Keep reading for the latest news and announcements from the Gopher Tortoise Council, including:
- 2026 annual meeting benefits for students
- Dig into GTC's archives and help grow our history
- Online submission form now available for GTC awards
- Support GTC by becoming a member
- Get your gopher tortoise license plate
Dig into GTC's Archives and Help Grow our History!
Over the last year, GTC members have been working to digitize early The Tortoise Burrow newsletters! For readers and members with an interest in our organization’s history, this is a great resource for early GTC content. Currently, over 20 back issues are formatted for easy reading (that’s right, no blurry digital scans here), and our archive covers 1979 through 1986, with more updates planned for the future. Grab your favorite relaxing beverage or snack and spend some time with our back issues in the Historic GTC Newsletter Archive. We’ll also be highlighting content from these early newsletters in future editions of The Tortoise Burrow, so stay tuned for some nostalgia.
If any of our readers happen to have a copy of the very first The Tortoise Burrow from 1979, please let us know as we are searching high and low for that first edition.
We are also interested in photos, agendas, and meeting logos from back in the day! If you happen to have cool GTC memorabilia tucked away, please reach out to us as we are interested in preserving that work.
Submit Nominations for GTC Awards Online
GTC now has an online submission form for service award nominations. These awards recognize individuals for their service to the Council and for their accomplishments and efforts in conserving the gopher tortoise, commensals, and upland ecosystems. Nominations are currently open for five service awards, which are listed on the nomination form. Nominations are due by October 1, 2026!
Support GTC by Becoming a Member or Renewing Your Annual Membership
With Gopher Tortoise Day behind us, celebrate gopher tortoises all year long and consider joining the Gopher Tortoise Council by purchasing a membership or renewing your annual membership. Membership revenue helps to fund gopher tortoise conservation programs and provide grants for student research and educational programs across the southeast.
Benefits include a subscription to the Gopher Tortoise Council's newsletter, "The Tortoise Burrow."
The Gopher Tortoise Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and tax-exempt organization (ID #59-2010727) and all contributions are tax deductible.
Membership Options:
$15 Student Membership
$25 Regular Membership
$40 Contributor Membership
$50 Society/Corporate Membership
$75 Sustaining Membership
$300 Lifetime Membership
Please visit our website (https://gophertortoisecouncil.org/support) for more information.
Ride in style and support conservation with the new Protect the Gopher Tortoise License Plate!
Hooray! 🐢📣 The time has finally come! Protect the Gopher Tortoise license plates are now available at tax collectors’ offices and tag agencies throughout Florida. We recommend calling your tax collector’s office or tag agency in advance of visiting in person to ensure that they have plates in stock.
Please read through the Frequently Asked Questions about the plate to learn how you can redeem your voucher and receive your plate!
In order to bring awareness to the plight of the gopher tortoise, Wildlands Conservation has 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! 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! Plates can be purchased at any time–you do not need to wait until your registration renewal date to order one.
