Our very own Amber Kuehn recently sat down with David Simcox of Lowcountry Lifestyles for a deep dive into the world of sea turtle conservation. In this engaging interview, Amber shares her personal background, her love for the region, why she fell in love with sea turtles, and why this beautiful coastal area is called the “Lowcountry.” From marine biology to the local ecosystem, you’ll learn why the loggerhead sea turtle is truly the premier ambassador of Hilton Head Island.
The conversation covers the critical daily operations of Sea Turtle Patrol HHI and the vital rules that keep our beaches turtle-safe. Discover why our dedicated team of volunteers wakes up at the crack of dawn every morning to locate and mark nests, and learn the science behind when and why a nest must be relocated. Amber also breaks down the simple but life-saving habits every resident and visitor should practice, including:
- Using downward-facing property lights and red flashlights at night.
- The critical shovel ordinance, filling in holes so heavy nesting mothers and tiny hatchlings don’t fall in, and knocking down sandcastles.
- The growing threat of trash and plastic pollution in our oceans.
Experience “Putting the Beach to Bed” in Virtual Reality!
Because witnessing a nesting sea turtle in the wild is extremely rare, we have brought the magic to you! We created an immersive Virtual Reality experience that allows you to witness a nesting loggerhead and emerging hatchlings in stunning 3D.
Come try it out at our weekly Turtle Talk every Monday from June through August at Lowcountry Celebration Park (Rain or Shine!):
- 7:30 p.m. – Virtual Reality experience, kids’ games, and activities.
- 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – The official Turtle Talk presentation.
If you see an injured sea turtle, please report it immediately to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) at 1-800-922-5431.
