One adopted nest protects over 120 loggerhead eggs

How is a loggerhead nest protected?

When a nest is found, the turtle team carefully digs out the eggs and moves them up into the dunes to prevent tides from washing over the nest. Then they take a piece of metal fencing and secure it over the top of the nest to keep coyotes and raccoons from eating the eggs.

A single egg from each nest is removed and genetically tested, building on 45 years of critical research. This information lets researchers know how many nests each turtle lays in a year and their family history.

Later in the summer, the turtle team returns to the nests, counting to see how many eggs hatched from each one.

This work happens throughout the summer- every day, rain or shine- on remote barrier islands.  Dedicated volunteers, known the Cape Romain Turtle Team, have made it their mission to protect loggerhead sea turtles in South Carolina.

Each year, they protect 2000 to 3000 loggerhead nests.

Program Funding

For many years, this program was fully funded by USFWS.  Over the last decade, it has depended upon outside funding from Coastal Expeditions, donations and grants to pay for the seasonal salaries of two wildlife technicians and two interns.

The Coastal Expeditions Foundation handles this $40,000+ commitment through fundraisers and grass roots donations. In 2023, Boeing South Carolina became the title sponsor of this program though a generous grant to Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge.

Follow Along

Our sea turtle technicians and interns give weekly updates of the work they are doing every week on the Bulls Island Ferry instagram page.

Loggerhead Sea Turtle, Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, Coastal Expeditions Foundation, Charleston

2024 End of Year Nest Total

Adopt a Nest

Amazon Wishlist

Volunteer

Adopt a Nest

A $35 donation to the Coastal Expeditions Foundation protects a nest of about 120 loggerhead sea turtle eggs in Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge.

ADOPT A NEST

Amazon Wishlist

Throughout the turtle season, we add materials to this list for the Sea Turtle team that they need. It’s everything from rope and shovels to Gatorade and sunscreen.

AMAZON WISHLIST

Volunteer

Each Spring, Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge hosts an informational day for anyone that is interested in becoming part of the Sea Turtle Team as a volunteer.

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