When sea turtle hatchlings emerge from the nest, time is of the essence for them to get to the Gulf of Mexico to evade capture by natural predators such as birds, crabs, raccoons, and coyotes stalking the beach.

Obstacles on the beach, including holes and sandcastles, increase a hatchling’s time or distance to the Gulf, which reduces their chance of survival, which is already slim. It is estimated that only one in 1,000 to one in 10,000 sea turtles survive to adulthood. That’s why every hatchling matters. Every hole matters. Your help matters.

One mid-island dog-walking “pack” has banded together to make a group donation to support the SCCF Sea Turtle Program, in addition to picking up trash and filling in holes every day as they walk their dogs on the beach.

With hatching season underway, thank you by filling in holes, particularly those left by others who may not realize the unintended consequences of the castles, beach furniture, and holes they leave behind.

SCCF supporters and Hatchling Heroes, from left to right: Dan Hannah, Dawn Adams, Jenny Arroyo, Susan Sheffield, and their loyal companions (Not pictured: Gayle Campbell, Ellen Petrick, and Ann Scully)