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

J. Larry Landers Student Research Grant

Applications for the J. Larry Landers Student Research Grant are due February 5th. 

GTC will award 1-2 grants of up to $3,000 each to undergraduate or graduate researchers. Projects may focus on any aspect of the life history, ecology, behavior, physiology, habitat conservation, or management of Gopher Tortoises or other upland species. There is no geographic restriction on where a student is enrolled in their degree program, however grants will only be awarded for research projects conducted within the 6-state range of Gopher Tortoises (FL, GA, SC, AL, MS, LA).

See here for application instructions and other details.

Gopher Tortoise Day Grant

We are extending the deadline for Gopher Tortoise Day Grant Applications until March 15, 2024. Gopher Tortoise Day Education and Outreach activities can occur on flexible dates, even though Gopher Tortoise Day is officially April 10 of each year. Spread the word and see the grant application here!

Newly Formed GTC Conservation Committee is Developing Objectives

Consistent with Gopher Tortoise Council's stated goals, GTC membership and leadership have recognized the need to approach conservation issues for more effective protection of the gopher tortoise and other upland species throughout the range.  We also seek to be better informed as issues emerge across the range of the species so that we can take a position and/or action, when appropriate.

In furtherance of our goals, GTC will be taking a more serious look at conservation and related issues. As of the 2023 Annual Meeting, a Conservation Committee has formed with initial members of Jeff Goessling, Lora Smith, Martin Costello and Kim Buchheit. The Committee hopes to develop basic objectives for GTC to become more involved with conservation strategies. Once our basic course is plotted, we will be asking for additional volunteers and input. 

Feel free to follow the progress of this budding Committee at our upcoming informal and Annual meetings. For additional information, contact 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. GTC recently sponsored a gopher tortoise license plate voucher giveaway during this year's annual GTC meeting. The giveaway was a definite success!"

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