About the Starla Project
The Starla Project, centered around Starla’s Special Shore, aims to inspire sea turtle conservation by gently encouraging children ages 6 to 12 to make thoughtful, responsible choices during coastal visits—whether in the U.S. or abroad. By presenting sea turtles as relatable, endearing characters, we hope to spark curiosity and foster an understanding of how small actions—like picking up toys, removing beach gear, filling in holes, or keeping lights low at night—can make a big difference.
We believe lasting change begins with kids who grow up seeing care for the coast as second nature—and who proudly share that mindset with others. While Starla is written for children, parents may discover a few gentle reminders in her story, too.
About the author
A fifth-generation native of Northwest Florida, Jim McClellan is an
outdoorsman, writer, and conservationist who grew up on the Apalachicola
River and spent his childhood summers in what was then the sleepy
community of Mexico Beach. These experiences instilled in him a deep
connection to the natural world and a passion for protecting it.
Now a public relations and marketing consultant, Jim has dedicated his life
to using storytelling as a tool to inspire action and awareness. His journey
has brought him back to the shores and riverbanks of his youth with a
much deeper appreciation for the effort it takes to preserve them for future
generations. Through Starla’s Special Shore, he hopes to spark a love for
sea turtles and a commitment to conservation in children and families
everywhere.
About the artist
Dr. Lynn Wilder has spent her life exploring the connections between
people, the environment, and the creatures that share our planet. With
a PhD in Occupational and Environmental Health and a BS in Chemistry,
Lynn dedicated her career to investigating environmental contamination
and its impact on public health. Her work with the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control often brought her
into communities to assess risks and develop solutions, from addressing
microplastics to ensuring safe drinking water.
After retiring to a small town on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Lynn rediscovered her
passion for art and her love for sea turtles. She began volunteering with
local conservation groups, including Sea Turtle Patrol on St. George Island,
and rekindled her talent for watercolor painting. Her artwork captures the
delicate beauty of nature and the urgent need to protect it.
Lynn is also the executive director of a nonprofit focused on recycling and
litter reduction, a board member of the Friends of the Apalachicola National
Estuarine Research Reserve, and an active community advocate. Through
her art and her environmental work, Lynn strives to inspire others to cherish
and protect the natural world.