Share the Shore

Green sea turtle hatchling crawls across the sand

 

Sea Turtles

Each summer, North Carolina's beaches become nesting grounds for female sea turtles, who come ashore to lay eggs. Months later, tiny hatchlings emerge and make their journey to the ocean.

How you can help sea turtles:

  • Fill in holes and knock down sandcastles, remove beach furniture, and pick up trash before leaving the beach.
  • Stay at least 20 feet away from nesting turtles and hatchlings, and respect posted nesting sites.
  • Keep the beach dark at night - avoid using flashlights and flash photography, close window curtains and turn off porch lights.

Volunteer Opportunities

Sea Turtle Nest Monitoring System

A very young shorebird sleeps soundly in its nest upon the beach

 

Shore Birds

North Carolina's beaches are home to one of the widest varieties of bird species on the East Coast. Colonial waterbirds, nest by the thousands on islands in the sounds, while shorebirds nest as pairs right on the beach. More info on North Carolina's beach nesting birds.

How you can help shore birds:

  • Keep pets on a leash.
  • Use binoculars. Don't approach birds.
  • Watch your step! Walk on trails or below the high tide line to protect nests.
  • Respect posted bird areas and do not enter nesting sites.

Volunteer Opportunities

Atlantic Flyway Shorebird Initiative