2026 WBF Christmas Ornament

Sea Turtle Conservation and Organizations
• 1994: The Wrightsville Beach Sea Turtle Project was founded by Stephanie Carter to monitor and protect nesting marine life and their eggs.
• 2004: Nancy Fahey took over as coordinator, and the group secured official federal 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, operating under permits from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
• Volunteers: Over 125 active volunteers patrol the sands at sunrise daily during the season to identify crawler tracks, rope off nests, and educate the public.
• 1996: The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Center got its start as The Topsail Turtle Project. It began and was organized by Karen Beasley. After Karen’s early death, the torch was passed on to her mother, Jean Beasley, the organization’s first Executive Director and Board Chair. The dream of a sea turtle hospital was realized through the tireless efforts of the Beasley family; their financial support; the support of the Topsail Turtle Project members; and the generous donations of money, time, and material from local residents, businesses, and visitors. After breaking ground in May 2010, the new Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Center in Surf City, NC opened its doors on November 7, 2013. After years of working in a crowded, cramped 900 square-foot space, caring for up to 40 turtles, KBSTC moved into its new 13,000+ square-foot building.