NAVARRE — Sand tilling will take place beginning March 19 on Navarre Beach. Tilling is required to lessen the impact of compacted sand on sea turtle nesting and hatching activities. Turtles prefer soft sand for digging nests and the 2018 nesting season begins May 1 for the gulf coast. Operations will be conducted between dawn and dusk. There will be minimal disruption to beachgoers during the process, which should only take a few days, weather permitting.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: County to prepare beaches for sea turtle nesting