We on Sanibel Island take a great deal of pride in our work to preserve natural ecosystems and the wildlife that call our island home. One of the best things about this is that each day we have the gift of interacting with nature, whether it be the numerous anoles who share our outdoors, or the bald eagles nesting nearby. 

Turtles tracks on the beach

From May 1 through October 31 we celebrate a very special event – Loggerhead Turtle nesting season.  Every year, female turtles return to the same beach they hatched from and lay between 50 and 175 eggs.  During nesting season, Sanibel has a dedicated group of volunteers who help protect these nests.  Since the turtles lay eggs at night, at first light these “protectors” walk the beach and look for the telltale tracks in the sand.  If a nest is discovered, they notify the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) who mark-off the nest and number it, both to keep track of any hatchlings and so the public knows a nest is present and is not to be bothered in any way.

Marked-off for protection

Of course, everyone wants a turtle nest to be near their property, so they can keep an eye on it, and by chance be around to see all those baby turtles hatch and try to make their way to the water’s edge.

We are tremendously excited to announce that Casa Ybel Beach has a turtle’s nest! It was so exciting to discover those big prints in the sand and how she made her way to the perfect spot. 
Please share in our joy as we anticipate the excitement of new turtles!

The nest at first light