Bill Baggs Fireside Talks: Turtles, Tides & Tales from the Deep

Sea turtle nesting, conservation and nighttime fieldwork come into focus during an evening talk at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Presented Wednesday, October 14 by Friends of Cape Florida, the program features Rumya Sundaram, head of citizen science, reflecting on findings from the park’s 2026 turtle nesting season.

Sundaram will discuss the park’s nest-monitoring efforts, seasonal data and observations gathered by the Turtle Patrol, whose members survey beaches for new nests and identify species by the crawl patterns left in the sand. The talk also looks at the broader conservation work that contributes nesting data to statewide monitoring and management efforts.

The program takes place at Sunset Pavilion D-18 and includes light bites and refreshments. Admission is free for Friends of Cape Florida members and Lighthouse Ambassadors and $19 for nonmembers; park admission is additional. Free parking is available for ticket holders, and the event is ADA accessible.