Many business and rental management companies still have questions concerning the lighting rules which help sea turtle survival. Now there are classes being held by the government oversight group. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is inviting distributors, contractors, property management professionals, and homeowner associations to attend the 2024 Sea Turtle Lighting Workshop. This free event will provide expert-led discussions on the impact of artificial lighting on sea turtle nesting beaches and offer guidance on wildlife-friendly lighting practices. The workshop, hosted by the USFWS in partnership with SESCO, Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism, Connect to Your Coast, and Share the Beach, will be held on two dates and at two locations to accommodate community members.

Event Details

• Date and Location:
• November 6, 2024, at The Beach Club, 925 Beach Club Trail, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
• November 7, 2024, at City Hall Council Chambers, 4099 Orange Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, AL 36561
• Schedule:
• 8:30 a.m. - Registration and Welcome
• 9:00 a.m. - Presentation by the USFWS on "The Problem of Light on Sea Turtle Nesting Beaches"
• 10:00 a.m. - Discussion on Local Lighting Issues with city representatives
• 10:30 a.m. - Lecture on the “Who’s, What’s, and Where’s of Wildlife-Friendly Lighting” by SESCO
• 11:15 a.m. - Q&A session for attendees

Complimentary snacks and refreshments will be provided throughout the event.

Workshop Focus

The lighting workshop aims to educate and inform coastal community members about the harmful effects of artificial lighting on nesting sea turtles, particularly along Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Each year, artificial lights along the coastline disorient sea turtles, especially hatchlings, which rely on natural light cues from the horizon to guide them toward the ocean. By adopting wildlife-friendly lighting solutions, communities can play a pivotal role in ensuring safe nesting and hatching conditions for these vulnerable species.

How to Attend

Registration is open to all interested parties, including those involved in property development and maintenance along the Gulf Coast. Attendees will learn practical lighting strategies, understand local regulations, and engage with experts from the USFWS and SESCO.

For additional information or to address specific questions, participants can reach out to event coordinators, Shannon Holbrook at shannon_holbrook@fws.gov or Erin Lentz at erin_lentz@fws.gov.

The 2024 Sea Turtle Lighting Workshop is an opportunity for coastal communities to make informed choices that protect both local wildlife and the unique environmental landscape of Alabama's Gulf Coast.