Did you know our Alabama beaches are a prime nesting ground for sea turtles?

Unfortunately, with development along our coastline comes some dangers for these nesting turtles and for the hatchlings as they make their way to the water.

But volunteers are on duty to help keep them safe. How does that work? Share the Beach was formed in 2005, and now comes under the umbrella of the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge and The Alabama Coastal Foundation.

The Share the Beach program enlists volunteers to patrol the beach, educate the public and even conduct late-night nest observations. When a nest is found, it is marked off with safety tape and put under the watchful eyes of these volunteers. When the eggs hatch, volunteers help ensure the hatchlings make it safely to the water.

The program follows protocols set up by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the federal endangered species law.

So how can you help?

Join the program as a volunteer or make a donation as a sponsor. The program does not receive any federal funds, so it relies on local donations.

In addition, you can take steps to be sea turtle friendly when visiting the beach. Don’t use flashlights on the beach at night, turn off patio or porch lights, avoid sea turtle nests, pick up debris and trash, and leave sea turtle tracks undisturbed.

Please do your part to help us help these amazing creatures.