The Cause:

Seven different species of sea (or marine) turtles grace our ocean waters, from the shallow seagrass beds of the Indian Ocean, to the colorful reefs of the Coral Triangle, and even the sandy beaches of the Eastern Pacific. However, human activities and natural preditors of these animals have tipped the scales against the survival of these ancient mariners. Nearly all species of sea turtle are classified as Endangered. Slaughtered for their eggs, meat, skin and shells, sea turtles suffer from poaching and over-exploitation. They also face habitat destruction and accidental capture in fishing gear. Climate change has an impact on turtle nesting sites. It alters sand temperatures, which then affects the sex of hatchlings.

This site is dedicated to fundraising efforts for Mark Delisle to support the Global Volunteer Network in a Wildlife Conservation Project located in San Jose, Costa Rica.  The project is an effort to protect and support endangered Sea Turtles as well as renovation and reconstruction of impovershed housing communities in the local area.

http://www.seeturtles.org/43/sea-turtle-facts.html

Why me:

Most of you know that ever since my fiance Tamra convinced me to take a trip to Africa, I have been EXTREMELY interested in finding a volunteer conservation project to get involved with.  That being said, I’ve finally decided to go for it! I am fundraising to help support the efforts and my 6-weeks on-site which comes to $3,000.

I have volunteered 6 weeks of my time (starting May 5th) to being in Costa Rica helping the below efforts.  The first 4 weeks I am working on a local community construction project which is rebuilding local communities (schools, libraries, hospitals, homes) that are in great need of outside assistance. We will be working day in and day out doing construction work in these local communities. The last two weeks are focused on assisting the Sea Turtle/Wildlife Conservation and its cause. But it isn't free folks and all I need is some support from all of you in reaching my fundraising goal of $3,000 to put towards the projects. ANY little bit helps and what may be a few bucks to you, can mean a HUGE difference to the projects and people I am putting it towards. Help me out, help these good causes out, HELP THE TURTLES OUT!! 

The Projects I'm supporting:

Rebuilding Impovershed Communities:  There are many ways to help build a better world, but few are as fundamental as building somewhere for future generations to grow and learn. In the construction program volunteers are placed at projects in or around San Jose. Construction projects include renovation work such as painting, plastering and repairs and full construction which includes tasks such as carpentry, masonry, laying tiles and plumbing. These projects generally take place at extremely impoverished housing areas or schools, so you can put your skills and enthusiasm to good use.

Sea Turtle Conservation:  A team of passionate locals and committed volunteers working with the endangered Olive Ridley, Leatherback Black and/or Green turtles along the gorgeous coastlines of Costa Rica. These species' populations are in sharp decline due to over-harvesting of eggs, beach development, fishing, pollution, and being killed for their meat and leather.

The program I am helping with makes an important contribution to the preservation of these species, assisting local communities who carry out conservation work and gaining first-hand knowledge into Costa Rica's biodiversity and culture. Volunteers provide support to biologists, biology interns and / or locals who are involved in managing the turtles nesting grounds.

Volunteer work is varied and volunteers are able to develop a wide range of skills. Volunteers may take part in nightly beach patrols, monitoring nest temperatures, monitoring the hatcheries, digging nests, measuring beach profiles, and helping with reforestation. Volunteers work with a very poor local population as part of the project, in a very rural setting. The projects are located on gorgeous Pacific or Caribbean coast beaches, where swimming, surfing, and local culture flourishes.