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Found a mother turtle laying a nest? A stranded or injured sea turtle and/or unattended hatchlings?
Call the HBTWP Stranding Team:
910-754-0766 | 24/7/365
Nesting turtles are frightened by lights and won't lay their eggs on a brightly lighted beach. Hatchlings will go to the lights rather than the ocean! Please help us preserve our marine life by keeping beachfront lighting off from May 1st until October 31st. learn more turtle facts
As recommended by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, it is the policy of the HBTWP to NOT disclose the locations or potential hatch dates of active turtle nests on our beach.
A list of nest locations will NOT be published in newspapers, on this website or on other social media. Please do NOT call the emergency number or contact the Project Coordinator to ask about nests. This is for the safety of the turtles! learn more about turtle nesting
Current Nest Count |
False Crawls |
35 |
32 |
Total Known Eggs |
Hatchlings to Ocean |
4012 |
2389 |
posted: January 19, 2026, 1:13 PM
The sea turtle season in North Carolina is May-October and many of the NC beaches have volunteer turtle patrols. Our Holden Beach Turtle Patrol is accepting applicants for new Trainee positions for the 2026 season. If you are interested in joining the Holden Beach Turtle Patrol, please click on our website CONTACT US tab and complete the “Online Submission Form". Steve McNeill, our new Program Coordinator, will interview all applicants and explain the Holden Beach Turtle Watch Program, the volunteer training, and other duties and responsibilities. For photos and more information about our organization, explore our website and Facebook ...read more of this article.
posted: January 14, 2026, 8:23 PM
Holden Beach Turtle Watch Program board members Laura Hager, Steve McNeill, Deva Tucker and Barb Taylor met with 4 members of the Holden Beach Chapel Board of Trustees (Richard McCain, Ann Landis, Bubba Rollins and Doc Beatty) to present them with a $500 donation. The HBTWP is deeply grateful for the strong community partnership with the Holden Beach Chapel which allows them to host their Holden Beach Turtle Patrol Annual Meeting in April, and their “Children’s Turtle Time” and “Turtle Talk” educational programs in the Summer, in the Chapel’s Fellowship Room. Without the Chapel’s generosity, HBTWP would not be able...read more of this article.
posted: January 9, 2026, 2:39 PM
Sharing sad news, our dear friend Mary Ellen Claggett, who was a member of our turtle patrol for many years, has passed. She was a wonderful mentor and role model for many HBTP members for many years. She and her husband Ken (also a long-time turtle patrol member) moved to the west coast two years ago. Mary Ellen was known for staying late nights at turtle nests waiting for them to hatch. She didn't want to miss a moment. Her smile and laugh endeared her to many vacationers. She leaves a wonderful legacy. We do miss her....read more of this article.
posted: December 7, 2025, 1:20 PM
Need an idea for a stocking stuffer or a gift for the turtle lover in your life? We have a deal for you! Black Friday sale is still happening! All 2025 HBTW T-shirts are on sale. Limited sizes and limited styles. Check the SHOP section of this website for prices and how to order on-line. If you're local to the Holden Beach/Brunswick County area we'll be at the Market on Mulberry at the Riverwalk in Shallotte on Saturday December 13 from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m. This is at the Riverwalk at 158 Wall Street in downtown Shallotte. If you're...read more of this article.