North Carolina Coastal Reserve

North Carolina Coastal Reserve Four of the Reserve components are designated as NC NERR sites: Currituck Banks, Rachel Carson, Masonboro Island, and Zekeโ€™s Island.

The North Carolina Coastal Reserve & National Estuarine Research Reserve System is a network of of 10 protected sites established for long-term research, education and stewardship. This program protects more than 41,000 acres of estuarine land and water, which provides essential habitat for wildlife; offers educational opportunities for students, teachers and the public; and serves as living labor

atories for scientists. The state supported sites in the NCCR are Kitty Hawk Woods, Emily and Richardson Preyer Buckridge, Buxton Woods, Permuda Island, Bald Head Woods, and Bird Island. Follow our NC NERR sites on Facebook:

Soaking up sun, sand, and sea air while giving back to natureโ€”letโ€™s celebrate National Beach Day by enjoying our beautif...
08/30/2026

Soaking up sun, sand, and sea air while giving back to natureโ€”letโ€™s celebrate National Beach Day by enjoying our beautiful coasts, helping keep them clean, and protecting the incredible biodiversity of places like the beaches of Masonboro Island, Bird Island, and the Rachel Carson Reserve! ๐ŸŒŠ๐Ÿ’™

Are you planning to camp on Masonboro Island Reserve this fall?Please remember:๐Ÿšฏ Pack in and pack out EVERYTHING - inclu...
08/25/2026

Are you planning to camp on Masonboro Island Reserve this fall?

Please remember:
๐Ÿšฏ Pack in and pack out EVERYTHING - including firewood
๐Ÿ”ฅ Disturbing or damaging vegetation is prohibited - please bring your own firewood and set up campfires at least 15 ft from vegetation.
๐Ÿ•๏ธ Use existing and previously used camping areas to minimize impact

Keep in mind that there are no facilities or resources available on the island!
Learn more here: https://www.deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/coastal-management/nc-coastal-reserve/reserve-sites/masonboro-island-reserve/camping-masonboro-island

Teachers, you won't want to miss this! Unlock the secrets of the estuary with The Estuary Files: National Estuarine Rese...
08/20/2026

Teachers, you won't want to miss this! Unlock the secrets of the estuary with The Estuary Files: National Estuarine Research Reserve Data Mysteries! ๐Ÿ•ต๏ธโ€โ™€๏ธ

๐Ÿ”Dive into real events, from oyster health to wildfire predictions, and analyze System-Wide Monitoring Program data.

๐ŸŒŠGet your students graphing and sleuthing to unveil what happened in the watershed or estuary! Ready to start the investigation? https://cdmo.baruch.sc.edu/noaa-nerrs-education/

Dive in and start sleuthing!

When visiting the Masonboro Island Reserve during hunting season:๐Ÿ”ธ Make your presence known ๐Ÿ”ธ Consider wearing blaze ora...
08/18/2026

When visiting the Masonboro Island Reserve during hunting season:
๐Ÿ”ธ Make your presence known
๐Ÿ”ธ Consider wearing blaze orange or bright colors for visibility
๐Ÿ”ธ Be knowledgeable of the hunting seasons

Hunting is a traditional use and is permitted within the Masonboro Island Reserve boundary - all local and state laws must be adhered to. Please be aware of the potential for these activities while visiting the site and report any instances of misuse or wildlife violations to the NC Wildlife Resources Commission hotline at 800-662-7137.

For more information on hunting seasons in NC, visit this link: https://www.ncwildlife.gov/hunting/fishing-hunting-trapping-regulations

๐ŸŒŠ They Started as Summer Interns. Now They're Teaching Others.Former summer education interns Janina Millis and Jenna Mc...
08/07/2026

๐ŸŒŠ They Started as Summer Interns. Now They're Teaching Others.

Former summer education interns Janina Millis and Jenna McLamb return to the North Carolina Coastal Reserve's Teachers on the Estuary workshop as professional educators, showcasing the full-circle impact of Lori Davis' mentorship. Through their stories, discover how one internship inspired lifelong careers in environmental education.

Check out the blog post and YouTube video out now: https://www.deq.nc.gov/blog/2026/08/06/they-started-summer-interns-now-theyre-teaching-others

Sea turtle nesting season is in full swing at Masonboro Island Reserve! Thanks to our dedicated staff and interns for mo...
08/06/2026

Sea turtle nesting season is in full swing at Masonboro Island Reserve! Thanks to our dedicated staff and interns for monitoring and protecting these animals!

This conservation work for protected sea turtles at Masonboro Island is authorized by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission

08/06/2026

Join us for the Local Government Abandoned and Derelict Vessels & Resilient Docks Workshops.

Hosted by the Federation and the North Carolina Coastal Reserve, these meetings will provide local governments and any interested parties with resources for implementing an inspection program for residential docks and piers, and for developing and implementing a program for abandoned and derelict vessels, or .

The workshop will be offered in two coastal locations. Join us in Wilmington on August 28th or in Washington on September 15th.

For more information, a draft agenda, and registration, click the links below:

Wilmington, August 28th: https://www.nccoast.org/event/local-government-adv-resilient-docks-workshop-wilmington/

Washington, September 15th: https://www.nccoast.org/event/local-government-adv-resilient-docks-workshop-washington/

Address

101 Pivers Island Road
Beaufort, NC
28516

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when North Carolina Coastal Reserve posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to North Carolina Coastal Reserve:

Shortcuts

Share