From Sand to Sea: Protecting Sea Turtles
Updated: 5d
It’s turtle season! Sea turtles are waking up from winter hibernation and are now in search of finding the perfect mate and nesting in areas along the beaches. Did you know that sea turtles love our beaches?
Key Points
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Season for Sea Turtles
Tracks may be spotted in the sand as sea turtles come ashore, testing the nesting grounds. Sadly, sea turtle populations are steadily dropping, placing them on the endangered species list. Sea turtles spook easily from bright lights and loud noises which is often due to development on the beach, causing them to often retreat back into the ocean. Grand Palms Resort is dedicated to helping sea turtles not only survive but thrive on our local beaches.
History of World Turtle Day
May is a highly active month for all types of turtle, and May 23 is celebrated as World Turtle Day. According to the Human Society of the United States, “world Turtle Day was initiated in 2000 by the American Tortoise Rescue, a turtle and tortoise rescue organization founded in 1990 in Malibu, California. The group brings attention to turtle conservation issues and highlights ways each of us can help protect these gentle but jeopardized animals.” World Turtle Day is a time to take necessary measures to ultimately cut down on the harmful damage done to their habitat. The day is often celebrated through volunteering, spreading the word, and research.
How can you help?
Stay off the dunes. This is where sea turtles lay their eggs.
Leave sea oats alone. These plants help maintain the health of the dune by providing structure and adding essential nutrients for the eggs in the soil.
Keep trash off the beach. Turtles can get very sick due to consuming plastic bags and other materials.
Leave the sand as flat as you found it. Digging holes and building sand castles are fun to do, but when you’re finished it’s important to fill in the hole and knock down the castle. Sea turtles can get caught on these obstacles as they make their way to the dunes to lay their eggs.
Turn off the lights. Artificial lighting can distract and disorient them which can lead them straight towards a predator.
Don’t set off fireworks on the beach. Sea turtles can become frightened by the noise and sometimes eat the debris.
Donate to the cause. Grand Palms Resort loves sea turtles, which is why we are accepting donations at our Stuff a Sea Creature Activity.
Why Sea Turtles?
Sea turtles grant a certain air of grace and wonder to our oceans which would be greatly missed. They are one of very few animals that eat ocean grass, and their eggs play an important role in keeping the delicate sand dunes healthy by providing essential nutrients to the dune grasses. With their important egg-laying role, these turtles are help our beloved sand dunes stay beautiful.
Learn More
Become active in habitat preservation through turtle walks and educating others.
Myrtle Beach State Park provides an array of turtle programs and activities open for the public.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach is an educational and adventurous place to learn and explore with the family. Go and see turtles in action!
Want to know more?
Grand Palms Resort Loves Sea Turtles
At only 2 miles from Surfside Beach, Grand Palms Resort is an excellent place to make your base as you pursue active turtle rescue. To try and raise awareness about turtles, we host an activity called, Stuff a Sea Creature. During this activity, you can learn about our efforts to save the Sea Turtles and with your participation, you help too! We donate a portion of the proceeds to save the sea turtles. Be sure to bring your children to the activity this summer for some educational fun! To go ahead and reserve your stay with us, click here!
