In its third year, our Research on the Refuge small grants program has expanded to fund projects that advance conservation, habitat protection, and ecosystem understanding. During the 2026 sea turtle season, we again saw strong interest from the scientific community and are proud to support two exceptional projects that combine cutting edge research with meaningful public engagement:

1. Sea Turtle “TurtleCam” Project (Coastal Connections, Inc.): This project will deploy animal‑borne cameras on green sea turtles in the Indian River Lagoon, providing new insight into habitat use, behavior, and environmental conditions. Support from Friends of the Carr Refuge will fund essential tools for collecting and sharing these data, including video storage, mapping and analysis software, and field gear—ensuring footage can be transformed into compelling outreach that connects the public to local conservation challenges and inspires stewardship.

2. Long-Term Sea Turtle Science and Monitoring (UCF Marine Turtle Research Group): Building on more than 40 years of research, this project supports ongoing monitoring of endangered sea turtle populations and their habitat. Our funding will provide a salinity and temperature meter to track key field conditions, a PIT tag (microchip) scanner with a waterproof case to identify individual turtles, and fuel for multiple sampling trips—ensuring continued monthly monitoring in the Indian River Lagoon. These targeted investments help sustain one of the nation’s longest running sea turtle research programs and the critical data it provides.

We need your help to reach our $ 2,500 goal. As a nonprofit organization, Friends of the Carr Refuge relies on support from donors like you. Your gift—at any level—directly advances research, education, and conservation in his unique ecosystem. Your support goes a long way to

Advance science that protects threatened and endangered species
Improve understanding of the Indian River Lagoon ecosystem
Inspire the next generation of scientists and conservation leaders
Strengthen stewardship of the Archie Carr Refuge

Please consider donating today. Thank you for your dedication to the refuge and for helping us protect this extraordinary place.

Research on the Refuge 2026

Help us support sea turtle research in the Archie Carr Wildlife Refuge!