Keep reading for the latest news and announcements from the Gopher Tortoise Council
44th Annual Gopher Tortoise Council Meeting Details
Registration is now open and abstracts for oral and poster presentations are being accepted for the 44th Annual Gopher Tortoise Council Meeting at the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center at Nokuse Plantation in Freeport, Florida from November 11-13th, 2022. Detailed information on registration options, lodging, and instructions for abstract submission can be found on the GTC website. Specifically for student participants at the annual meeting:
- The funding amount available for Bob Harrington Travel grants has been increased this year. Please see more details on the grants page of the GTC website; we encourage all interested students to apply!
- Students submitting abstracts for oral presentations should indicate their status as students clearly if they would like to be considered for the Joan Berish Student Presentation Award. More information on this award can be found in the Student Awards section below.
Call for Nominations for the 2022 Gopher Tortoise Council Service Awards
Every year, the GTC board recognizes significant contributions of those in within the Council and larger community for contributions to our mission of education and conservation of gopher tortoises and their upland habitat through service awards (described below) presented at our annual meeting. Please send nominations for awards to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by October 15, 2022. We ask that you provide background information as to why you think an individual is deserving of a particular award along with your nomination. Thank you for your help!
Distinguished Service Award - presented to those who have consistently offered years of service to the Council.
Lifetime Service Award - presented to individuals who have devoted a career to service of the Council.
Special Project(s) Award - presented to individuals who have taken the lead or played a major role in special GTC projects.
Conservation Education Award - given to individuals who have contributed to significant education and outreach activities relevant to conservation of tortoises and upland habitats. Candidates may be outside the realm of GTC. Includes a $250 cash award.
Auffenberg and Franz Conservation Award – presented to individuals with lifetime accomplishments and organizations with long-term efforts in conserving gopher tortoises and upland ecosystems. We should think broadly in choosing recipients for this award. The first recipients for this award were Walter Auffenberg and Dick Franz, presented at the 2003 Annual meeting (our 25th meeting).
GTC Student Awards
Joan Berish Student Presentation Awards are given for the top three student oral presentations at the annual meeting. Please indicate clearly in your abstract if you are an undergraduate or graduate student so that you can be considered for this award. Contact Betsie Rothermel at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions.
Bob Herrington Student Travel Grants will be available and will be randomly selected among students who travel >60 miles to attend the meeting. Students must be presenting an oral or poster presentation. If interested, email Betsie Rothermel at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by October 15th and include your current university affiliation.
Donna J. Heinrich Environmental Grant
The GTC Environmental Education Grant was established to support educators and organizations committed to developing educational projects about the gopher tortoise and the fascinating world in which it lives. The grant also honors Donna June Heinrich, an environmental educator whose life was dedicated to conserving wildlife and their associated habitats.
Applications which contain the following will be given preference:
- Projects that reach diverse and new audiences
- Projects that focus on the importance of conservation of intact upland ecosystems
- Projects that encourage community involvement
- Projects that have matching funds
Deadline for submission of this year's proposals is September 30th, 2022. Requirements, instructions, and the application can be found on GTC's Grant Program webpage. Submit proposals or send questions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..