Project Home

Project Origin and Goals:

The challenge I hope to address through this project is the disconnect many children and families have from the natural world and the lack of accessible, engaging environmental education that helps them understand not only why conservation matters, but how they can be part of it.

My goal is to use storytelling, educational resources, presentations, and hands-on experiences to turn curiosity about wildlife into understanding, connection, and action. Through Turtley Yours, I create free educational materials for teachers and families, conservation-focused children’s books and stories, articles, videos, activities, and community learning opportunities.

The project is already underway. Over the past year, I have reached more than 900 elementary students through free author and environmental education presentations and have developed classroom lesson plans and activities that educators can use at no cost. I am continuing to expand these resources and the environmental topics they cover.

Progress will be measured through the number of children and families reached, educational programs delivered, free resources created and used, participating schools and community organizations, and opportunities provided for hands-on conservation action.

The project is currently self-funded and supported through volunteer efforts and community partnerships. Turtley Yours is in the process of applying for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, which will help create opportunities for grants, donations, and partnerships while allowing educational resources and programs to remain free and accessible to children, families, and educators.

The guiding idea behind the project is Everything Matters—helping children understand that every species has a role, ecosystems are connected, and their own actions matter too.

The project is well underway and continues to expand. To date, I have written and published four conservation-themed children’s books. One, which explores the life cycle of sea turtles and the challenges they face, was named a 2026 Nature Generation Green Book Award Long List Honoree. Proceeds from all four books are donated to coastal conservation efforts, including the Sea Turtle Preservation Society, Save the Manatee Club, REEF, SEE Turtles, and sponsorship of the FWC Marine Turtle Permit Holder Annual Meeting.

The Turtley Yours website has been developed as the project’s central educational hub. (TurtleyYours.com). Its Education section provides access to the books, free downloadable lesson plans, and additional learning resources. Current lesson plans are aligned with Florida B.E.S.T. Standards and Florida Science Standards. A future goal is to expand this alignment to include NGSS and relevant ELA/literacy standards, making the resources easier for educators outside Florida to incorporate into classroom instruction.

Eight original educational blog posts have been published to date, incorporating original writing, photography, and video along with appropriately licensed media when needed. Five original Ocean Encounter videos have also been created and published. These short educational videos encourage observation and inquiry through a brief explanation, a Wonder Question, and a Look Closely feature.

The website also includes a request form for schools, libraries, homeschool groups, and other organizations interested in author visits and environmental education programs. I am currently scheduling visits for the 2026–27 school year, with tentative programs in Texas, Florida, and Ohio serving students in grades 1–5.

Community outreach is another growing component of the project. A free community event held in February 2026 was successful and may be repeated in 2027. An additional free community event is currently being developed, pending venue availability. Programs have so far been self-funded.

The project is also moving toward greater organizational sustainability. I am currently working to complete the application for 501(c)(3) status and have assembled a five-member board with backgrounds spanning education, nonprofit work, business, and conservation-related science.