Since travel to Ossabaw Island is strictly limited to ecotourism and educational programs and often sold out months in advance, I feel fortunate to have participated in one of the Ossabaw Island Foundation‘s wonderful Sea Turtle Walks last weekend.
Besides having access to the architectural landmarks of the North End and seeing the unmatched natural beauty of the island, the trip affords one the opportunity to observe important sea turtle research being done by young scientists on Ossabaw.
Though we didn’t see an active nest, we were able to see methods used by the interns to determine environmental factors affecting the future of these beloved creatures. All sea turtles are endangered and the more the public learns about their plight, the better their chances for long-term survival.
We were able to see a hatchling Kemp’s Ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) on its return to the sea. Even though this species nests more frequently than other sea turtles, it is the most critically endangered in the world.
National Register of Historic Places