Not many Americans know who Dr. Archie Carr was, but he was important enough that a beautiful national wildlife refuge along the Space Coast of Florida was named after him. And Dr. Carr — recognized as the “father” of sea turtle research and conservation — was born 100 years ago this week in Mobile, Alabama.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Florida’s Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge was created to protect habitat for what is the most significant area for loggerhead sea turtle nesting in the Western Hemisphere, and the most significant area for green turtle nesting in North America. This represents 25-35% of all loggerhead and green sea turtle nests in the US. It also serves as a minor nesting area for the leatherback turtle, which is one of the world’s largest and rarest sea turtles. The long stretches of quiet, undisturbed sandy beaches, with little or no artificial light, are essential to the reproductive success and survival of the 15,000 to 20,000 sea turtles nesting annually.

This week the TCPalm in Florida summed up the importance of Dr. Carr’s life and why the refuge was named for him:

Few people fully understand who Carr was or why he was so important to the world of conservation. He was a revered zoology professor at the University of Florida, the world’s leading authority on sea turtles, a brilliant writer of scientific and popular literature, and an internationally acclaimed advocate for conservation. His inquiring mind was legendary and he inspired legions of scientific followers and activists.

It would be a fitting tribute for everyone to reflect, like Carr did, on the wonder of nature and the mystery of sea turtles. Pick up a book he wrote, like “So Excellent A Fish” or “Ulendo,” or read about him in “A Naturalist in Florida”; or “The Man Who Saved Sea Turtles.” But to truly honor Carr, one need only take up the cause for protecting wildlife and wild places.

If you plan a visit to Archie Carr NWR near Sebastian, Florida (home to Pelican Island NWR), be sure to visit the Barrier Island Sanctuary Education Center website. The Barrier Island Management and Education Center partners with the Caribbean Conservation Corporation, who provide support for gift shop operations, volunteer coordination, and educational outreach including guided sea turtle hikes in June and July. The visitor center itself offers a fully accessible boardwalk that looks out on the beach at Archie Carr NWR and also offers nearby trails.

Tags:
National Wildlife Refuge System, Archie Carr NWR, Florida