Cape Romain Sea Turtle Program

Supporting Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nesting at Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge

Protecting Sea Turtles in Cape Romain NWR

Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge is the most significant nesting site north of Florida on the Eastern seaboard. Over 3000 nests are laid on the barrier island beaches of this refuge each summer, and it takes a legion of volunteers and two wildlife technicians to handle the task of protecting and categorizing every loggerhead nest.

Every year, this program needs to be fully funded from outside donations and grants to pay for the seasonal salaries of three wildlife technicians and multiple interns. The Coastal Expeditions Foundation handles this $55,000/yr commitment through fundraisers and grass roots donations.

Make a donation to the Coastal Expeditions Foundation for Sea Turtles and 100% of the funds will be used towards the sea turtle program in Cape Romain.

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

Throwing a Wide Net Donate

A $35 dollar donation will protect a single nest in Cape Romain.  And in that nest, about 144 eggs will be categorized, moved to higher ground and caged to prevent predation. A single egg from that nest will be genetically tested, building on 35 years of critical research.

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

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

 

The Citizen Activists for Sea Turtles (CAST) was created by turtle volunteers as a way to ensure that this program will be funded in perpetuity through donations and grants.  The Coastal Expeditions Foundation is the non-profit sponsor handling the funds on behalf of this committee.

If $35 can impact nearly 150 hatchlings, imagine what a donation of $100, $500 or $1000 can do for our loggerhead sea turtles.  Please consider making a contribution today.

You can also support the team through purchasing a much needed item from our Amazon Wishlist

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St. Phillips Island & Beaufort Rentals

Offering Kayaks and Paddleboards

Take in the stunning beauty of local creeks and waters from one of our kayaks or SUPs. Walk-ups are welcome or call / text to book and we’ll be ready when you are. All gear and instruction provided.

Call or text 843.884.7684 to book.

Outpost Location

Need A Guide?

If you really want to get a feel for the local history, identify the native wildlife, and get to special places, you'll need someone experienced to show you the way. We'll get you there.

Check out our St. Phillips Island & Beaufort tours.

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Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant Rentals

Offering Kayaks and Paddleboards

Take in the stunning beauty of local creeks and waters from one of our kayaks or SUPs. Walk-ups are welcome or call / text to book and we’ll be ready when you are. All gear and instruction provided.

Call or text 843.884.7684 to book.

Outpost Location

Need A Guide?

If you really want to get a feel for the local history, identify the native wildlife, and get to special places, you'll need someone experienced to show you the way. We'll get you there.

Check out our Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant tours.

Rent a Kayak or Paddleboard Click to Book via Text