A Day in the Life: How Biologist Ed Weinberg Relocates Gopher Tortoises to Newfield
It’s not every day you meet someone whose job is to carefully relocate gopher tortoises to a sanctuary, but that’s exactly what biologist Ed Weinberg is doing here at Newfield.
Ed works behind the scenes to help protect Florida’s wildlife, including the gopher tortoise, a threatened species known for its long lifespan and vital role in the ecosystem. At Newfield, his work is helping these remarkable animals settle safely into a new, permanent home.
Earlier this year, we opened our gopher tortoise recipient site and preserve – the first sanctuary of its kind in Martin County – within KC Trails at Kiplinger Conservancy. The 30-acre preserve can accommodate up to 50 tortoises and serves to protect the threatened species, which has experienced a population decline of 80% statewide. Gopher tortoises are considered a keystone species, meaning their presence supports dozens of other animals that rely on their burrows for shelter.
As part of its broader conservation vision for Newfield, Mattamy Homes worked with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) to establish the preserve, creating a safe, permanent habitat for tortoises living within Newfield and, eventually, nearby areas.
Without this preserve, relocated tortoises would likely have had to travel more than 50 miles to the nearest available site. Instead, they’re moving just a short distance, allowing them to remain within their native landscape. Gopher tortoises can live up to 100 years, so keeping them close to home matters.
So far, two tortoises have already been relocated to the preserve, and another group of 10 to 12 is expected to arrive soon.
We asked Ed to provide a glimpse into the process as he prepares for the next tortoise group’s relocation journey:
Why do gopher tortoises need to be relocated?
Gopher tortoises are a protected species and must be relocated when development impacts their habitat to a safe environment. Under FWC permitting, various types of development activity can require a gopher tortoise relocation to avoid impacting the species.
Where are the gopher tortoises coming from?
The two tortoises relocated so far have come from areas within Newfield where development is underway. A new relocation permit was just issued in December, where we are expecting to relocate 10 to 12 tortoises.
How does the relocation process work?
The process begins with surveys and permitting, which can take up to 90 days. Once approved, trained professionals excavate the burrows, safely capture the tortoises, transport them directly to the preserve and release them into their new habitat. In most cases, excavation and relocation can be completed in a single day.
How far did these tortoises need to travel compared with the standard distance for most relocations?
If Newfield did not have its own recipient site, the nearest available off-site preserve would have been over 50 miles away. Thankfully, the on-site preserve means there’s only a short distance the tortoises need to travel. These tortoises are essentially being relocated from across the street.
Why is Newfield a good fit for these tortoises?
The preserve meets all required habitat standards, including appropriate soil, forage and hydrology, making it an ideal long-term home.
How do gopher tortoises benefit the ecosystem?
Their burrows provide shelter for many other species, helping support a healthy, diverse ecosystem throughout Kiplinger Conservancy and the surrounding Palm City area.
Preservation has always been central to Newfield, with seventy percent of the community’s 3,400 acres protected as open space, including parks, farmland, community gardens, wetlands, lakes, forests and wildlife habitat.
The gopher tortoise preserve is just one example of how Mattamy intends to continue using the land for conservancy while building a community that respects and maintains its natural surroundings.
Newfield residents and visitors are welcome to stop by the gopher tortoise preserve at KC Trails in Kiplinger Conservancy to see these majestic, protected creatures first-hand.
For more information on Newfield and KC Trails, visit www.newfield.com and newfield.com/the-trails/.