Landscape lighting is beautiful, but we may not grasp its effects on the environment. Sea turtles are especially sensitive to light; they lay their eggs in the sand, and when the turtles hatch, they rush toward the ocean to escape their many predators. Moon and starlight reflecting off the water sends them in the right direction. If, however, the hatchlings see light from nearby buildings or roadways, they might go in the wrong direction and fall prey to their enemies.
Long known for its commitment to environmental protection, the Sheraton Sand Key resort sought to make its property completely turtle-safe. Working with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, the resort hired Rick Bequette of Brilliant Nights to install turtle-safe lighting. In a collaboration with VOLT® Lighting, Rick installed hundreds of customized amber-colored lights, which are invisible to turtles. The resulting project was a success and was featured in Landscape Contractor – Design, Build, Maintain.
- Project Location Clearwater, FL
- Designed By Rick Bequette, Brilliant Nights