Dear Turtle Lovers...

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I am Ollie and I am writing this piece of text 9040 km (5617 miles) from home. I am a 15-year old high school student from the Netherlands that decided to step out of her comfort zone and do something crazy. Somehow, I ended up in Ojai (California) working with turtles (which is pretty crazy, believe me).  I drove through the desert to Las Vegas to visit a Desert Tortoise meeting. I learned many things about this specific tortoise and the difficulties that come with saving them. On my way back to Ojai, I spent a few hours looking for desert tortoises, which I unfortunately could not find (bummer!). I have been back in Ojai for a couple of days now and it has been wonderful working with the staff at the Turtle Conservancy. It is amazing to work with turtles (I feel fast, slim and young!). I feel very grateful for this experience and I am sure that this is something I will never forget. A big thank you to the Turtle Conservancy! 

Prospective volunteers (ages 16-25) with an interest in a career in conservation should send a cover letter and resume. Click here to email us!