It’s always Earth Day in Hilton Head. Here are 4 ways the island keeps its natural beauty
Hilton Head Island is known for many things, number one of which is its natural beauty. This is because the island has a long history of prioritizing the preservation of its ecological balance.
As the lush, sub-tropical island known as Hilton Head first began its evolution to a world-class resort and residential community, it was intentionally developed to coexist with the natural environment. Since then, residents and architects have continued to maintain these original worthy standards. Nearly every sign, building and mailbox is green, brown or some other variation of a neutral made to blend into the island’s fertile surroundings.
While there are many more, here are four ways Hilton Head Island celebrates and protects its natural surroundings.
Reduction of light pollution
Many tourists and new residents have often wondered why the island is dark at night. Keeping the environment naturally dark and free of neon signs has kept light pollution from the skies in the surrounding area. Minimum, dimmed lighting that faces downward is stationed sporadically around the island for safety in areas such as retail and parking locations.
Additionally, sea turtle nesting season on Hilton Head is May 1 through Oct. 31. During this time, there is a “lights out” rule surrounding all Hilton Head Island beaches. This is because lights easily disorient the sea turtle hatchlings and lead them away from the ocean. If the newborn sea turtles don’t make it to the ocean quickly, they are likely to suffer from dehydration in the sun or die from predators such as shorebirds, raccoons, or crabs.
During the nesting season, flashlights are also prohibited on the beach unless you’re using a red light or a red light filter. Similarly, beachfront homes are not allowed to have visible lighting facing the ocean during the evening and early morning hours. Artificial lighting can distract the hatchlings or even discourage the females from nesting. Not abiding by either of these rules can result in significant fines. This includes flash photography of the sea turtles as well.
Wildlife safety regulations
For the safety of these sea turtle hatchlings as well as people and other local wildlife, there are rules against leaving large holes in the sand. Holes dug in the sand must be refilled before leaving the beach.
Hefty fines are also levied to those who take live animals such as conchs, crabs, starfish and sand dollars from the beach as well as those who pick up sea turtle hatchlings or harass or feed the local wildlife, including the island’s resident alligators.
Hilton Head Island’s plants, trees, marshes, sand dunes, wildlife and various forms of vegetation are all protected. There are fines for any damage, harm, interference or removal of the local flora and fauna.
Recycling and sustainability
Plastic bags are not used at all on the island as they pose a threat to the local environment, sea turtles and other wildlife. They have been replaced with more sustainable, biodegradable options such as customers supplying their own reusable bag, paper bags or customers using no bag at all. Likewise, straws are rare on Hilton Head and if seen are usually made from paper or bamboo.
Oyster shell recycling is available for residents and local restaurants. Shell pickup is available for local businesses and a drop-off location is positioned at Honey Horn. These shells will then be cleaned, bagged and repurposed to help regrow future oyster beds.
Litter pick-ups
Green baskets can be found at the entry points of Hilton Head Island beaches so that beachgoers may use them to pick up littered trash or abandoned items left along the shore as they go for walks or enjoy their day. When leaving the beach, any garbage collected in the baskets can be placed in one of the many trash receptacles located along the beach and at every entry point. Baskets can be replaced for the next handler.
This story was originally published April 22, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
