If you've been to the Outer Banks recently, you know that sea turtles make their home here on the Outer Banks! What you may not realize, however, is that there is a hard working group of community volunteers helping to ensure their safety...day after day, and yes...night after night.

Meet N.E.S.T. -- the Network for Endangered Sea Turtles -- an all-volunteer, non profit comprised on people like you and me who work tirelessly to preserve them and their habitat by monitoring turtle activity from the Virginia State Line beyond Corolla, all the way to the Oregon Inlet. I penned a BLOG about them at the start of the season...but now I've got more news to share!

Beach Treasures in Duck is honored to be one of the selected retailers who sell their signature gear -- adult ball caps, both short- and long-sleeve tees, and even a snuggly hoodie.  And now...that gear is available online! When you purchase one of these items (whether you're shopping with us in Duck or online) 100% of your shopping dollars goes directly to this beloved Outer Banks non-profit.  

More ways for you to help save our sea turtles…

Sea Turtle nesting is still happening,,,and it's a time when the beaches are being fully enjoyed by everyone visiting and living on the Outer Banks.

• So for starters: if you see a sea turtle call the 24 Hour N.E.S.T. Hotline (252.441.8622)
• Should you see a nest marker, leave it be! Leave a nest site undisturbed and be sure to keep your pets on a leash and away from the nests.
• Keep the beaches clean! Balloons, plastic bags, bottle caps, firework debris, polystyrene foam, and other non-biodegradable items can kill sea turtles when mistakenly confuses for food.
• When you’re packing it up for the day, knock down those sand castles and fill in holes, as these can be nighttime turtle traps (and they cause risk for us human-folk too!)
• And finally, turn off outside ocean-facing porch lights as well as interior lights! Enjoy our dark skies and let Mother Nature's light guide these beautiful creatures to the sea.

Just like most non-profits, N.E.S.T. is always in need of resources – both monetary and human.  Community volunteers are always needed to help with their educational outreach and to assist with monitoring and strandings. Learn more: http://www.nestonline.org