As Gopher Tortoise Day approaches on April 10th, you may be asking yourself how you can show your community just how amazing these reptiles are. A great way to raise awareness for threatened wildlife species is through education. Join FWC’s efforts to promote education on this crucial species by visiting the “Education Materials” section of the Gopher Tortoise Day website. Using this resource, you can read, print, and distribute gopher tortoise materials that provide important information on specific conservation topics. 

Here a just few examples of the type of education materials you can use in your conservation efforts:

  1. A Guide to Living with Gopher Tortoises
  2. Gopher tortoises and safe roads
  3. Get the Facts About Gopher Tortoises: Urban Areas

 For additional education materials, visit the “education corner” at  myfwc.com/gophertortoise .

The gopher tortoise has been state-listed in Florida as “Threatened” since 2007 and is essential to Florida’s upland ecosystems. Gopher tortoise burrows provide refuge for over 350 native wildlife species, making this gentle reptile a keystone species. Join FWC in promoting conservation education to raise awareness and help secure a future for this important ecosystem engineer.

Still looking for more ways to get involved with the gopher tortoise conservation before Gopher Tortoise day on April 10th?

  • Don’t forget! Schools, nature centers, zoos, and individuals can adopt a resolution proclaiming April 10th as Gopher Tortoise Day
  • Host or attend a virtual Gopher Tortoise Day event
  • Plan or attend a volunteer day. Make sure to follow CDC and state guidelines for physical distancing
  • Share your Gopher Tortoise Day events and activities with us! Email GTevents@MyFWC.com
  • Use #GopherTortoiseDay on your social media posts and be sure to mention @MyFWC or tag #FWC on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

Don’t forget to save the date! Gopher Tortoise Day is right around the corner. Join us in our effort to preserve this native tortoise species!

 If you have any questions about Gopher Tortoise Day, please contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Gopher Tortoise Day Coordinator at GTevents@MyFWC.com.

Information provided by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

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