Sea turtles in South Walton face serious challenges, from habitat disturbances to disorientation caused by artificial lights. The Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles (FOSWST), founded in 2015, is a volunteer-driven group dedicated to raising awareness and educating the community about protecting these endangered species. While South Walton Turtle Watch (SWTW) handles nest monitoring, FOSWST focuses on education, outreach, and initiatives like the #CleanDarkFlat campaign, which teaches beachgoers how to create safer environments for nesting turtles and hatchlings.
Key Takeaways:
- Nesting Season: May 1–October 31. Female turtles lay over 100 eggs per nest, but only 1 in 1,000 hatchlings survive to adulthood.
- How You Can Help: Follow #CleanDarkFlat guidelines - clean up trash, turn off lights at night, and fill in beach holes.
- Volunteer Opportunity: Join the Volunteer Beach Ambassador (VBA) program for $5/year to help educate visitors and locals.
- Report Issues: If you see a distressed turtle or hatchling, call the SWTW Hotline at 850-865-4503.
By taking small, mindful actions, both residents and tourists can contribute to the survival of South Walton's sea turtles for generations to come.
South Walton Sea Turtle Conservation Statistics and #CleanDarkFlat Guidelines
Protecting Endangered Nesting Sea Turtles
Mission and History of Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles
Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles (FOSWST) was established in early 2015 as a 501(c)(3) all-volunteer organization. Its creation was driven by the need to focus on public education about sea turtle conservation, a gap left by the intensive nest monitoring efforts of South Walton Turtle Watch (SWTW). While SWTW had been dedicated to monitoring nests for nearly 20 years, the demands of that work limited opportunities for broader community education. Recognizing this need, community members came together to form FOSWST, prioritizing outreach and awareness.
"We were asked to form due to a need in the community to educate and raise awareness about Sea Turtle nests, and the importance of protecting Sea Turtles and their hatchlings." – Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles
Unlike SWTW, FOSWST does not directly handle sea turtle nests. Instead, the group focuses on creating educational materials, organizing school programs, and leading community outreach initiatives to spread awareness and inspire action.
Core Values and Vision
FOSWST is guided by a simple yet powerful belief: education is the cornerstone of conservation. By helping people - both young and old - understand the challenges sea turtles face, the organization empowers individuals to play an active role in protecting these endangered creatures. Using the expertise of its volunteers, FOSWST simplifies complex conservation science into practical actions that anyone can take.
One standout initiative, the #CleanDarkFlat campaign, urges beachgoers to clear debris, smooth out sand structures, and turn off lights during nighttime beach visits. These small but impactful steps make it easier for sea turtles to nest and for hatchlings to reach the ocean. Beyond the beaches, FOSWST extends its educational efforts to schools, community groups, and visitors, particularly during the nesting season.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Over the years, FOSWST has expanded its reach through strong partnerships. The organization works closely with South Walton Turtle Watch, which holds the Florida Marine Turtle Permit required for nest surveys and monitoring. While SWTW focuses on the demanding task of nest management, FOSWST complements their efforts by leading education, fundraising, and social media outreach. As highlighted in a local profile:
"Since the day to day task of SWTW is already taxing, now a secondary group of volunteers is dedicated solely to educate." – SoWal Business Profile
FOSWST also collaborates with local businesses and institutions to spread its conservation message. By providing educational materials to restaurants, hotels, vacation rentals, and retail shops throughout South Walton, the organization ensures that visitors learn about sea turtle conservation even before stepping onto the beach. During the 2025 season, Volunteer Beach Ambassadors brought hands-on learning experiences to students at Freeport Middle School, Meigs Middle School, and the Biophilia Center, making conservation education a classroom priority.
Conservation Efforts and Daily Activities
While SWTW focuses on monitoring sea turtle nests, FOSWST takes the lead in educating the community and protecting nesting beaches through outreach programs.
Turtle Nest Monitoring and Protection
From May 1 to October 31, SWTW volunteers hit the beaches at dawn to identify turtle tracks, mark new nests, and monitor them throughout the 60-day incubation period. After hatching, volunteers excavate the nests 72 hours later to count hatchlings. In 2025, their efforts documented 41 Loggerhead and 25 Green nests, resulting in 2,951 Loggerhead and 2,024 Green hatchlings. This marked a shift from the previous season, which saw 64 Loggerhead and 6 Green nests, producing a total of 3,845 hatchlings.
"SWTW volunteers tirelessly patrol the beaches at dawn, tracking sea turtle movements." – Joyce Owen, Author
Night patrols are equally essential, as volunteers monitor for artificial lighting that could disorient hatchlings - a critical task given that only 1 in 1,000 to 10,000 hatchlings survive to adulthood.
These hands-on efforts by SWTW provide the foundation for FOSWST’s broader mission of education and outreach.
Education and Awareness Programs
FOSWST amplifies conservation efforts by engaging the community through interactive education programs. Volunteers, known as VBAs, work directly with beachgoers and local schools like Freeport Middle, Meigs Middle, and Dune Lakes SPICE. They bring the #CleanDarkFlat campaign to life with practical demonstrations that mimic sea turtle behavior. For younger audiences, FOSWST hosts sea turtle-themed story times every Tuesday and Thursday at The Hidden Lantern bookstore in Rosemary Beach, creating a fun and educational experience for kids of all ages.
The organization also keeps the community informed year-round through an active digital presence on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube, sharing videos and updates on conservation efforts.
Community Outreach Events
FOSWST’s impact extends beyond the beach through various outreach activities. These include presentations at libraries, community meetings, scout group visits, and organized beach cleanups. Educational materials are distributed to local businesses, ensuring visitors are informed about sea turtle conservation before they even step onto the sand. For emergencies involving distressed sea turtles or disoriented hatchlings, the SWTW Hotline is available at 850-865-4503.
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How to Volunteer and Support
Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles (FOSWST) offers a chance to make a difference through their Volunteer Beach Ambassador (VBA) program. This initiative plays a key role in FOSWST's mission of community education and conservation. VBAs serve as friendly faces on South Walton beaches, championing the #CleanDarkFlat campaign. Their efforts include clearing paths for nesting turtles by filling in holes, flattening sandcastles, and picking up litter.
If you're interested in joining, you can sign up on the FOSWST website. Training sessions are typically held between January and February. Volunteers must attend one mandatory training session per year, with a minimal annual fee of $5. Beyond beach patrols, those with skills in teaching or marketing can take on additional roles, such as giving presentations at schools, libraries, or local meetings. Others may assist in organizing special events and fundraisers throughout the year.
Volunteer Roles and Responsibilities
The VBA program offers a variety of ways to get involved beyond beach patrols. Volunteers with teaching experience can visit schools like Freeport Middle and Meigs Middle to educate students about sea turtle conservation. Those with a knack for marketing can help run social media accounts, distribute educational materials to local businesses, and create engaging content for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Event-focused volunteers can lend a hand at fundraisers and community outreach events, such as International Coastal Cleanup Day.
Active VBAs also gain access to an online toolkit filled with resource videos and can log their volunteer hours through the FOSWST portal to track their contributions. With such diverse opportunities, every volunteer has a unique role in supporting sea turtle conservation efforts.
Donations and Fundraising
If volunteering isn’t an option, there are plenty of ways to support FOSWST financially or through donations. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, FOSWST relies entirely on donations, grants, and fundraising events. Monetary contributions made through their website help fund educational programs, printed materials, and community outreach efforts.
For a more hands-on way to contribute, you can purchase the "Save Our Sea Turtles" organic coffee blend from Amavida Coffee Roasters. Each bag sold includes a $1 donation to South Walton Turtle Watch. Property owners and vacation rental hosts can also order weatherproof educational posters from What’s Happening Promotions to promote turtle-friendly beach practices to their guests.
Additionally, during May, June, and July, FOSWST hosts "Wild Sea Turtle Wednesdays" at The Big Chill in Watersound from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. These events allow community members to learn more about sea turtle conservation while supporting the organization.
Community Engagement Through Social Media
Stay connected with FOSWST by following them on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for updates on conservation efforts and events. You can also subscribe to the VBA eNewsletter for regular updates on training sessions and community activities. Sharing their posts is another simple yet impactful way to spread awareness about turtle-friendly practices.
How Tourists Can Help Protect Sea Turtles
Tourists visiting South Walton can play an important role in protecting sea turtles, especially during nesting season, which runs from May 1 to October 31. By following a few simple guidelines, you can help ensure the safety of these incredible creatures. A great place to start is with the #CleanDarkFlat approach.
Beach-Friendly Practices
The #CleanDarkFlat method is straightforward and easy to follow:
- Keep it clean: Make sure to remove all beach gear every night and dispose of trash in covered bins. This helps prevent predators like raccoons from being drawn to the area.
- Keep it dark: Turn off any balcony or porch lights after sunset and close your blinds or curtains. If you need a flashlight, stick to red or amber LED lights or cover a regular flashlight with a red film. White lights, phone flashlights, and camera flashes can confuse hatchlings. Free red film covers are available at the South Walton Visitor Information Center or during “Wild Sea Turtle Wednesdays” at The Big Chill in Watersound in June and July.
- Keep it flat: Before leaving the beach, fill in any holes you’ve dug and level sandcastles. Walton County ordinances require holes to be no larger than 3×3 feet or 2 feet deep, and they must be filled in before you leave. These obstacles can trap nesting mothers, which can weigh anywhere from 350 to 1,500 pounds, as well as hatchlings trying to reach the ocean. For beach umbrellas, use pole holders or sleeves instead of burying poles directly in the sand.
These simple actions can make a big difference, but it’s also essential to respect areas designated for turtle nesting.
Respecting Turtle Nesting Areas
Sea turtles, their eggs, and nests are protected by federal and state laws, so it’s illegal to touch, disturb, or interfere with them. In northwest Florida, nests are usually marked with yellow signs and tape. If you encounter a nesting turtle, keep your distance and avoid creating noise or movement that could frighten her away from her nest. Never cross her path or attempt to help her or the hatchlings. As South Walton Turtle Watch reminds everyone:
"NEVER PUSH OR ATTEMPT TO ASSIST STRANDED ANIMALS BACK TO THE WATER! More harm can be done and it is illegal without proper permits."
If you see a hatchling that appears disoriented or a turtle in distress, contact the South Walton Turtle Watch Hotline at 850-865-4503 or the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922. Additionally, avoid lighting bonfires on the beach during nesting season, as the bright light can confuse hatchlings trying to find their way to the ocean.
Protecting South Walton's Sea Turtles for Future Generations
The survival of South Walton's sea turtles hinges on a shared commitment from local organizations, residents, and visitors alike. South Walton Turtle Watch takes charge of monitoring and protecting nests, while Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles focuses on educating the community and raising awareness. Together, they ensure both immediate protection and long-term changes in behavior. This cooperative approach mirrors past successes and lays the groundwork for healthier nesting cycles. With only 1 in 1,000 hatchlings making it to adulthood, every small effort counts. These collective actions are supported by daily practices, which we’ll explore in detail.
A key element of these efforts is the #CleanDarkFlat initiative, a cornerstone of sea turtle conservation. Sharon Maxwell from South Walton Turtle Watch has long championed these simple steps:
"I've repeated these simple directives since 1995 - turn off the lights, pick up debris - and they make a real difference."
These straightforward actions directly tackle challenges that prevent female turtles from nesting and ensure hatchlings can safely reach the ocean.
Conservation, however, goes beyond individual actions. For instance, you can join the VBA program for just $5 a year or help spread awareness to reduce human impact - one of the leading threats to sea turtle populations. Dr. Robbin Trindell from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission underscores this point:
"In order to keep sea turtles and our beaches and oceans healthy, it's important for all of us to be good neighbors and do our part."
If you encounter a distressed sea turtle or hatchling, report it immediately to the SW Turtle Watch Hotline at 850-865-4503 or the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922. Female sea turtles return to the very beaches where they hatched 20 to 30 years later to lay their own eggs, making today’s conservation efforts a long-term investment in future nesting cycles.
FAQs
What is the #CleanDarkFlat campaign, and how does it protect sea turtles?
The #CleanDarkFlat campaign is all about making beaches safer for sea turtles by asking visitors to follow three straightforward guidelines: keep the beach clean, turn off artificial lights, and leave the sand flat.
- Keep the beach clean: Removing trash from the shoreline eliminates obstacles that could block nesting turtles or hatchlings trying to reach the ocean.
- Turn off artificial lights: Bright lights at night can confuse turtles, who depend on the natural glow of the moon to find their way. Switching off lights helps them stay on track.
- Leave the sand flat: Filling in holes and smoothing out the sand ensures turtles have a clear path to nest, and it makes the journey to the water easier for hatchlings.
These small actions can make a huge difference in protecting sea turtles and their habitats.
What are the benefits of becoming a Volunteer Beach Ambassador?
Becoming a Volunteer Beach Ambassador (VBA) is an incredible way to take an active role in protecting South Walton’s sea turtles while connecting with the local community. As a VBA, you’ll be equipped with training and tools to spot turtle nests, report distressed turtles, and organize beach clean-ups - all while promoting conservation and education.
Beyond the rewarding work, there are personal and professional perks too. Whether you’re earning service hours for school or boosting your résumé, this role offers real-world benefits. Wearing your recognizable t-shirt, you’ll be a friendly and knowledgeable presence on the beach, teaching visitors about sea turtle biology, safe beach practices, and even sharing local tips. Plus, you’ll team up with like-minded volunteers, forming meaningful connections and making a tangible difference during the peak nesting season from May to October.
How can visitors help protect sea turtles in South Walton?
Visitors play a crucial role in protecting South Walton’s sea turtles, especially during nesting season, which runs from May 1 to October 31. Simple, mindful beach habits can make a big difference. For starters, always keep a respectful distance from turtles, their nests, and any tracks you might come across. Avoid digging holes or leaving behind beach furniture, as these can become obstacles or traps for hatchlings. If you do dig a hole, make sure to fill it in before leaving. At night, turn off outdoor lights and use flashlights with red covers to prevent disorienting the baby turtles as they make their way to the water.
If you come across a distressed turtle or a nest in trouble, it’s important to act. Contact the South Walton Turtle Watch hotline at 850-865-4503 or reach out to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission at 888-404-3922.
For those looking to get more involved, the Volunteer Beach Ambassador program through Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles offers a hands-on way to help. Volunteers can participate in training sessions, beach cleanups, and educational outreach. Donations and merchandise purchases also directly support conservation efforts. By taking these actions, visitors not only enjoy the natural beauty of South Walton but also help ensure that its sea turtles continue to thrive for years to come.
