Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge

06/02/2026

Sea turtle nesting season is officially in full swing at Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, and WOW… this year is already wild! 🐢✨
Since our first nest on May 6, we’ve counted 760 nests across the refuge — and the season is just getting warmed up. One island even had 39 nests in a single day… and it’s happened three times already! Our biggest day refuge‑wide? A whopping 66 nests.
Every single nest matters, and we’re thrilled to help these incredible turtles return home year after year. 💚
Stay tuned — this season is shaping up to be busy!

05/22/2026

🌞 Happy Holidays! Check out our map to see which areas are temporarily closed to protect nesting birds. These closures may change depending on bird activity, so please look for signs, flagging, and ropes when you visit. You’re welcome to enjoy the open areas of the refuge—just remember, pets aren’t allowed on the refuge islands or the pier at Garris Landing. Thanks for visiting and helping keep our nesting birds safe!

05/22/2026

Happy Holiday Weekend, Cape Romain friends!
As you head out to enjoy Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, please keep in mind that bird nesting season is in full swing. For their safety, pets are not allowed on refuge islands or on the Garris Landing pier.
This year, just like before, we’ve closed a few areas on the islands to protect nesting birds—the heart of our refuge. If you see signs, ropes, or closures, please respect them and help us give the birds the space they need. There are plenty of open areas for you to explore and enjoy, so your visit won’t impact the nesting sites.
Note: Lighthouse Island is now divided due to the 2023 breach.
Closed areas:
• South tip of South Lighthouse – No landing or public entry, both bay and oceanside; area is signed.
• South tip of North Lighthouse – No landing or public entry; signed.
• South tip of Cape Island – No landing or public entry; signed.
• Far north tip of Cape Island – No landing or public entry; signs posted.
• The beach path on the west side of South Lighthouse is also clearly marked with signs.
Let’s celebrate the holiday, enjoy the beauty of the refuge, and protect our feathered friends! Thank you for your support and vigilance at Cape Romain NWR.

05/05/2026

We are getting ready to host you at the Bulls Bay Nature and Heritage Festival May 16, 2026. Spaces are still available for these free activities. A complete list of events, times, and sign up can be found at the following link:

FOOD - VENDORS - LIVE MUSIC - ART EXHIBIT   At the Sewee Center and other locations.The festival is a day full of fun for everyone! Activities Include: ActivitiesKayakingPhotography workshop at the Sewee CenterEdible and native plant walksBird and Wildflower walksHistoric tours at Hampton Plantatio...

07/23/2025

Volunteers are needed to help with the visitor services program at the Sewee Visitor and Environmental Education Center in Awendaw. Volunteers welcome visitors, provide refuge and forest information and materials, assist with nature store operations, sell federal park passes, operate the phone system and audio-visual equipment, and assist staff with light indoor maintenance. Help us further conservation, learn more about nature and share your enthusiasm in support of Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and Francis Marion National Forest. For more information about the volunteer position, call the Center Wednesday-Saturday at 843.928.3368. Contact Durwin Carter, [email protected] or Tricia Midgett, [email protected].

05/20/2025

The sea turtle crew has recorded 194 Loggerhead nests on Cape and Lighthouse islands. The nesting season is well underway on the refuge! (Photos shared by Billy Shaw)

05/10/2025

Loggerhead sea turtles have started nesting on refuge beaches. This week ends with 29 nests recorded on Cape and Lighthouse Islands. The first nest was laid at Cape Island last week on May 2nd. Thanks for sharing the photos AK!

04/25/2025

The Birdwalk at South Tibwin Trail tomorrow has been canceled.
The volunteer meeting for the sea turtle project is at the Sewee Center tomorrow at 10am.
Meet Rob Johnson, wolf caretaker, at the Red Wolf viewing platform for Wolf program, 11:30 tomorrow at the Sewee Center.

04/18/2025

It's a "Nature Hunt" this Saturday at the Sewee Visitor Center! Armed with binoculars, field guides, magnifying lens and journals, kids are going on a walk with Madison Proctor to discover and observe Nature around them. The program begins at 10am.

04/10/2025