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Sea Turtle
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GARSCON

REGIONAL STRANDING CONFERENCE

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DEADLINE: FRIDAY,  JUNE 9, 2023
SEPT 18-21, 2023 |REHOBOTH BEACH, DE

schedule at a glance

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ice breaker
sea tutle stakeholder
science talk

GARS Conference, Meetings, and Presentations

GARS Conference, Meetings, and Presentations

MONDAY, SEPT. 18 - THURSDAY, SEPT. 21  MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

Tickets are for the entirety of the event, including the Icebreaker, workshops, and presentations.

 

(A la carte options below)

GARS Consortium Meeting

GARS Consortium Meeting

MONDAY, SEPT. 18

ATLANTIC SANDS | 1 BALTIMORE AVE. | REHOBOTH 

The GARS Consortium will kick off GARSCON '23 with a half-day business meeting.  This meeting will be for the GARSCON Board of Directors and Board Alternates.  Refreshments and snacks included.

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Ice Breaker

MONDAY, SEPT. 18
 
DOGFISH HEAD BREWERY | 6 CANNERY VILLAGE | MILTON, DE

The Ice Breaker will be held at the world-famous Dogfish Head Brewery in Milton, Delaware.

The Ice Breaker will be held at the world famous Dogfish Head Brewery in Milton, DE.  This fun and "off centered" venue will include tours of the brewery, a flight of beers, food, and beer and libations from the bar.  Our guests can also enjoy the outdoor bocce court, steampunk treehouse, and the Dogfish Head Gift shop.  Transportation will be provided to and from Dogfish.  Open to Stranding Network Members

Sea Turtle & Marine Mammal Stakeholder Sessions

Sea Turtle & Marine Mammal Stakeholder Sessions

TUESDAY, SEPT. 19

ATLANTIC SANDS | 1 BALTIMORE AVE. | REHOBOTH 

These sessions will focus on issues related to sea turtle and marine mammal strandings, data collection, permitting, and conservation

Turtle in the Reef

These sessions will focus on issues related to sea turtle and marine mammal strandings, data collection, permitting, and conservation. There will be an opportunity for stranding biologists, veterinarians, and federal managers to communicate stranding trends, conservation issues, permitting requirements, and management actions. Discussions will facilitate the growth of stranding organizations, and the alignment of network priorities. Agenda items will be sought from network members and the NOAA regional office in advance to shape this session to be productive for all. Network members will provide specific topics of concern or interest, and will be taken into account during consultations with NOAA regarding federal priority topics. It will allow for discussion to further develop a regional work plan for stranding response and rehabilitation efforts that identify regional priorities and strategies for accomplishing goals.  These meetings are open to the  GARS Network members.  Refreshments and snacks included.

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Science Talk Sessions

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 20
 
ATLANTIC SANDS HOTEL | 1 BALTIMORE AVE. | REHOBOTH BEACH

A day-long immersion into scientific presentations offered by Stranding Network Personnel, Researchers, Veterinarians and others involved in the marine sciences.  A poster session will be included.  The science talk sessions are open to students and the general public.  Refreshments included.

A day-long immersion into scientific presentations offered by Stranding Network Personnel, Researchers, Veterinarians and others involved in the marine sciences.  A poster session will be included.  The science talk sessions are open to students and the general public.  Refreshments included.

GARSCON Banquet

GARSCON Banquet

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 20

SALERO | 511 N. BOARDWALK | ATOP HENLOPEN HOTEL 

REHOBOTH BEACH, DE

This year's banquet will be held at Salero in Rehoboth Beach, just a quick walk along the boardwalk from the conference venue. This oceanfront, elegant event venue provides sweeping views of the ocean and surrounding beaches.  Our menu will include 5 selections of hors d'oeuvres, salad, a buffet of entrees, and dessert, as well as one drink.  A cash bar will be available for additional drink purchases.  Available to Stranding Network Members.

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Oil Spill Response
Training Workshop

THURSDAY, SEPT. 21
 UNIVERSITY OF DE | 1044 COLLEGE ROAD | LEWES, DE

This is a half-day workshop focused on training network partners in oil spill response for marine mammals and sea turtles.

This is a half-day workshop focused on training network partners in oil spill response for marine mammals and sea turtles. The objective will be to increase preparedness of stranding network responders during an oil spill event, as well as expand trained personnel resources to assist with spill events in other areas.  The workshop will focus on best practices for oil spill response for marine mammals and sea turtles, which include the Incident Command System structure employed during an event.  The lecture portion will include representatives from NOAA’s regional response team, industry specialists, and Tri-state Bird Rescue & Research’s oil spill recovery team.   The hands-on portion will include an oil spill drill, oiled animal response demonstration, and a tour of the oil spill recovery vessel, the DelRiver.  Refreshments and snacks included.

Volunteer Engagement, Retention & Recruitment Workshop

Volunteer Engagement, Retention & Recruitment Workshop

THURSDAY, SEPT. 21

VIRDEN CENTER | 155 COLLEGE DR. | LEWES, DE

The last day of the conference will include an optional half day workshop focused on training network partners on volunteer management.

Tobi Johnson and Associates has been contracted to help Greater Atlantic Stranding Network agencies use more effective strategies and systems to attract and sustain relationships with committed volunteers over the long term.  Volunteers are vital assets to your organization’s sustainability, and now is the time to plan your volunteer program recovery! While the past few years have been a challenge, many volunteer-driven organizations are now emerging with fresh ideas and a commitment to rebuilding. You can, too! 

 

In this training, you will develop clear, step-by-step systems and set a course for purposeful volunteer engagement that is realistic and achievable, even for busy staff. In addition to learning essential frameworks, you will have access to a practical workbook to help you translate learning into action and time for peer-to-peer discussion to share your big ideas. You’ll leave with solid next steps, ready-to-launch plans that get results and make the most of your valuable time and effort. 

 

The live in-person workshop will include presentation, interaction, and Q & A sessions focusing on:

 

  1. Episodic Volunteers: Keeping the Connection & Inspiring Impact Throughout the Year 

  2. Practical Tips & Tools for Creating Connection with Remote Volunteers 

  3. Recruit Your Ideal Volunteer with Smarter Strategy 

Beach Cleanup Volunteers
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