Certified Master Naturalist, Shell Master, Speaks To Sunrise Rotary

On May 6th, the St Pete Sunrise Rotary Club welcomed Gary Ludwig, a Certified Master Naturalist, Local Artist, Shell Master, and Turtle Tracker. Gary has provided informative presentations to Pass a Grill residents and guests for over a decade and has brought many stories and samples to share

He cautioned beach goers to use the Clean (no litter), Dark (no bright lights at night), and Flat (no holes or sandcastles) Slogan to protect their environment. He explained the migratory pattern of the turtles that ride the Gulf Stream to Europe, then the European Current to Africa, before eventually returning to the Gulf Coast to mate. Gary brought samples of shells he had accumulated and explained the unique mating habits of horseshoe crabs and slipper shells.

Gary is departing the Tampa Bay region but has met other turtle trackers and naturalists near his new home. We wish Gary all the best in his next endeavors!

Rotarians are businessmen and professional leaders volunteering to improve lives through education and humanitarian service in their communities and abroad.