Personal photo: Volunteers talk about the sea turtles in their treatment facility
Vacationing tourists aren’t the only ones looking for a good place to stay near the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Topsail Island is the choice nesting ground for several kinds of sea turtles, and along with them is the Topsail Turtle Project, a private, nonprofit, and volunteer organization dedicated to maintaining the sea turtle’s well-being. Their mission to the marine life is to conserve and protect them here and abroad; rescue and rehabilitate the injured; and inform and educate the community about the their plight and threat of extinction. The heart of the organization is the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Surf City. For no more than five dollars a visitor, you can experience a guided tour of the facility and see the turtles in their care. Visits can be made in the afternoon five days a week, all year long, because there is always something interesting going on. The
Personal photo: a sea turtle in treatment
project’s web pages alone boast information on successful recoveries, releases, and information on nesting along Topsail beaches. So, you’re bound to be part of something new in your visit and even your support through donations.
My family vacationed on Topsail Island this summer, and I really liked being there! It has a small-town vibe: quiet and comfortable. Some beach access is exclusive to visitors and residents of certain residential complexes, and there are some choice local restaurants and even ice cream parlors. The turtle hospital and turtle project are the heart of this community, so I give it all a big “Toast Pop Approval”!
Plan your trip to Topsail Island and the Sea Turtle Rescue Center!
Personal photo: downtown Surf City after a rainshower
homepage for the rescue center: http://www.seaturtlehospital.org/index.htm
Find hours of operation, make a donation, and see what’s going on.
The hospital Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/seaturtlehospital/timeline
See exclusive photos of the Topsail Turtle Project at work, and try out the area guide app.
Personal photo: this is a plastic sculpture done by a local artist. Its message is to be mindful of your litter and belongings at the beach, as they can cause problems for the marine life
Topsail Island homepage: http://www.topsailbeach.org/
Arrange to stay right on the island, and find other things to do.