Outer Banks Forever, the official nonprofit partner of the three Outer Banks national parks, has opened its annual Adopt a Sea Turtle Nest program for the sea turtle nesting season in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which occurs from May to September each year.
Through this program, now in its seventh year, you can symbolically adopt an active sea turtle nest in the Seashore.
This support helps fund critical projects that protect and enhance the Seashore and the vital habitat sea turtles depend on.
You will receive an official adoption certificate and information about your specific nest when it hatches later this summer or fall.
“This program provides people the opportunity to learn more about these special island visitors and the work National Park Service staff does every day to help protect them,” said Nicole Erickson, development and adoption programs manager. “More than 600 supporters have helped raise close to $126,000 to protect and enhance the Seashore.”
Staff send updates to those who adopt nests, sharing the number of sea turtle hatchlings that make their way out to sea.
Loggerhead sea turtles are the most common species here at the Seashore, but there are many green sea turtles, and occasionally rare leatherback and Kemp’s ridley.
With a tax-deductible gift of $100 or more, you can adopt your 2026 sea turtle nest. You’ll receive a confirmation email when you make your gift.
Beginning in early June, nests are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Once yours is assigned, you’ll receive an adoption certificate by mail or email with initial details about your nest.
Your nest will hatch later this summer or fall, after an average incubation period of 61 days.
When it does, you’ll receive a personalized update with details collected by National Park Service biologists, including how many hatchlings made their way out to sea.
There are a limited number of nests each year, so adopt your nest now.
For more information on Outer Banks Forever’s Adopt a Sea Turtle Nest program, visit http://www.obxforever.org.
Please note: Nature belongs to all of us. No individual or group that participates in this program can claim ownership of a sea turtle nest, eggs, or hatchlings.
For the safety of the sea turtles and in alignment with National Park Service guidance, your nest’s exact location will not be shared until after it has hatched.
