Keep reading for the latest news and announcements from the Gopher Tortoise Council

Call for Nominations for the 2023 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, 2023.  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. To apply, indicate in your abstract submission that you would like to be considered for the grant. Additional instructions for abstract submission can be found on our Annual Meeting page.

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 30^th, 2023. 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..

Reserve Your Gopher Tortoise License Plate Today!

Wildlands Conservation is still accepting orders for the specialty gopher tortoise license plate. In order to bring awareness to the plight of the gopher tortoise, we have created this specialty license plate and will use the generated funds for gopher tortoise habitat conservation, habitat management, education, and research. With your help, we can help protect gopher tortoises and their upland habitat! The gopher tortoise plate, with artwork by Matt Patterson, will be produced as soon as 3,000 vouchers have been purchased. Vouchers cost $33 each, of which $25 will directly go towards gopher tortoise conservation. If you hold a valid Florida Driver’s License or have a Florida-registered vehicle, you are eligible to purchase vouchers for your car, truck, trailer, and RV! Vouchers can be purchased at any time–you do not need to wait until your registration renewal date to order one. To reserve your plate and for more information, visit https://wildlandsconservation.org/gopher-tortoise-license-plate.

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