NEST News — January 2026
It's Cold Stun Season
Each winter along the Outer Banks, rapidly dropping water temperatures bring with them a seasonal challenge for sea turtles known as cold stunning. Sea turtles are cold-blooded reptiles, meaning their body temperature is regulated by the surrounding water. When temperatures fall quickly — typically below 50°F — turtles can become lethargic, weak, and unable to swim.
In the Pamlico Sound, this phenomenon is especially common. The Sound is shallow and expansive, allowing water temperatures to change very quickly during strong winter cold fronts. As winds shift and water cools rapidly, turtles feeding or resting in the Sound may not have time to migrate to warmer offshore waters. Once stunned, they often float or wash ashore, where they are at risk without human intervention.
Thanks to the dedication of volunteers and partners, cold-stunned turtles found along the Outer Banks can be rescued, rehabilitated, and — when ready — returned to the ocean.
Cold Stun Count: 207
Green: 191
Hawksbill: 0
Kemp's Ridley: 13
Loggerhead: 3
55 turtles released
Patroller Showcase
N.E.S.T. Volunteers patrol soundside private property on Hatteras Island and Ocracoke. Patrollers search in the freezing cold, high winds and rain or snow. They document turtles that are deceased, which helps biologists assess the event and collect valuable data on the species. Live turtles are carried off the beach and safely transported to the Staging Site in Buxton. It is not uncommon for patrollers to return to the field to cover more ground after delivering turtles to safety.
Patrollers are invaluable to the cold stun efforts. We cannot thank them enough for their hard work and tireless effort in saving the sea turtles.
Volunteer Spotlight: Kim Warde
Kim has been a volunteer since 2021. She is a lead responder, nest parent and educator extraordinaire! This past summer, Kim launched a 15-part TurtleTalk series at Sweet T's in Duck. Thank you Kim for everything you do!
Favorite N.E.S.T. activity:
I love to respond to nests and of course to witness hatchlings emerging, but my favorite thing is sea turtle education. There is such joy in sharing information with folks who so passionately love our sea creatures as I do.
Favorite way to relax:
I am kind of addicted to stamps, ink and paper and I find it so relaxing to create cards and send out "happy mail" to friends and family near and far. I also love to read and enjoy being part of a book club.
Most memorable N.E.S.T. moment:
Watching a nesting loggerhead mama lay her nest in Duck a few summers ago! So fantastic to witness!
Sunrise or sunset:
We get to do both and I have FOMO for both! Winter sunsets are often spectacular. I will be cooking dinner and see the sky ablaze and have been known to turn the stove off and run down the street in my slippers to catch the magic.
What you've gained from being a N.E.S.T. volunteer:
I have made the dearest of friends and feel so blessed to have many beautiful folks in my life here because of N.E.S.T. I've learned so much from our trainings and am in awe of how giving folks are. I have such an awesome appreciation for this beautiful place we get to call home and look forward to continuing to learn and grow as a volunteer with N.E.S.T.
Meet the Board
Tony Parisi
President
5th year
Becky January
Treasurer
3rd year
Jerrica Rea
Vice President
4th year
Pam McCormick
Director-At-Large
2nd year
Elizabeth Miller
Secretary
1st Term
Jennifer Claflin
Director-At-Large
1st Term
Lee Anne Foreman
Director-At-Large
1st Term
Reflections by the Sea — 2025 Recap
We began 2025 with a record-setting cold-stun season. Over the course of just two weeks, volunteers went above and beyond, responding tirelessly as more than 600 cold-stunned turtles were brought in for care.
Spring brought cold, rainy weather and a delayed start to nesting season. By month, we documented one nest in May, eleven in June, thirteen in July, and three in August. Through storms, hurricanes, and king tides, volunteers remained steadfast — watching nests day and night. Every successful nest was celebrated with joy, and every loss was felt deeply by our team.
Throughout the year, N.E.S.T. volunteers form strong bonds as they share an extraordinary range of experiences and emotions. Moments of devastation, loss, and helplessness are often followed by the joy of watching hatchlings make their journey to the ocean or safely transporting a turtle to rehabilitation. Volunteers work together to respond quickly, educate the public, and mentor rising teammates. This unwavering dedication to our flippered friends is what truly makes N.E.S.T. the best nonprofit on the beach.
2025 By the Numbers
1,216 Stranded Turtles
Nests
Total Nests: 29
Loggerhead: 25
Green: 2
Kemp's Ridley: 2
Hatchlings: 1,711
False Crawls: 21
2025 Highlights
53 Education Events
19 Merchandise Events
Adopt-a-Nest Launch
Online Store
Lighting Initiative
New Website
Best of the Beach — Nonprofit
21,000 Volunteer Hours
Community Donations
Major Supporters
Whalehead Brewery · Swells'a Brewing & Bob Bostic · Hurricane Mo's · Seaside Vacations · Corolla Side Bar · Richmond Ford · N.C. Community Foundation · United Way of South Hampton Roads · Greater Goods Charities
Community Donations
Jolly Roger Restaurant · Blue Moon Beach Grill · Tale of the Whale · Trio · Southern Shores Pizza · Kill Devil Rum · Colington Cafe · Kill Devil Grill/South of KDG · Brew Thru · Snowbirds · Country Deli · Sweet T's · Custom Cards by Kim · Village Table & Tavern · Ella's Olive Oil · Salty Sailor Apothecary · Roadside Grill · Pepsi · The Saltbox Cafe · Aqua Restaurant · Shaka's Beach Bar & Grill · Nags Head Hammocks · Ocean Boulevard Bistro · Captain George's · Black Pelican Restaurant · Barefoot Bernie's
