The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center & Sea Turtle Camp

The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center (KBSTRRC) started with something called the Topsail Turtle Project. This project was set up by Karen Beasley to help protect sea turtle nests, mother turtles laying eggs, and baby turtles hatching along 26 miles of coastline on Topsail Island, NC. In honor of Karen, her mom, Jean Beasley, took over as the first leader of both the nesting program and started the rehab center. Even now, Jean is still involved as an honorary board member.

The dream of a rehabilitation center was realized through the tireless efforts of the Beasley family; their financial support; the support of the project members; and the generous donations of money, time, and material from local residents, businesses, and visitors.

Sea Turtle Camp and the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital provide high school students with unique opportunities to learn firsthand about sea turtle rehabilitation and conservation efforts. Through specialized programs and hands-on experiences, students not only gain insight into the challenges faced by sea turtles but also actively contribute to their rehabilitation process. This partnership is crucial as it empowers students to become stewards of the ocean, fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of protecting marine life and habitats. By joining forces, Sea Turtle Camp and the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital create a powerful platform for young individuals to make a positive impact on the conservation of sea turtles and the marine environment as a whole!