Nestled along South Carolina’s stunning coastline, Kiawah and Seabrook Islands are sanctuaries for both residents and wildlife, including our precious sea turtles. Landscape Lighting of Charleston has been a leader in implementing turtle-friendly island on Charleston’s barrier islands for nearly a decade.
Each year, these islands witness the miraculous journey of hatchling turtles, striving to reach the safety of the ocean by moonlight. Unfortunately, traditional outdoor lighting can mislead these hatchlings, directing them away from the sea and towards potential peril. This blog explores the critical role turtle-friendly outdoor lighting plays in safeguarding our local turtle population, and how you, as a resident, can help.
Let’s help create a better environment for our coastline together starting with your outdoor lighting system, here are some of our tactics below!
Why Turtle-Friendly Lighting is Crucial Here.
Our islands are privileged to host several turtle nests each year. However, the increasing presence of artificial light poses a significant threat to these new hatchlings.
Light pollution causes disorientation, leading them away from the ocean and into hazards such as roads or predators. Implementing turtle-friendly lighting on our islands is more than an environmental gesture—it’s a necessary step to ensure the survival of these ancient mariners, whose ancestors have visited our shores for centuries.
Characteristics of Turtle-Friendly Lighting Turtle-friendly lighting is specially designed to minimize disruptions to hatchlings by considering:
• Wavelength: Utilizing amber or red lights, which turtles perceive less, helps reduce disorientation.
• Shielding: By directing light downwards, shielding prevents the illumination from spreading onto the beach and confusing hatchlings.
• Intensity and Placement: Lights kept low and dim not only comply with safety norms but also protect our wildlife by reducing scattered light that can lead the turtles astray.
Steps to Implement Turtle-Friendly Lighting
1. Review Your Outdoor Lights: Call our team at Landscape Lighting of Charleston to schedule an appointment to assess the lighting around your property. Identify any fixtures that directly or indirectly illuminate the beach.
2. Select Appropriate Fixtures: Choose lighting solutions certified as turtle-friendly, featuring long-wavelength bulbs and proper shielding.
3. Engage and Educate: Share the importance of turtle-friendly lighting with your community. Encourage local businesses and neighbors to make the switch.
At Landscape Lighting of Charleston turtle-friendly lighting is a direct action we can take to coexist harmoniously with Kiawah and Seabrook Island’s natural wildlife. It’s a commitment to preserving not just the turtles but the entire ecosystem that makes our islands unique and beautiful. Let’s lead by example and light our homes in a way that guides our young turtles safely to the sea.
Are you ready to make a difference?
Begin by evaluating and upgrading your outdoor lighting with one of our industry leading designers at Landscape Lighting of Charleston. Discuss the benefits of turtle-friendly lighting with your community and local authorities to broaden the impact. Together, we can ensure that our islands remain a haven for turtles and a paradise for residents.