Hilton Head Island was the first ecologically-planned destination in The United States. Light pollution ordinances are in effect across the island to protect the habitat of the loggerhead turtles which sometimes confuse the lights of dwellings and street lights with the phosphorescence of the ocean. Covenants are in place to protect the beautiful live oaks, palmetto trees and dunes grasses which cover the island. Salt marshes, beaches and lagoons remain in pristine condition across the island.