Martin County tourism launches Arts Fest turtle hunt, eco-swag check-ins and Leave No Trace participation

Martin County tourism and Martin Arts are hosting a hidden glass-turtle scavenger hunt at Arts Fest this February, the hosts of the Martin County podcast said. The artist Dot Galfin of Palm City and a partner called License to Kiln created the turtles; the podcast said 50 glass turtles were made, including 10 "golden" turtles that carry a prize if found.

The county's tourism and marketing office is also running an "eco swag" check-in program tied to an app, the hosts said. Podcast hosts Mac, podcast host for Martin County, and Courtney, podcast host for Martin County, said there are about 20 participating places (parks, conservation areas and public lands) where visitors can check in and earn points toward eco-swag rewards.

"If you find one of these, it's yours to keep," the hosts said about the signed, numbered turtles. They added that the 10 golden turtles function like a "golden ticket": find one, bring it to the tourism booth at Arts Fest and receive a special prize.

The podcast also described Martin County's adoption of Leave No Trace, the international stewardship program. Courtney said staff receive training on Leave No Trace policies and that the county's office of tourism and marketing was the first local destination to sign on. "Make sure when you're visiting any of our beautiful places... to leave it the way you found it," the hosts said.

Separately, the podcast discussed a Bark Ranger program for dogs. Hosts said owners can sign their pets up, receive a scarf and a tag for the collar, and submit photos through a website page. The hosts noted related guidance: bag pet waste, keep dogs on leash where required and confirm which parks allow dogs.

Why it matters: the county framed these activities as both a tourism and stewardship effort aimed at promoting local attractions while encouraging responsible use of public lands.

Details and clarifications: the podcast named Dot Galfin and License to Kiln as creators of the turtles; said 50 turtles were made, with 10 golden turtles and 40 numbered signed turtles; the eco swag program was described as having about 20 check-in locations; Leave No Trace participation requires staff training. The podcast hosts said information and links would be placed in the episode show notes.

Ending: The hosts encouraged social posts tagging the tourism office and said more information and links would appear in the episode show notes.