The gopher tortoise is a threatened species that has experienced an estimated population decline of 50-70 percent in the last 100 years, mainly due to habitat loss. You can play a role in ensuring that Florida’s only native tortoise endures for years to come. Raise awareness for this imperiled species by getting involved with Gopher Tortoise Day on April 10th!
Attend of organize a wildlife appreciation festival, and have a local gopher tortoise expert give a presentation on gopher tortoises. Email
Participate in a local event and distribute informational materials to attendees. Download and print your own gopher tortoise brochures and fact sheets from our website.
Host a gopher tortoise-themed 5k or fun run in your community!
Have students design Gopher Tortoise Day t-shirts to wear to school on April 10th, or print gopher tortoise masks and hats from the Gopher Tortoise Day website.
Organize in-class activities for kids at a local school, camp, or after-school program. The Gopher Tortoise Day website includes children’s activities, classroom presentations, coloring pages, instructions for building an interactive gopher tortoise burrow, and more.
Go on a field trip to look for gopher tortoise burrows in your community using the Gopher Tortoise Field Trip Guide.
Plant native gopher tortoise forage plants in your neighborhood using the Florida Guide to Gopher Tortoise Friendly Plants.
Increase awareness of tortoises in the area by installing signs where appropriate. Be sure to receive permission from the property owner before placing any signs.
Become a gopher tortoise volunteer! Find out about gopher tortoise volunteer opportunities with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Download the Florida Gopher Tortoise smartphone app to record the location of gopher tortoises found in your yard, neighborhood, or crossing the road.
Visit the Get Involved page on the Gopher Tortoise Day website to find the resources listed above, and for more ideas on how to celebrate Gopher Tortoise Day.
Regardless of how you choose to celebrate, be sure to let everyone know by sharing your event on social media, and/or inviting press to your event! Sample social media posts and press releases can be found under the Media page of the Gopher Tortoise Day website. Don’t forget to use #GopherTortoiseDay on your posts to promote your event!
If you have any questions about Gopher Tortoise Day, hosting an event, or adopting a resolution, please contact the Gopher Tortoise Education & Outreach Coordinator at
