Become a Share the Beach Volunteer:
Each year, volunteers take time from May through October to “Share the Beach” with threatened and endangered sea turtles along Alabama’s gulf coast. From searching for nests and assisting in hatchling success to public education and lessons to school groups, these volunteers are making a positive difference for our sea turtles and all of Alabama’s coastal ecosystem.
Our Volunteer Kickoff meetings for the 2026 sea turtle nesting season are now set! Please let people know the following dates and locations:
-
6:00-7:00pm on Tuesday, March 24 @ Conservation Hall on the The Learning Campus at Gulf State Park (20249A State Park Rd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542).
-
6:00-7:00pm on Thursday, March 26 @ Shelby Auditorium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (102 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528).
If you would like to become a volunteer this season, you must attend one of those two meetings. All returning volunteers are welcome to attend either session, but will receive sign up instructions from their team leaders on March 24.
Click here to download the 2025 Alabama Sea Turtle Conservation Manual. This manual was developed as a user-friendly guide to assist sea turtle volunteers and to ensure that consistent methods are incorporated into team training sessions across the Alabama Gulf Coast. While this guide does not substitute for training on the beach, it is a resource that both volunteers and team leaders will find useful as a reference. In addition, this manual will be considered U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service protocol that must be followed by all volunteers under the Federal Endangered Species Recovery Permit held by the Alabama Coastal Foundation's Share the Beach program.
There are many ways to help the endangered sea turtles, but the best way is to educate yourself about sea turtles and what you can do to help!
Tips for Being Sea Turtle Friendly:
-
Avoid using flashlights or flash photography on the beach at night.
-
Turn off outside patio lights and shield indoor lights from shining onto the beach at night.
-
Do not disturb sea turtle nests. Sea turtle nesting season is May 1- October 31.
-
Keep your distance (at least 30 feet) from adult turtles that come onto the beach to nest.
-
Leave sea turtle tracks undisturbed.
-
Do not leave beach gear, holes or trash on the beach.
-
Volunteer and also participate in the Adopt-A-Nest program.
Alabama Sea Turtle Hotline:
1-866-Sea-Turtle (1-866-732-8878)
Share the Beach Director: Rachael Holdsworth
