John U. Lloyd Beach State Park was the lucky recipient of the services provided by nearly 40 South Florida American Express employees who partnered with the eco-VolunteerUSA program on last month's National Make a Difference Day, to help protect the park’s beaches and sea turtle population..
With tools in hand, volunteers donned gloves to help with the planting of sea oats, native shrubs and trees that will help establish protection zones for mother turtles and their hatchlings. The plants will help to reduce the effects of nearby artificial lighting and reduce the potential for distraction when the turtles return to the ocean. Since sea turtles use the natural lighting from the moon to find their way back to the water, artificial light from street lamps and other sources can disorient them, leading them away from the water and affecting their chances for survival.
In addition to the hard work by volunteers, American Express contributed $10,000 to cover the cost of supplies.
