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.

Adopt a Nest

Applications for adopting a sea turtle nest for the 2025 nesting season begins May 1!

You can symbolically Adopt-A-Nest in the Northern Outer Banks for a tax-deductible donation of $100.00. Adopt early to secure your nest-limited nests available!

N.E.S.T patrols over 50 miles of beach from Nags Head to Carova and we cannot predict which areas will have nesting sea turtles. Every year is a surprise to us! Adoptable nests will be assigned as they are laid, so the location of nests will be left up to the turtles! Nests will be assigned in June and July. 

When a nest is laid and ready for adoption, you will receive a welcome packet in the mail. It will include:

  • An adoption certificate

  • A fact sheet for the sea turtle species that laid the nest

  • Exclusive photos of the nest response, if available

  • An exclusive 2025 Adopt-A-Nest sticker

In addition to this initial package, you will receive email updates when the nest hatches and a final report which will include details of the excavation.

Your donation directly supports the efforts of N.E.S.T. As an all volunteer organization, 100% of our proceeds is put into our efforts to protect and conserve the sea turtles.  

Disclaimer:

No person or persons may claim actual ownership of a sea turtle, sea turtle nest, eggs, or hatchlings. Exact location details of your nest cannot be shared but you will be informed of the town in which it was laid. Nature is unpredictable and we do experience nest loss due to storms and erosion. Every effort will be made to ensure a successful nest but cannot be guaranteed. Nests may be adopted to multiple donors. Donations are non-refundable. 

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.