The Holden Beach Turtle Watch Program (affectionally known as the Turtle Patrol) is offering two different turtle education programs each Wednesday through mid-August. Residents and visitors are encouraged to attend for some turtle-based fun.
Children’s Turtle Time begins at 4 pm and is designed specifically for children ages 3–4 and 5–6. An adult should remain with the child during the 45-minute program. For families with two or more children that fall within both age groups, it is advisable that two adults attend. The program introduces young children to the world of sea turtles through hands-on play, games, books and puzzles. Children’s Turtle Time runs through August 7.
On Wednesday evenings, Turtle Talk begins at 7 pm. All family members are welcome. A turtle patrol volunteer leads these programs and will share personal knowledge, and important information such as what to look for when visiting the beach and current nest information. There will be a slide show, a delightful short movie and a Q&A session. This program focuses on the life cycle of the sea turtle and how the HBTWP aides in the preservation of sea turtles. Several turtle artifacts will be on display for viewing and informational handouts will be available. Turtle Talk will be held through August 21.
Both programs are free of charge and will be held at the Holden Beach Chapel, 107 Rothschild Street on Holden Beach. The 2024 HBTWP shirt will be on sale at both events.
HBTWP was founded in 1989 to monitor and protect the sea turtle population on Holden Beach. This all volunteer, nonprofit conservation organization operates under the authority of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission.
The 2024 turtle season began on Holden Beach on May 1 when members started patrolling the island each morning looking for signs of a mother turtle. The first turtle nest was laid on Holden Beach on May 18. Nests should begin to hatch in mid to late July, and turtle season runs through October.
For details about these programs, the latest statistics regarding the number of nests on the beach, and recent news visit the Turtle Patrol’s website at hbturtlewatch.org
