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About Tortoise Group

Tortoise Group is a nonprofit dedicated to protecting Mojave Desert Tortoises through Adoption, Education, Conservation. Since 1982, it has promoted responsible care, habitat preservation, and legal adoption in Nevada.

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Purpose, Vision & Journey

Who We Are & What We Stand For

We are dedicated to protecting desert tortoises through education, conservation, and advocacy. Our mission, vision, and history reflect our commitment to preserving their habitats and ensuring their long-term survival.

Our History

Founded in 1982, we have dedicated decades to conserving desert tortoises. Our journey focuses on habitat protection, public education, and promoting responsible care to ensure the species’ long-term survival.

Our Mission

Our mission is to protect & conserve desert tortoises through adoption, education, and conservation. We strive to educate the public on responsible tortoise care, preserve their habitats, prevent breeding, and promote long-term survival for future generations.

Our Vision

Our vision is a future where desert tortoises thrive in safe, preserved habitats. We aim to inspire communities to protect these species through awareness, responsible care, and lasting conservation efforts.

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Tortoise Group

Since 1982

Mission, Education & Advocacy

About Tortoise Group Organization

Tortoise Group has been educating and advocating for the protection and well-being of the desert tortoise since 1982. Tortoise Group is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

  • Legal adoption of desert tortoises in Nevada.
  • Citizen science volunteer opportunities to help wild populations and their natural habitat.
  • We provide community education, conservation, wildlife protection, and habitat-awareness program support.
  • Educational workshops on responsible tortoise care.
  • Printed & online material on the care of pet tortoises and related topics.

Meet our partners!

Community Partners

Facts That Matter

Desert Tortoise Conservation Facts & Impact

Learn essential facts about desert tortoise conservation, their habitat, and the impact of human activities. Discover how responsible actions can help protect and ensure a sustainable future for these endangered species.

Captive Tortoises
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Displaced Yearly
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Years Conserving
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Successfully Rehomed
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Who We Are

Supporting Tortoise Group Changing Lives

Supporting Tortoise Group changes lives by protecting desert tortoises, preserving habitats, and educating communities. Your support ensures their survival, promotes conservation, and fosters a healthier ecosystem for future generations. By volunteering, donating, or adopting, you directly contribute to habitat restoration, scientific research, and responsible wildlife care. Together, we can raise awareness, prevent habitat destruction, and inspire sustainable practices. Every effort helps safeguard these incredible creatures, strengthens biodiversity, and encourages community involvement.

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Meet Our Dedicated Team

Our dedicated team is passionate about protecting desert tortoises through Adoption, Education, Conservation efforts. Together, we work to ensure their well-being, preserve habitats, and promote long-term survival.

Dianne-McClain

Dianne McClain

Board Member

Charles-Born

Charles Born

Adoption Coordinator

Aerial-West

Aerial West

Executive Director

NathanWood

Nathan Wood

Board Chairman

Sherri Graves

Alice Hulslander

Shane Smith

Matt Tyburski

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Support Tortoise Conservation – Donate Now

Your generous donation helps support the protection, care, and rehoming of Mojave Desert Tortoises. By contributing, you play a crucial role in preserving their future and ensuring their well-being through advocacy, education, and conservation efforts.

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Aerial-West

Aerial West – Executive Director

I am originally from Vacaville, California and had been residing in the greater Sacramento area for eight years. I have always had a passion for wildlife conservation, but decided to pursue other academic interests before coming back to working with animals. I have two bachelor’s degrees, one in cultural anthropology and the second in opera for performance from California State University, Sacramento. I continued my research at CSUS during the pandemic where I received a master’s in cultural and linguistic anthropology. Previously, I worked for the Sacramento SPCA as their Humane Educator, overseeing all their education and outreach departments. In working with animals again I was inspired to continue my professional career utilizing my background in anthropology along with my passion for animal welfare. When I saw that there was an opportunity to work with tortoises in Las Vegas I knew I had found my perfect fit! Today I am thrilled to have been provided an opportunity to join Tortoise Group and share in the organization’s mission of adoption, education and conservation with the Las Vegas community. When not working I am usually traveling, playing video games, or spending time with my two dogs (Haku and Rey).

NathanWood

Nathan Wood – Board Director

I’m originally from the UK, where I spent most of my life working to protect wild species in various jobs, and I gained my BSc in Environmental Science and MSc in Conservation Biology degrees.  My introduction to the desert tortoise occurred in 2012 when I visited Las Vegas for a few months, volunteered at the Desert Tortoise Conservation Center, and became fascinated with the desert environment. When I moved to Las Vegas in 2016, I knew I wanted to continue my career as an ecologist/biologist, so I got a job surveying desert tortoises. However, later that year, things took a random turn, and I worked at a hotel on the Strip – for four years!  In 2021, I knew my time away from wildlife had been too long: I needed to be a biologist again!  So, I started with a company that conducts tortoise surveys and radio tracking (which is hard work, but I love it!), amongst other things. Today, I’m an Authorized Biologist working on projects around Las Vegas/Henderson protecting the wild population of desert tortoises, and now I’m glad to join the Tortoise Group and help spread awareness of the captive population!  When not working, I enjoy being outside in nature, hiking, doing craftwork, and spending time with my family (which includes our two cats!).

Sherri Graves

I joined Tortoise Group around October 2010. I think I started on the hotline shortly after that maybe in the summer of 2011. There used to be a few of us. But I’ve
been solo for several years, but it’s been working out great.

I’ve lived in Las Vegas my whole life, 67 years. Retired from Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department after 30 years in 2006, was a Dispatcher. Went on to work for a non-profit Trauma Intervention Program, was a volunteer then was the manager for 5 years [2006-2011]. Was a mail carrier for 2 years, now work from home as a transcriber for Insurance claims. Just joined the adoption committee and have done a few yard consults. I love talking to other tortoise custodians and helping them in any way I can.

Alice Hulslander

I am a Nevada native who grew up in the Mojave Desert, where I have always had an appreciation for desert species and the importance of protecting the habitats they depend on. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Nevada State University and has a background in field biology, GIS, and environmental compliance, with a focus on sensitive species and desert ecosystems.

Much of my career has centered around interpretive work in natural settings, along with STEM education and outreach, where I have focused on making environmental science more accessible, engaging, and meaningful. In addition to my work in the field, I also have experience in social media and science communication, helping translate complex environmental topics into content that connects with broader audiences.

MY professional experience includes biological surveys, habitat assessments, GIS mapping, and supporting environmental compliance efforts. Through all of this, I have developed a passion not only for the science itself, but for helping people build a personal connection to the natural world.

As a member of the board, I am excited to support Tortoise Group through education, outreach, marketing, and fundraising, and to help grow community awareness and appreciation for desert tortoise conservation.

Outside of work creating art, and spending time outdoors, often drawing inspiration from the landscapes and wildlife I work to protect.

Shane Smith

From a young age, Shane held a deep-seated passion for herpetology, fostering a lifelong ambition to become a professional herpetologist. After a distinguished 20-year career in the United States Coast Guard, he turned that childhood goal into a reality, transitioning his dedication to service toward the field of wildlife biology and conservation.

Shane earned his B.S. in Coastal Environmental Science graduating cum laude, from Flagler College, where he focused specifically on gopher tortoise ecology. His academic contributions include specialized research on ectoparasites found on gopher tortoises, findings which he ultimately had the honor of a poster presentation of he and his teams research at the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) conference in 2022.

His professional experience includes serving as a Biologist for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Jacksonville, Florida, where he managed environmental compliance and conducted specialized gopher tortoise burrow surveys. Over the past 10 years, Shane has also worked extensively with venomous reptiles after earning his venomous reptile permit in Florida, developing a refined technical skill set in reptile handling and safety.

Now based in Nevada, Shane is dedicated to the conservation and protection of the Desert Tortoise, He is particularly excited to further this commitment by joining the board of the tortoise group, where he looks forward to contributing to the preservation and education of these animals.

Matt Tyburski

Matt Tyburski is a hospitality leader with more than 20 years of experience and currently serves as General Manager with Travel + Leisure Resort Development. He brings strong expertise in operations, financial management, and team leadership. Matt currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Nevada Hotel and Lodging Association and multiple vacation owners associations, contributing to governance, strategic planning, and organizational oversight. A dedicated supporter of Mojave Desert tortoise conservation, Matt has been actively involved with Tortoise Group through volunteer work, including wellness clinics, Road Warriors, and community outreach. As the custodian of a Mojave Desert tortoise named Jaws since 2019, he has developed a deep personal connection to the organization’s mission. A Nevada resident for over 20 years, Matt is committed to preserving the Mojave Desert ecosystem and is honored to support Tortoise Group’s work in education, adoption, and conservation.