From April 2004 to April 2005, 170 beach water health advisories were issued on St. Simons Island, Georgia. Most of the beach closures were linked to high levels of Enterococcus bacteria. This bacterium is normally associated with the fecal matter of warm-blooded animals. After consulting with the Coastal Resources Division (CRD) and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the Glynn County Senior 4-H "Sea Monkeys" decided that they would try to determine the source of the harmful bacteria. After brainstorming and conducting a few experiments they discovered that oranges could be used to track the flow of the local marsh tidal creeks. In earlier experiments they were able to demonstrate that an orange could float in saltwater for more than two weeks. Using this method they wanted to see if it was possible for the harmful bacteria to travel from the tidal marshes to the local beaches.

More than 280 donated oranges were dropped at various sites along the major tidal creeks. Within a matter of a few hours the first oranges were already showing up on the beaches. In order to prove that the results were repeatable, two additional drops were conducted. These later trials utilized more oranges, more drop points and included rigorous water sampling techniques. Club members also used GPS receivers to document the exact location of every beached orange. They spent hundreds of man-hours combing area beaches and kayaking along the tidal creeks. Over the course of the study most of the oranges were traced back to Postell Creek. The "Sea Monkeys" postulated that this creek might be the source of the beach bacteria. After alerting local leaders about their findings, environmental scientists began to concentrate their search efforts and discovered that the creek did indeed contain Enterococcus bacteria point sources.

Recently club members have also been collecting and documenting the quantity and location of dog feces found on area beaches. They believed that the canine fecal matter could be contributing to the high bacteria levels and the recent beach water advisories. The students presented their findings to the Department of Natural Resources and the Golden Isles Convention and Visitors Bureau. Recommendations included additions to existing signs, trash cans every 100 yards, pet bag dispensers and bags with printed laws and penalties. The 4-H Club is also distributing informational flyers entitled "Stoop and Scoop" to encourage locals to take an active role in maintaining the cleanliness of area beaches.

In addition the Orange Tide study, the Glynn County 4-H students have also been asked to collect weekly water samples and report their findings to the Hollings Marine Lab in Charleston, South Carolina. The club is also assisting the United States Department of Agriculture with collecting weekly data on the Cactoblastis cactorum. The larva of this moth has been destroying the pads of the indigenous prickly pear cactus and threatens the survival of the cactus locally. The club also works frequently with the local chapter of "Keep Georgia Beautiful" to promote recycling, keep area parks and beaches clean and foster community awareness.

According to the National Geographic Society, "The Glynn County Senior 4-H "Sea Monkeys," 15 local area teenagers, were "born" in 2004 under the leadership of Mrs. Robi Gray, County 4-H Agent. Their mission is to improve the environment of Coastal Georgia.  Using creative methods and inquisitive minds, they undertook the Orange Tide Marshwater Tracking Study to track marsh tidal creek flow and assist the Department of Natural Resources in locating the source of harmful Enterococcus bacteria.  Through the use of cutting-edge geo-spatial technology, state-of-the-art geographic problem solving, 280 oranges, and many hours of combing area beaches and kayaking local marsh creeks, they were able to help locate the source of the pollution.  This is only one example of the fine work of this energetic group.  The National Geographic Society, an organization whose mission is to increase global understanding and promote conservation of our planet through exploration, research, and education, is proud to join SeaWorld and Busch Gardens in recognizing Glynn County Senior 4-H Club with an Environmental Excellence Award."