On the East Coast of the United States, sea turtles – primarily loggerhead turtles – follow a remarkable nesting process that begins in late spring and continues through summer. Turtle season on St Simons Island, Georgia, is an annual event that underscores the island’s commitment to wildlife conservation.
Nesting Season
From May through October the beaches of the Golden Isles become vital nesting grounds for sea turtles, predominately the threatened loggerhead species. During that time, female turtles emerge from the ocean under the cover of night to lay their eggs in the sand. The eggs incubate for about 45 to 70 days and the temperature of the sand determines the sex of the hatchlings. Warmer sand generally produces females, cooler produces male. The hatchlings will break free from their eggs at night and scramble toward the brightest horizon – normally the moonlit ocean.
Turtle-Safe Lighting
During nesting season it is strongly recommended to embrace the darkness on the beaches of St Simons Island. Flashlights are prohibited on or near beaches from May to October, unless using turtle-safe lighting. Turtle-safe lights can be purchased at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center’s gift shop on Jekyll Island.
The St Simons Island Sea Turtle Project
The St Simons Island Sea Turtle Project is a dedicated, volunteer group operating in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. They play a crucial role in monitoring and protecting these sea turtle nests. Volunteers patrol the beaches, marking new nests and keeping an eye out for hatchlings and any stranded turtles.
If you are interested in witnessing this remarkable natural event, guided turtle walks and educational programs are offered by Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island, Georgia. These experiences not only provide a chance to observe sea turtles in their natural habitat, but also educate participants on the importance of conservation efforts.
