First sea turtle nest of the season named after Hilton Head hospitality leader
An expectant mother set her flippers on a Hilton Head beach last night.
No one saw her, but she laid a crop of small, white eggs in the sand before slipping back into the ocean.
The Sea Turtle Patrol of Hilton Head spotted a sea turtle nest in Sea Pines Wednesday, marking the first nest of the season on the island.
The nest was dedicated to local hospitality leader Jay Wiendl, who passed away in February. Wiendl was the general manager of the Tiki Hut and Beach House and served as chairman of the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee.
Sea Turtle Patrol manager Amber Kuehn said she had known Wiendl for many years. As the general manager of Beach House, Wiendl worked with the patrol to get the hotel Sea Turtle-Friendly Certified.
“He always supported us wherever he went,” Keuhn said. “We will miss him.”
Sea turtle eggs incubate for 60 days. Avoid disturbing sea turtle nests by keeping your distance, especially at night, and using red flashlights during sea turtle season.
