Our current cool temperatures make it seem premature to be thinking about turtle season but we want to hit the ground running when they warm up! Loggerhead sea turtles are cold-blooded reptiles and are spending their winter in the warm waters of the Gulf Stream and down in the Caribbean. They will start following the warming ocean temperatures and head north in April when mating occurs and begin to nest in early May.
Our annual organizational meeting will be held Sunday, April 16th on the Pavilion patio at 4:00 p.m. Our project includes Prince George, DeBordieu and Hobcaw beaches. We are one of 32 projects in SC under the direction of the SC Department of Natural Resources. Volunteers begin walking our 6 miles of beach at sunrise in early May searching for the tracks of loggerheads. They locate egg chambers, relocate nests if necessary and protect the site. New volunteers will train with experienced trainers and will be working to earn their SCDNR certifications.
Being a turtle volunteer is hard work but rewarding and so interesting. If this sounds like a good fit for you, please let us know if you will be joining us on April 16th (betsybrabson@gmail.com).
