Giving 

 

Make a Difference

Join us in protecting endangered sea turtles and their habitats. Your donation directly saves lives of sea turtles and helps restore marine ecosystems.

Your Contribution Matters!

Sea turtles have been roaming our oceans for millions of years, playing a vital role in marine ecosystems. But today, their survival is threatened. By sponsoring a sea turtle, you help us:

  • Protect nesting beaches.

  • Rescue and rehabilitate injured turtles.

  • Educate communities on marine conservation.

Quick Impact Statistics

  • Over 1,000 hatchlings are saved annually.

  • Hundreds of cold-stunned sea turtles are rescued each winter.

  • 10,000 pounds of plastic waste removed from beaches in the last year.

We are committed to saving sea turtles through rescue, rehabilitation, and education. Operating under the Endangered Species Act, we work with partners to protect these gentle giants and their habitats.

  • 100% of your sponsorship goes directly to turtle conservation efforts.

  • Regular updates and reports ensure you see the impact of your support.

Donation Options

Make a one-time or recurring contributions using PayPal. Other payment options are coming soon.

Donations made using this option do not apply to nest adoption

Adopt a Nest

The 2026 nesting season begins March 21 in the northern Outer Banks. Our adoption program, launched in 2025, was truly amazing. One month after opening the program, all nests for the entire season were adopted. We hope that happens again this year!

We would like to extend special thanks to our family of nest adopters last year for their generosity and support.

Please read the terms and conditions below before proceeding.

Adoption is easy! Click here

Adopt-A-Nest is a symbolic adoption. Adopters do not own the sea turtle nest or any of its contents, which remain protected wildlife.

We are not authorized to share the specific location of any nest. You will be notified of the town in which your nest was laid and will receive personalized updates as it progresses through the season. Nests are typically assigned during nesting season (June–August), with hatching occurring in late summer or early fall.

Sea turtle nesting is a natural process. While our trained volunteers make every effort to support each nest, storms and other environmental factors can occur and success cannot be guaranteed. For this reason, adoptions are non-refundable. Throughout the season you will receive email updates, including nest assignment, a mid-season check-in, hatching/emergence news, and excavation results with a final report. Photos of your specific nest will be shared whenever possible, but availability may vary.

100% of your donation directly supports N.E.S.T.’s sea turtle conservation, education, and protection efforts.

FAQs

  • We are in the process of improving our payment system to allow donations to be given in someone else’s name or as a gift.

  • Absolutely! And many do. Contact is about enabling businesses to support conservation while showcasing their commitment to sea turtles and marine conservation in the Outer Banks. Benefits include public recognition, co-branded materials, and the opportunity to engage employees and customers in conservation efforts.