From The Blog

Keep Lights Out As Hatching Season Wanes

Sea turtle nesting season begins each year around May. During that time, mama sea turtles will journey out of the Atlantic and onto the beach to dig their nests in the sand. In mid-summer, nesting wanes and hatching begins. From May through October, you can play a critical part in ensuring this cycle is not disrupted. Turn off all beachfront lights and do not use flashlights on the beach after sunset. The Town of Kiawah Island ordinance requires beachfront lighting to be off from 9 p.m. to dawn. As we near the end of hatching season, these tiny turtles still need our help. They are guided by the moon to return to the sea, and artificial light can disorient them, guiding them in the wrong direction and threatening their survival.

Two more things to remember: stay back and do not approach a turtle hatchling, not even for a photo op, and fill in any holes dug in the sand. Holes on the beach could be too deep or steep for a hatchling to climb out of, so please, always fill them in after play.