2023 Edisto Turtle Nesting Season Begins

Town of Edisto Beach Turtle Patrol on May 10

Each year the calendar claims May 1 – October 31 as sea turtle nesting season, and an army of turtle patrol volunteers undertake a daily morning walk to identify the signs of turtle crawls and nests. Edisto Island has three areas that are closely monitored for this activity and they are Botany Bay WMA Beach, Edisto State Park Beach and Town of Edisto Beach. The first loggerhead turtle nest came at Botany Bay on May 5, the first at the State Park came on May 9 and the first on the Town Beach was May 12. Sea turtle activity should increase rapidly, and the 2023 TurtleFest is set for Saturday, June 3 at the State Park.

            

DNR technician at Botany Bay WMA

For instance, the Lights Out campaign from May 1 – Oct. 31 aims to reduce glare from beach houses and roadway lights that can cause disorientation to nesting mothers and to hatchlings returning to the sea. A leash law for dogs goes into effect on May 1 in order to ensure that canines do not investigate any sea turtles encountered during nesting season. Police Chief Seyle says to call 843-549-2211 to report dogs off leash. Also, beachgoers are constantly needing to be reminded that holes dug in the sand must be refilled each day, and that leaving chairs, coolers and umbrellas on the beach overnight is not allowed, since all are impediments to nesting turtles.

A Body Pit is indicative of a Nest

I was able to go on Turtle Patrol at dawn on May 10 with the Town of Edisto Beach, and we walked from Station 22 to Station 16, but found no turtle sign. “This is my second year on Turtle Patrol and just can’t get enough of this opportunity to help nesting mamas complete their cycle of life,” said Mary Alice Woodrum. “It was breezy and cloudy today, but once it gets sunny and warmer the nesting season could get busy quickly. Turtle Patrol also picks up all litter we find, and reports unusual wildlife sightings from the surf zone.” If a turtle nest is above the high tide line and in a safe place it can be marked and left in place, but some nests must be excavated and moved for safety, which requires SCDNR training and skills which all turtle patrol leaders have received.

To view past blog entries about sea turtle click 2022 Hunting Island State Park Turtle Patrol - 2021 Town Of Edisto Turtle Patrol - 2020 Nesting Season Begins - 2019 Kiawah Record Nest Total - 2019 Nesting Season Begins -  2018 Nesting Season Begins - 2016 Seabrook Turtle Patrol - 2015 Edisto Turtle Fest - 2014 Leatherback Sighting - 2012 SCDNR Turtle Trawl - 2012 World Sea Turtle Day - 2011 Mid-Season Nesting Numbers - 2009 SC Aquarium Sea Turtle Release

To view past blog entries from Edisto in 2023 click on Dolphin Slam - Paddling For Pups - Mellon Grant for Hutchinson House - Horseshoe Crab Awareness -  Deer Herd Management - 2025 Beach Renourishment - Botany Bay Volunteer Supper - Christmas Bird Count