to put aside donations for this important fundraiser. Because of space limitations we cannot accept clothing (but shoes and accessories are fine) computers, large appliances or mattresses.

Contact Vickie Duncan at 910-328-1688 to volunteer to help, or for more information.

Questions, comments or suggestions for stories…

Tell me what you want to hear about by contacting me at: flippers@embarqmail.com.