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Padre Island National Seashore warns beachgoers to never leave sandcastles behind

The structures can be dangerous for local wildlife, according to PINS officials

A sandcastle found on the beach on Padre Island National Seashore. (Padre Island National Seashore)

CORPUS CHRISTI – The Padre Island National Seashore is asking beachgoers to remove sandcastles and moats before they leave the beach in an effort to protect area wildlife.

In other words, officials say to “leave the beach better than you found it.”

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According to a social media post Saturday, PINS officials said the sand structures do not get washed away overnight and can cause harmful effects to local wildlife if not removed.

An example of what not to do. Whether building a sandcastle or building moats, you should always leave the beach better...

Posted by Padre Island National Seashore on Saturday, June 12, 2021

The structures can also pose a threat to other visitors and turtle patrol vehicles.

PINS asks that visitors leave the beach “Clean, Dark, and Flat”:

  • Clean - leave the beach the same way you found it.
  • Dark - reduce the amount of artificial lights during the night such as spotlights, light poles with more than one light, and any lighting systems that would affect wildlife.
  • Flat - Fill in any sandpits and make sure to knock down any manmade structures.

PINS also offers trash bags at the visitor center to assist with beach cleanup.

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About the Author
Emily Martin headshot

Emily Martin is the KSAT Insider Membership Producer. She earned a journalism degree from Texas State University, where she was news director at KTSW, the campus radio station. She has also interned at KXAN and KUT in Austin.

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