Protecting our Environment
SCUTE
The LBPOA enthusiastically supports the South Carolina United Turtle Enthusiasts (S.C.U.T.E.). This non-profit organization was formed in 1990 by Chris Marlow and Jeff McClary in response to the need for better protection of sea turtles that nest in our area.
The SCUTE team for the Litchfield Beaches is Ed Van Ek (Edvanek2@gmail.com) and Bill Raley.
They are supported by 45 local resident volunteers. Under a permit from the SC Department of Natural Resources, SCUTE volunteers serve as stewards to protect the turtles’ nesting habitat and as educators to those who show an interest in learning more about our turtles and how to help them.
From May until the last nest hatches, volunteers monitor the beach at dawn each day for signs of turtle activity, whether that be a simple crawl onto the beach, the laying of a new nest, or the evidence of an overnight nest hatch. SCUTE volunteers wear distinctive white t-shirts. You are invited to address any of your sea turtle questions to these volunteers or visit their Facebook page.
We ask all of our residents and visitors to please fill in any holes they see in the evening. A hole larger than two feet in depth and circumference compromises the welfare of mother turtles laying a nest and the baby turtles' hatching process.