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SEA TURTLE PATROL HHI

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A 501c3 Non-Profit ORGANIZATION
 

Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head Island is a tax deductible 501C3 organization that provides monitoring and support on Hilton Head Island beaches for sea turtle nesting and hatching activity annually. These programs, along with spreading awareness through public education and outreach, are essential to promote the continued existence of these endangered species. 

Check back often to see the sea turtle nest numbers grow

2023 Hilton head nest counter

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Check out our latest video's

The first nest of the 2023 nesting season is dedicated
to our own Nanci Polk-Weckhorst! 
 

In 1981, Nanci pioneered the original sea turtle monitoring and conservation program on Hilton Head and we are fortunate to have her back on Sea Turtle Patrol.   In the video, Nanci reflects on those early years and how it feels to know that some of these early hatchlings have survived their 30 year odyssey to return to nest on the beaches of Hilton Head Island!

Stay In Touch

Want to learn more about how you can help the Sea Turtles on HHI? Join our mailing list and stay up-to-date on nest counts and turtle progression throughout the year.

Nest dedications 

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2024 Nest Dedications will resume on Novemeber 1st! 

By dedicating a nest you are helping us keep up with expenses required to document daily sea turtle activity.  Vehicle maintenance, fuel, poles, tape, latex gloves, digging tools, mallets, and insurance are a few of the expenses that are essential to monitor all 14 miles of beaches.  

Did You Know?

  • An adult can grow up to 4 feet long and can weigh up to 400 pounds.

  • Adult females do not begin laying eggs until they are about 30 years old. 

  • Incubation period is about 60 days, depending on the sand temperature in the nest.

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