This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in an internship focused on loggerhead sea turtle nesting at Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge through the Coastal Expeditions Foundation. Every day brought new chances to contribute conservation efforts; from locating freshly laid nests by reading the tracks left in the sand to collecting scientific data, assessing nests for relocation, tagging and marking nest sites, and monitoring nests throughout the season.

The internship was, without a doubt, the most impactful experience of my life. I’ve always said that I want to make a difference and this summer I was able to do exactly that by directly assisting in the conservation of loggerhead sea turtles. Being a part of a team dedicated to protecting these incredible animals reinforced why I am pursuing a career path in wildlife conservation.

The highlight of my internship was witnessing a daytime hatchling emergence and observing hatchlings crawl into the ocean, which was an unforgettable full-circle moment. After spending weeks monitoring and tagging nests, seeing them begin their lives reminded me why conservation work matters. It was a powerful encounter that strengthened my passion and left me incredibly grateful.

Beyond the fieldwork, I gained practical experience in scientific data collection and conservation protocols. Every nest was documented with coordinates, nesting dates, long-term observations, hatch dates and post-hatch inventories. Learning these field techniques gave me a greater appreciation for the research and monitoring that guide effective wildlife management.

Although the work was physically demanding, every challenge was outweighed by the opportunity to contribute to sea turtle conservation efforts. I leave this experience with lasting memories, new knowledge and hope for the future of loggerhead sea turtle populations. Most importantly, I leave inspired to continue pursuing a career where I can make a meaningful difference for wildlife.

-Lalya Petz, 2026 Coastal Expeditions Foundation Wildlife Conservation Intern

MORE TO EXPLORE

What is the Coastal Expeditions Foundation Wildlife Conservation Internship?
The Wildlife Conservation Internship is a hands-on summer internship based within Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. College interns work alongside U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service wildlife experts and Coastal Expeditions guides, gaining field experience in loggerhead sea turtle nest protection, shorebird and seabird stewardship, environmental education and naturalist work.

Is housing provided for the Coastal Expeditions Foundation Wildlife Conservation Internship?
Yes, housing at Garris Landing in Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge is offered to interns along with a stipend for living expenses. This opportunity is made possible by private donations to the Sea Turtle Program and a generous grant from Boeing.

How do I apply for the Wildlife Conservation Internship at Cape Romain?
Applicants submit a cover letter, resume or CV, and professional references or a recommendation letter. The internship is designed for recent graduates or college juniors and seniors studying biology, marine science, conservation, wildlife management or a related field. When applications are open, we’ll share current requirements, dates and application instructions through the Coastal Expeditions Foundation. Sign up to get a notification here