SCUTE is a group of volunteers dedicated to sea turtle conservation in Georgetown and Horry Counties. It was organized in 1990 to coordinate efforts to preserve a quality nesting habitat and to monitor nests for the Loggerhead turtle. SCUTE has posted signs on Pawleys Island to remind residents and guests to turn out their lights on the beach because Loggerheads nest at night beginning in late April right up to early September. Nests are generally roped off with a sign designating a Loggerhead nesting area.

One day last August at Huntington Beach State Park, a SERENDIPITY presented itself for turtle enthusiasts. The eggs had hatched at one nest. You can see their tiny “trax” leading to the ocean in the picture below. The rangers needed to document how many eggs had hatched and perhaps find a live hatchling or two still in the nest. They began by educating the onlookers about the possibilities of what they might find. Then they pulled up the protective screen.

At that site 145 eggs were counted!!!

The onlookers lined up to ‘steer’ the turtles to the sea! “GO! GO!! GO!!!” The baby turtles must build up their strength so they need to make it to the ocean on their own.

For more information about Loggerhead sea turtles check out the following websites: Turtles or NOAA

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