GUIDEPOSTS

Turtle Patrol Update:
Week Two

It’s starting to get busy in Cape Romain NWR and it looks like it’s going to be a big year. We’re already up to 194 nests, so we’re glad that the summer interns are here to help.

*All activity conducted with loggerhead sea turtles is done under state and federal permits (MTP-563)

Loggerhead Sea Turtles, Coastal Expeditions Foundation, Sea Turtle Patrol Update, Cape Romain NWR

What We’re Working On

The Coastal Expeditions Foundation summer interns arrive today to begin their work in Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. As we prepared for their arrival this spring, it became clear that the Hugo-era FEMA trailer—where they’d be living for the summer—needed some serious attention. While we’re all for a rugged college experience (some discomfort makes for the best stories later), this was beyond what we could ask them to endure.

Thanks to Cape Romain NWR Wildlife Technician A.K., who created a detailed list of what was needed, we added the items to our Amazon Wish List—and we’re so grateful to everyone who made a purchase! We also tracked down essentials from thrift stores (including a couch and dining chairs), bought a new A/C unit, and had the trailer professionally cleaned.

Last Friday, a team from Coastal Expeditions—Annie, M.C., and Bo—joined four veterans and mentors from the Coastal Warriors to transform the trailer, inside and out. And they did it in 89°F heat with a broken A/C! If you’d like to thank them, consider adopting a sea turtle nest in their honor. Adopt a Nest

Here are a few before-and-after photos:

Coastal Expeditions Foundation, Sea Turtle Patrol, Loggerhead Sea Turtles, Cape Romain NWR

Loggerhead Sea Turtles, Coastal Expeditions, Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, Summer Interns

Loggerhead Sea Turtles, Cape Romain NWR, Coastal Expeditions Foundation, Turtle Patrol Update

Coastal Expeditions, Coastal Expeditions Foundation, Turtle Interns, Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge

Coming Up

Don’t miss out on the summer fundraisers! We’re offering two expeditions into Cape Romain NWR and 100% of the proceeds will go directly to pay the seasonal salaries of the technicians and interns that make this program go.

The Beach Drop for Sea Turtles is a family-friendly trip to the north end of Bulls Island for an ecotour and nesting demonstration. We’ve added a kids rate this year, so gather your family and come on out for loggerheads!

And new this year: Sunrise for Sea Turtles. This “morning in the life” of the sea turtle team leaves before dawn to head out to Bulls Island. Led by Capt. Chris Crolley, it’s a chance to walk the low-tide shoreline of a wild barrier island at dawn to look for loggerhead tracks and nests along the beach. Only 30 spots available for this one, y’all.