A $35 symbolic adoption of a loggerhead sea turtle nest protects about 144 eggs in Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge.

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What does it mean to protect a nest?
It means that every time a nest is located it is moved to higher ground to prevent tidal washover and caged to prevent predation. A single egg from that nest is genetically tested to place that nest within the family tree, building on 45 years of critical research.

When the eggs hatch, the turtle team returns to that nest again, counting to see how many eggs were viable.

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

Each year, over 3000 nests are located on the island within Cape Romain NWR, making it one of the most important nesting sites on the Eastern seaboard.

Who funds this program?
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.

The Coastal Expeditions Foundation has hired an extra technician and two interns this summer to help with the increasing work load, and we have a fundraising goal of $30,000 to cover the expenses of these seasonal positions.

You can be a part of this boots-on-the-ground conservation project in Charleston’s backyard.  Make a donation by adopting a nest (or a few!) and your contribution will go towards this important project.

You can also purchase a much needed item for the team through our Amazon Wishlist.