Orange Beach, Ala. - (OBA) - Each year, the Alabama Gulf Coast witnesses a natural spectacle that draws visitors from near and far: sea turtle nesting season. From May through October, female sea turtles make their way to Alabama's white sand beaches to lay their eggs. 



Alabama's Gulf Coast is home to three species of sea turtles: the Loggerhead, Green, and Kemp's Ridley. These fascinating creatures are an integral part of the coastal ecosystem, and the Share the Beach (STB) program plays a vital role in their conservation.

Share the Beach: A Volunteer-Driven Conservation Program:

Share the Beach is Alabama's sea turtle conservation program, founded in 2005. It is a volunteer-driven initiative, operating under the guidance of the Alabama Coastal Foundation (ACF), a non-profit organization. The program's mission is to protect and conserve sea turtles, their nests, and hatchlings on Alabama's Gulf Coast.

STB trains and coordinates volunteers each year, who work tirelessly to monitor and protect sea turtle nesting sites. These volunteers, known as "Turtle Watchers," play a crucial role in ensuring the survival of these endangered species. They patrol the beaches, identify nests, and educate the public about sea turtle conservation.

A Focus on Conservation and Education:

As part of its conservation efforts, Share the Beach focuses on several key strategies to protect sea turtles and their habitats. These include:

1. Nest Monitoring: Volunteers locate and identify sea turtle nests, then monitor them throughout the nesting season. This ensures that the nests are undisturbed and that hatchlings have the best chance of making it to the gulf waters safely.
2. Nest Relocation: In cases where nests are laid in vulnerable locations, such as near high tides or heavy foot traffic, trained volunteers may relocate the nests to safer areas.
3. Public Education: STB volunteers engage with the public to raise awareness about sea turtles and the importance of conservation. They provide information on how to safely observe nesting turtles and share tips on minimizing human impact on their environment.
4. Data Collection: STB collects valuable data on sea turtle populations, nest locations, and hatchling success rates. This information helps scientists and conservationists better understand the threats facing these animals and informs future conservation efforts.
5. Beach Cleanups: STB organizes regular beach cleanups to maintain a clean and safe environment for nesting turtles and their hatchlings.

How You Can Help:

The success of Share the Beach and the conservation of Alabama's sea turtles relies on the dedication of volunteers and public support. You can get involved in various ways:

1. Become a Volunteer: Sign up to be a Turtle Watcher or participate in beach cleanups. No prior experience is necessary, as training is provided.
2. Adopt a Nest: Support the STB program by adopting a nest, which helps fund the program's conservation efforts.
3. Spread the Word: Educate your friends, family, and social media followers about the importance of sea turtle conservation and the STB program.
4. Donate: Make a financial contribution to the Alabama Coastal Foundation, which supports the Share the Beach program.
5. Follow Regulations: If you visit the Alabama Gulf Coast during turtle season, follow guidelines and regulations to protect the sea turtles and their habitats.

The Alabama Gulf Coast's sea turtle nesting season is an annual event that highlights the beauty and importance of these majestic creatures. Through the dedicated work of the Share the Beach program and its volunteers, the conservation and protection of sea turtles can be ensured for generations to come. Get involved, spread awareness, and let's work together to safeguard these endangered species and their habitats.