Sea Turtle Hospital News The 2019 nesting season is coming to a close with 177 nests, just short of our record of 181. It’s been a hectic and grueling summer for our Topsail Turtle Project volunteers who have hoofed probably thousands of miles looking for tracks, spent countless hours on their knees digging up and relocating nests laid in perilous locations and then lost (and continue to lose) sleep as they sit...

Three hikes happening in Pender County BURGAW – Pender County is celebrating the birthday of the Mountains to Sea Trail (MST) with three family-friendly hikes in Burgaw, Currie, and Surf City. “We are pleased to host three birthday hikes this year,” said Tammy Proctor, Pender County tourism director. “Each hike is diverse and fun for all ages.” The hike in Burgaw, which will...

Here on Topsail that sound we’re now hearing late at night is the pitter-patter of tiny flippers scurrying down to the surf. With the official nesting season ending on August 30th our Turtle Project volunteers are spending much more of their beach time in the dark as hundreds of babies start that perilous journey, hoping to be the one out of the thousands of their siblings that actually makes it. Back at the...

Take a tasty trek with us on the Topsail Sweet Tooth Trail. This hike will begin on the mainland in Surf City. Our first stop is Mia’s Marketplace. Yes, this locally owned and operated shop features beautiful clothing, home décor, and jewelry, however, take a hike to the rear of the shop to their fabulous candy shop. Do you remember Penny Candy? Mia’s offers a wide variety of unique candies, in...

Sea Turtle Hospital News Our patients may not have calendars with “save the date” hanging in their tanks but they all seemed to sense that something special was happening very soon. Our volunteers spent the week prior to June 5giving them extra pats on their carapaces, maybe sneaking a few extra squid into their breakfasts and saying their goodbyes. Then last Wednesday we loaded up 20 rehabilitated sea...