Essentials of Volunteering

Thank you for your interest in becoming a vital part of North Carolina’s sea turtle conservation.

We currently have all the volunteers we need to meet our requirements for this year.  We’ll reassess our requirements next year and, if we need more volunteers, we’ll post that here.

Sea turtle volunteering

Experience the Joy of Making an Impact by Becoming a Sea Turtle Volunteer:

  • Hands-On Conservation: Participate directly in the protection of nesting sites and the release of hatchlings.

  • Learn and Educate: Share your love for wildlife while learning about sea turtles and marine ecosystems.

  • Build Connections: Join a passionate community of volunteers dedicated to preserving North Carolina’s natural treasures.

Roles you can take on as a sea turtle volunteer

 

Nest Monitoring: Walk the beaches at dawn to identify new nests and protect them from predators.

  • Nest Sitting: Stay by the nests during the hatching period to ensure the safety of baby turtles.

  • Public Education: Help inform beachgoers about sea turtle conservation efforts and encourage responsible behavior.

  • Beach Cleanup: Remove obstacles and debris to create a safer environment for nesting turtles.

What You’ll Gain

  • A sense of accomplishment and connection to nature.

  • Knowledge of conservation techniques.

  • Opportunities to make lifelong friendships with fellow volunteers.

 

Protecting North Carolina’s Coastal Marine Life 

We operate in some of the most beautiful and ecologically important locations in North Carolina, including:

  • Outer Banks: From Nags Head to south Nags Head

  • Topsail Island: A vital nesting site for loggerhead turtles.

  • Wilmington and Atlantic Beach: Key areas for both nesting and conservation education.

FAQs

  • Sea turtle conservation volunteers play a critical role in protecting these endangered species. Tasks include patrolling beaches for nesting activity, setting up barriers to safeguard nests, assisting hatchlings during their journey to the ocean, and educating beachgoers about conservation. Every activity helps ensure the survival of sea turtles for future generations.

  • Sea turtles are a vital part of marine ecosystems, helping maintain healthy seagrass beds and coral reefs. Unfortunately, their populations are threatened by habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. By joining a sea turtle conservation project, you’re helping to safeguard these incredible creatures and their habitats.

  • To become a sea turtle volunteer in North Carolina, simply sign up through our program. You’ll receive training on tasks like nest monitoring and hatchling rescue, as well as guidelines for protecting turtles during the nesting season. We welcome volunteers of all experience levels who are passionate about conservation.

  • Yes, families are welcome to participate in sea turtle volunteering. While some tasks like nest monitoring may have age restrictions, there are plenty of family-friendly activities, such as beach cleanups and educational events. Volunteering as a family is a great way to bond while contributing to marine conservation.

  • No prior experience is necessary! We provide all the training and resources you’ll need to get started. Whether you’re a first-time volunteer or an experienced conservationist, there’s a role for everyone in our program.

  • The best time to volunteer for a sea turtle conservation project is during nesting season, which runs from May through October in North Carolina. This is when most of the activity, such as nesting, hatching, and hatchling rescues, takes place. Volunteers are especially needed during this period to ensure nests and hatchlings are protected.

  • Yes, even short-term visitors can contribute! While some roles require long-term commitments, there are opportunities for short-term volunteers, such as assisting with beach cleanups, participating in public education, or supporting nest monitoring during your stay. We’d love to have your help, even if it’s just for a day.