Be On the Front Lines of Sea Turtle Conservation — Join Us for the 2026 Nesting Season
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
As the sun warms the sands of Fort Lauderdale each spring, a timeless ritual begins deep beneath the surface of the Atlantic. Ancient mariners of the sea — loggerheads, green turtles, and the mighty leatherbacks — return to these beaches to lay the next generation of ocean wanderers. This is sea turtle nesting season, a critical chapter in the life of these endangered creatures and a thrilling moment to be part of something bigger than ourselves.
From March 1 through October 31, Fort Lauderdale’s shores transform into living incubators of hope and resilience. Though the official window stretches across eight months, the heart of the nesting season — when most nests are laid and many hatchlings emerge — spans spring into early fall.
We’re calling on passionate, dedicated individuals to join us for the 2026 sea turtle nesting season. Whether you see yourself combing the beach with us at dawn, stepping up as a rescue staff member, or supporting from behind the scenes, there’s a place for you in this vital effort.
What Does Nesting Season Look Like?
During nesting season:
Female sea turtles come ashore at night to dig nests and lay eggs in the sand.
Each nest holds roughly 80–120 eggs that incubate for about two months before hatchlings erupt from the sand and instinctively head toward the ocean.
Trained staff and volunteers monitor nesting activity, protect nests from threats, and help ensure hatchlings make it safely to the sea.
Being on the front lines of this season means more than hours on the sand — it’s a commitment to safeguarding life. With threats ranging from artificial lighting to coastal development, dedicated stewardship is essential every single season.
Want to Join Our Sea Turtle Rescue Staff (Seasonal)
Are you ready to get your hands sandy and your heart full? We’re hiring Sea Turtle Rescue Staff for the 2026 nesting season, running through Fort Lauderdale’s official nesting window of March through October. This role puts you directly in the field to:
Assist in tracking nesting females and identifying new nests
Monitor nests and mark them for protection
Respond to disoriented hatchlings in need of help
Educate the public about responsible beach behavior and sea turtle safety
We’re looking for team members who are passionate, reliable, and ready for adventure under the stars. Prior experience with wildlife conservation is a plus, but your enthusiasm and respect for these animals is what matters most.
Year-Round Volunteer Opportunities
If sandy nights aren’t your only calling, we’ve got a whole wave of ways you can make an impact — 365 days a year:
Events & Educational Outreach
Share knowledge and build community support at schools, festivals, and public programs.
Lighting Committee
Help reduce hatchling disorientation by advising neighborhoods and businesses on turtle-safe lighting solutions.
Marketing & Social Media
Spread the word with storytelling, campaigns, and community engagement.
Grant Writing & Fundraising
Fuel our mission by securing funds to support staff, equipment, and education programs.
Retail
Bring ocean-friendly merch to life while supporting conservation work.
Why It Matters
Sea turtles are ancient ocean voyagers whose survival hangs in the balance — but with each protected nest and every hatchling safely launched into the Atlantic, we redefine the odds. Fort Lauderdale is a critical part of that story, and your contribution helps ensure that these majestic creatures continue returning to our shores year after year.
Whether you walk beaches at midnight, craft campaigns for global audiences, or educate curious minds, you’re vital to the heartbeat of our mission.
Join us for the 2026 season — and be part of something timeless.
Comments