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Our Story
In 2021, Gerry-Anna Jones created the Tortoise Team of IRC Facebook group with
one goal in mind: helping injured tortoises get safely out of the road and to
wildlife rehabilitation.
After stopping for many tortoises that had been struck by cars, she was shocked to
learn that even if they appeared deceased, many were still alive and suffering.
Through research, she discovered that tortoises and turtles can take days to
pass away because of their slow metabolism.
Knowing she wasn’t the only one who cared, Gerry-Anna set out to
build a community of people willing to stop and help. She also recognized that not everyone could pull over in the moment—so the Facebook group became a place
where members could post the cross streets of injured tortoises. From there,
someone nearby could respond, check on the animal, and get it to
medical care if needed.
As the group gained momentum, Gerry-Anna brought on team moderators
Blayne Schacht and Barbara Grass; their teamwork, combined with the
community’s passion helped the page flourish into a network of more than 875 members!
While the Tortoise Team grew, Gerry-Anna filed for nonprofit status to expand
outreach and education efforts around gopher tortoises. At the same time, Joann McGrath was independently working to protect those same tortoises—speaking at commissioner meetings and building a network of county professionals, including
David Cox, Mark Lafurno, Richard Warner, and Diane Morgan, who shared the same concerns.
Joann joined forces with Gerry-Anna, bringing the groups together to work
collectively for the protection of gopher tortoises and their habitat in the county.
The Gopher Tortoise Alliance (GTA) was born.
Today, GTA hosts community talks, creates educational displays, and provides homeowners with guidance on living alongside gopher tortoises. The team also transports injured tortoises and turtles and advocates at public meetings—
working to secure a brighter future for these keystone species and the many
other animals that make Florida special.
Our Mission
To protect and preserve gopher tortoises and their habitat through education, advocacy and responsible environmental stewardship.
Our Vision
We envision a world in which
Gopher tortoises can live in
harmony, protection, safety,
and in nature's balance.
Meet The Tortoise Team
Gerry-Anna Jones
President
Blayne Schacht
Vice President
Mark Lafurno
Board Member
David Cox
Board Member
Barbara Grass
Board Member
Richard Baker
Board Member
Diane Morgan
Board Member
John Warner
Board Member
Rachel Pryke
Social Media Specialist
OUR PARTNERS
At the Gopher Tortoise Alliance, we believe protecting these incredible creatures takes collaboration, education, and action.
We work closely with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Indian River County Environmental Planning, and local partners like the Humane Society of Vero Beach, Creature Safe Place, and the Florida Wildlife Hospital to create lasting, community-centered conservation solutions.
Together, we’re building partnerships, deepening knowledge, and taking action to ensure that gopher tortoises—and the many species that depend on them—can thrive for generations to come.
Our team is here to answer your questions, provide resources, and connect you with opportunities to support conservation.
Contact Us
Please complete the form below and
we’ll respond as quickly as possible.