Turtles are hatching all across the South Coast, and the authors of the Turtle Journal are spreading the word so residents can watch out for the tiny reptiles.

Marion residents Don Lewis and Sue Weiber Nourse founded the Turtle Journal with the mission of saving turtles through increased awareness. Known as the The Turtle Guy, Lewis has done rescue work featured in National Geographic and other local, regional and worldwide media. Weiber Nourse has led ocean research from the Canary, Caribbean and Hawaiian Islands as well as the Florida Keys, Bahamas, Bermuda and New England.

Locally, painted box, terrapin, snapper and spotted turtles will emerge soon from underground nests. After hatching, the turtles are about one-inch long and weigh a quarter of an ounce.

“Baby turtles are extremely vulnerable, perhaps one in several hundred may survive from egg to adulthood,” Lewis said. “The journey from their exposed nest site to the safety and camouflage of nursery habitat poses the most lethal challenge of their lives. For scores of predators, hatchlings are tasty and crunchy.”

Aside from predators, people also pose a threat.

“For humans, we destroy hatchlings not through intention and malevolence, but rather through inattention and ignorance,” Lewis said.

In spring and early summer, female turtles deposit eggs in sunny, exposed areas where the eggs are kept warm.

Residents can help protect turtle populations by being aware. Lewis advises checking driveways before heading out and inspecting lawns before firing up the mower, which can be deadly for the hatchlings.

Should you spot a baby turtle, Lewis says help it reach an area of dense vegetation that provides cover from predators.

Lewis said interacting with turtles offers a chance for people to reflect on nature and foster interest.

“The coming days offer a chance to engender that passion within a new generation of naturalists and to enrich our neighborhoods by preserving these important critters for our children’s grandchildren.”

Visit the Turtle Journal online at www.turtlejournal.com for more information. For questions, advice and assistance regarding area turtles, call 508-274-5108.