Adopt a Nest Program - 2026 Season

What You Will Receive for Your Donation:

·        A sign at your adopted nest saying “This Nest Adopted by (Fill in the blank”).

·        An electronic Certificate of Adoption.

·        Electronic communication at various stages of the nest cycle.

·        After the final close out of the nest is completed by HBTWP volunteers, you will receive an electronic version of your nest adoption sign, along with the adoption certificate and details about your nest.

How It Works:

·        Adopt a Nest – Purchase your nest sponsorship donation here in our online store.  Or, if you prefer to pay by check, please mail a check made payable to HBTWP for $125, designating “nest sponsorship,” to P.O. Box 487 Supply, NC 28462.  Please include the following information with your check:   Name, mailing address, email address, phone number. 

·        Get Assigned – Once payment is received, we will email you to ask how you want your nest adoption sign to read.  Nests are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; the donation must be received to have a nest assigned for adoption.  Our nesting season typically occurs between May 1 and August 31.

·        Your Sign is Placed– When a nest has been verified and secured on Holden Beach, a personalized sign with your name or message will be placed at the nest site and will remain there until the nest is closed out.

·        Receive Updates – You will get an email with a photo when your sign is placed.  You will also receive an email and photo:

o       When your nest is collared (usually 50 days after the day the nest is laid), with a team of volunteers monitoring the nest for hatchlings.

o       After your nest boils.

o       When your nest is closed out. 

Your adoption supports the Holden Beach Turtle Watch Program with its efforts:

·        Protecting endangered sea turtles and their hatchlings.

·        Funding educational programs and beach conservation.

·        Providing materials and signage for nest protection.

·        Supporting ongoing outreach to the community.

Nests are limited and assigned in the order payment is received.  Reserve yours early!

Adopting a nest is a meaningful way to:

·        Celebrate a wedding, graduation, or birthday.

·        Honor the birth of a child or grandchild.

·        Remember a loved one.

·        Promote your business, family, or organization.

Important Note:  Adopt a nest donations are non-refundable. 

This Adopt a Nest Program is symbolic.  No one may claim ownership of a sea turtle nest, its eggs, or its hatchlings. Due to the unpredictable nature of nesting and the environment, we cannot guarantee the viability of a nest or the number of successful hatchlings.  HBTWP cannot be held responsible for any losses due to weather related events (e.g., storms, high tides, erosion).

Questions?  E-mail us at adoptanest@hbturtlewatch.org.

Thank you for helping support our mission: to monitor, protect and preserve the sea turtle population of Holden Beach, NC and to foster community-based conservation and education. 

Holden Beach Turtle Watch Program, Inc. is an all-volunteer, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization that operates under the authority of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission.  Our taxpayer ID # is 56-2094388.  As no goods or services were received, your donation is fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.