This volume of The Burrow includes updates from GTC's Conservation and Education & Outreach Committees. Keep reading to learn more about the important work being done by our committees and their members.

Conservation Committee in Action 

The Gopher Tortoise Council Conservation Committee meets periodically to discuss committee goals, priorities, and future direction. We are excited to continue advancing efforts that support the conservation and management of gopher tortoises and their habitats across the species' range. 

The committee is currently drafting a Gopher Tortoise Conservation and Stewardship document, to be reviewed and approved by the Gopher Tortoise Council. This resource is intended to become a tool that GTC can use to provide science-based recommendations during management plan updates, project reviews, and other opportunities to engage with conservation organizations, private landowners, developers, consultants, and local, state, and federal agencies. 

By bringing existing knowledge together in one accessible document, the Council can provide consistent information to support habitat stewardship and long-term conservation efforts across the range. 

In addition, the committee has been monitoring various projects involving the release of Conservation Easements protecting Gopher Tortoise habitat, and specifically the proposed revisions to the Split Oak Forest Wildlife and Environmental Area Management Plan. The FWC public hearing that had been scheduled for August 20, 2026 for the project was cancelled, without an alternate date being given at this time. The public may provide input on Management Plans in development by visiting the FWC site, https://myfwc.com/conservation/management-plans/develop-mps/. We encourage GTC Members to do so, individually.

We look forward to opportunities to connect with everyone in person at the Annual Meeting in early November. Please seek us out during breaks and at socials. Anyone interested in the Conservation Committee or providing input is encouraged to contact Kim Buchheit (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Vanessa Trujillo (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Updates from the Education and Outreach Committee: Grants and GT Day 2026

It was a busy 2025 and 2026 (so far!) for the Education and Outreach Committee. There was a transition in Committee Leadership as Amanda Hipps stepped back as chair of the committee. We appreciate Amanda’s work in the role and are thankful she was able to bring us up to speed on current efforts. New leadership consists of three co-chairs: Kyle Brown, Carol McCoy, and a returning Rachael Sulkers. Having three co-chairs has certainly been helpful in tackling the tasks of the committee that include coordinating outreach events, sending out educational materials, and coordinating the Donna J. Heinrich Environmental Education and Gopher Tortoise Day grant programs.

During 2025, we received and evaluated 11 applications for the Donna J. Henrich Environmental Education Grant. All applications were wonderful and worthy of funding, but the committee selected for funding is the "Burrows & Bobwhites" traveling education exhibit submitted by Audrey Hawk with Quail Forever GA & FL. This project involves the creation of a traveling exhibit highlighting gopher tortoise and bobwhite quail and their upland habitats. The exhibit will feature a burrow cross section, quail learning tools, longleaf pine and wiregrass habitat change slider, and raised native plant beds. The display will circulate through libraries and schools across 8-10 sites in the first year. The amount awarded was $5,000.00.

In Spring 2026, we awarded a total of  $4,875.52 in Gopher Tortoise Day grant funding to support gopher tortoise education outreach efforts across the species range. This year’s funding promoted Gopher Tortoise Day events in Alabama and Florida and were awarded to the following organizations:

• Troy University Naturalist Club (Alabama): $1,035.85
• Bocilla Islands Conservancy Inc. (Florida): $1,500.00
• Legacy Partners in Environmental Education (Alabama): $1464.67
• Merritt Island Wildlife Association (Florida): $875.00

The funding facilitated Gopher Tortoise events for 2026 and allowed for the creation of outreach props and materials for continued use at events throughout the year. Read more about the projects funded this year in our coverage of Gopher Tortoise Day 2026!

The Education and Outreach Committee is still looking for volunteers who would be interested in attending events on behalf of the Gopher Tortoise Council. At the 2025 Annual Meeting, several attendees signed up to assist in this endeavor. However, we are still receiving requests to attend events that we could use some help with. These events often involve giving a brief presentation on gopher tortoises, manning a table, and interacting with the public. If you are interested in assisting with outreach events please reach out at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

This year’s application period for the Donna J. Heinrich Environmental Education grant is approaching. This grant honors the life of Donna J. Heinrich and 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 deadline for proposals is September 30th!

Please send submissions and questions to the Education and Outreach Committee at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..