Seabrook Island Turtle Patrol

10/08/2026

THATS A WRAP ON THE 2026 TURTLE SEASON.
What a season it has been! we are thrilled with our 3rd highest number of nest - with 79 nests and over 4000 hatchlings making their way to the ocean.
But as always, it wasn't without its challenges.
Coyotes love fresh eggs for breakfast and this year they impacted 19 of our nests. Some nests were completely lost, while othere stll had viable eggs.
Ghost crabs also made their presence known this season, adding another predator to the list.
King tides caused the loss of a couple of nests too.
And then there were lights! Hatchlings normally emerge at night and use the natural light over the ocean to guide them. Unfortunately, lights from houses can confuse them and in Zone 3 between boarwalks 5 and 7, several homes left blinds open and hatchlings were attracted towars the homes and not the ocean. This is why keeping beachfront lights off, during nesting season is so important.
This season also brought a change in leadership. After 5 years Jane Magioncalda gracefully retired and Jane left some big boots to fill.
Our new leader and someone who will fill those big boots is Marnie Ellis. We welcome Marnie and look forward to many great seasons under her leadership.
Our end of year party was enjoyed by many. After all the early mornings, late nights, beach walks, crawls, boils, inventories, hatchlings, predators and everything else the turtle threw at us, we definitely deserved a little fun!
See you at the Polar plunge, Jan 1.
Then the fun starts all over again. Checking equipment, making new rosters and most of importantly choosing the color of our shirts and hats!
From all of us at Turtle Paro - and especially the turtles -
HAPPY HOLIDAYS.
SEE YOU ON THE BEACH IN 2027.
Permit Licensed by SC Dept # SCDNR MTP # 543

08/21/2026

MORE INVENTORIES.
On Sunday, August 23 at 7:30 am nests 49 and 53 will be inventoried which can be accessed via boardwalk 6.

A Friendly Reminder About Nest Inventories.

We love our four- legged friends, but we kindly ask that no dogs or other pets be brought to nest inventories.
Please remember that North beach, Zone 1 is always off limits to dogs and pets.

Our Turtle Patrol team has a lot to manage during an inventory. We are busy monitoring the hatchlings, helping them safely to the water, keeping spectators at a safe distance, watching for gulls and other predators.

We truly appreciate everyone's understanding and cooperation.

Department of Natural resources. Permit Licensed by SC Dept # SCDNR MTP # 543

08/19/2026

Zone 3 walkers Marnie, MIlum and Karen approached nest 52 thinking they were just doing a routine check---but🐢🐢💚💚 SURPISE - They found a full boil in progress.
The walkers helped the little hatchlings safely make their way to the ocean. 🌊
Just like human kids, our little turtles sometimes get their days and nights mixed up! Loggerheads hatchlings typically emerge under the cover of darkness, but these little ones decided they were ready to start their journey in broad daylight.
This nest will be inventoried Saturday, August 22 at 7:30 am. This nest is located by board 6 which is the closest boardwalk.
Department of Natural resources. Permit Licensed by SC Dept # SCDNR MTP # 543

08/09/2026

The Seabrook Island Turtle Patrol has scheduled the inventory of nest 44 for Monday, August 10 at 7:30 am. This nest is located about 100 yards north of boardwalk 6 which is the nearest beach access.
Please refer to our web site- siturtlepatrol.com if storms are in the area. The time can change and may also be cancelled.
Thank you all for your support.

08/06/2026

Our babies keep coming. 2 hatchlings today helped to the water and a full boil of nest 27 which will be inventoried Sunday, August 9 at 7:15 am. This nest is on zone 3and can be accessed by using boardwalk 6 or 7.
Hope to see you there.
Department of Natural resources. Permit Licensed by SC Dept # SCDNR MTP # 543

08/04/2026

OH BABY.🐢
The mommas came in fast and furious earlier in the season and now the hatchlings are starting their journey just as quickly.
During the last 3 inventories, we have helped 22 baby loggerhead turtles safely reach the ocean. Watching these tiny hatchlings begin their adventure never gets old.
Safe travels, little ones. We'll be watching the beaches in about 20 years hoping some of you return to nest where your journey began.
🐢💚
Our next inventory will be Friday, August 7 at 6:30 pm on zone 1 by peg 3. Use boardwalk 1 or 2 and turn left when reaching the beach.
Department of Natural resources. Permit Licensed by SC Dept # SCDNR MTP # 543

08/03/2026

TIME CHANGE FOR INVENOTORY.
PLEASE NOTE TONIGHTS INVENTORY WILL NOW START AT 6 PM DUE TO WEATHER.
USE BOARDWALK 6 OR 7.

Send a message to learn more

07/27/2026

BUSY DAY AGAIN.
This morning we had a nest, hatchling tracks, inventories and a beautiful sun rise.
Zone 1 walkers Kim Neath, Julie Minch (not pictured) and Melissa Andrews reported a wild nest. Probers Sandy MacCoss , J-Anna Smith and Jane Magioncalda found viable eggs which were transferred to a safer location.
Tracks were seen from other nests which should be boiling very soon.
During today's inventories 6 hatchlings were guided to the ocean.

We will inventory nests 10 and 11 this Wednesday starting at 6:15 pm. The first one is on zone 2. Use boardwalk 1 or 2 and turn right when beach is reached.
Immediately following this inventory nest 11 on zone 1. Use boardwalk 1 and turn left once beach is reached.
Department of Natural resources. Permit Licensed by SC Dept # SCDNR MTP # 543

07/26/2026

A VERY BUSY WEEKEND.
Our teams are all out monitoring, maintaining and checking for indications on any nest activity, and oh don't forget also looking for momma tracks.
Our Zone 1 walkers, Jan and Chris Couch and Kim Neath reported a crawl. Probers Sandy MacCoss and Nancy Schibler located the eggs. They also noted that the nest had been predated. The Coyote wasn't that hungry as the majority of the eggs were transferred to a safer location. Congrats to Jan and Chris on their first experience with relocating the eggs.
Many nests are showing signs of boiling. Our intrepid PHAT team members check the nest late in the day for any further development during the day.
Many inventories coming up.
Monday July 27. at 7AM. Zone 3 which is accessed by boardwalk 6 or 7.
Monday July 27 at 6:30 pm. Zone 1. Accessed by boardwalk 1. Turn left once reaching the beach.
Tuesday July 28 7am. Zone 3. access is by boardwalk 6 or 7
Tuesday July 28 6:30 pm. Zone 1. Use boardwalk 1and turn left once on the beach.
Department of Natural resources. Permit Licensed by SC Dept # SCDNR MTP # 543

07/24/2026

WHAT A BEAUTFUL AND EXCITING MORNING TO BE ON THE BEACH.
Zone 3 walkers Beth and Brian Kuess, Nancy Shenton and Judy Morr found an unmarked loggerhead turtle nest that boiled overnight. They estimated 50 hatchings had made their way to the ocean. They also helped 3 stragglers to the ocean. This became nest 70I. The i indicating an unmarked nest. They also reported tracks on nest 6 and more tracks from nest 4 which will be inventoried tonight.
Zone 1 walkers Marnie Ellis, Kim Warchol and Linda Bakker found approximately 12 tracks from nest 17 with one hatchling on top, whom they helped to the water. On their return walk they discovered that this nest was in full boil and hatchlings were scattered on the beach which they escorted to the ocean.
Looks like next week could be a busy one for inventories. Check out details on our web site - siturtlepatrol.com
In other exciting news, Virginia has reported its first - ever leatherback sea turtle! Leatherbacks are the largest sea turtle which typically nest much further south in Florida and the Caribbean. Adults can reach 2000 pounds and measure up to 8 feet.
Every morning is different!
Department of Natural resources. Permit Licensed by SC Dept # SCDNR MTP # 543