Jekyll Island's nonprofit foundation is seeking donations to help save a native turtle species that often ends up as roadkill.

Diamondback terrapins, which grow up to 7 inches long, thrive in the marshes off the Georgia island. But during nesting season, female terrapins seek to lay their eggs on high and dry ground — often the causeway that motorists travel between the island and Brunswick on the mainland.

The Jekyll Island Foundation is asking for donors for help raising $50,000 to fund a conservation research and education project focused on the terrapins. The study is a joint effort between the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and the University of Georgia.

The foundation says more than 800 adult diamondback terrapins have been killed on the Jekyll Island causeway since 2007.

Tags: Jekyll Island, turtles, diamondback terrapin