Ever heard of turtle gardens? As Long Beach Township Field Station staff explain, “They’re patches of sand that provide safe areas for turtles to rest or lay eggs,” which helps protect the local diamondback terrapin population during these busy months on Long Beach Island.

“During nesting season, from May through July, terrapins emerge from the bay to find a sandy spot to lay their eggs,” note the field station staff. “With development all across the Island, there aren’t many soft, sandy spots.