About

Mission

The Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles (FOSWST)  is a 501(c)(3) all-volunteer organization formed in early 2015. We are dedicated to promoting sea turtle conservation through awareness and education for the residents and the 4 million+ visitors to Walton County, Florida.

We were asked to form by the leaders of the South Walton Turtle Watch Group. Their organization focuses on locating and monitoring sea turtle nests and overseeing volunteers for the protection of the turtles and their hatchlings. Our organization does not interact with nests — we focus solely on awareness through printed materials and online information, education programs in the community and schools, and local events. Look for our materials at restaurants, hotels, vacation rentals and various retail establishments. We provide programs for libraries, girl/boy scout troops, various local organizations, and to the members of our Volunteer Beach Ambassador program.

Frequently Asked Questions about FOSWST 

2024 Governing Board

Beth Coppedge – President
Beth Coppedge is the founder and president of Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles.  She has also been a volunteer with South Walton Turtle Watch for nine-years, monitoring and marking nests on South Walton beaches. (Read full bio)

Shelly Hudson Bowden – Vice President

Etoi J Moore – Treasurer & Technical Director

Beth Hill – Acting Secretary & Director of Education