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 Zeke’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:

Our incredible interns in the Beaufort office completed a boating safety course and are now skilled and certified boat d...
06/23/2026

Our incredible interns in the Beaufort office completed a boating safety course and are now skilled and certified boat drivers. Thanks to Boat U.S. Foundation and Captain Ben for teaching them the rules of the water! 🚤 #

06/20/2026

Today is International Horseshoe Crab Day! These are incredible creatures, known as living fossils, that have remained virtually unchanged for over 445 million years. Did you know that they aren't a true crab🦀?

Watch the video to learn more!


Application period is open for N.C. Coastal Reserve local advisory committees!The N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estu...
06/20/2026

Application period is open for N.C. Coastal Reserve local advisory committees!

The N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve is accepting applications for several local advisory committees (LACs). Community members are needed for each of the Coastal Reserve’s 10 sites: Bird Island Reserve, Bald Head Woods Reserve, Zeke’s Island Reserve, Masonboro Island Reserve, Permuda Island Reserve, Rachel Carson Reserve, Buxton Woods Reserve, Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve, Currituck Banks Reserve and Emily and Preyer Buckridge Reserve.

Learn more and apply here: https://www.deq.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2026/06/01/application-period-open-coastal-reserve-local-advisory-committees

06/08/2026

Happy World Oceans Day!
🌊 Here at the Reserve, we celebrate Oceans Day every day! Estuaries are the ocean's nursery, and the NC Coastal Reserve protects more than 44,000 acres of these estuarine waters for research, education, and stewardship!
🌊We want to learn what you love about North Carolina’s estuaries!

North Carolina Coastal Reserve and NC Wildlife Resources Commission staff were lucky to come across a female loggerhead ...
06/04/2026

North Carolina Coastal Reserve and NC Wildlife Resources Commission staff were lucky to come across a female loggerhead heading back to the ocean after laying a nest on Masonboro Island Reserve one morning this week.

As we move into peak nesting season, be mindful of wildlife and always respect posted areas where nests are marked off. To report any nesting activity on Masonboro, contact the site manager at 910.620.0005.

This conservation work for protected sea turtles at Masonboro Island is authorized by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (Permit 26ST18) and photos were taken from a safe distance to avoid human interaction.

05/27/2026

Happy birthday to Rachel Carson! 🎉

Do you know why the Rachel Carson Reserve is named after her? Read below ⬇️ to find out!

Rachel Carson explored the waters off Bird Shoal in 1938 while working for the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries at the Biological Station in Beaufort. The tidal marshes, beaches, and animals she found at the shoreline of Town Marsh and Bird Shoal inspired her writing and were featured in her first book, Under the Sea-Wind. Soon she would become famous for calling our collective attention to the environment by documenting the damage wrought by pesticides on fish, birds, and ecosystems, eventually publishing Silent Spring and leaving a lasting legacy.

05/27/2026

It's World Otter Day! Keep an eye out for river otters at any of our TEN reserve sites, like Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve, where a whole romp of otters was caught on camera! 📸

Happy World Turtle Day! Did you know North Carolina’s state reptile is the Eastern Box Turtle? Keep an eye out for this ...
05/23/2026

Happy World Turtle Day! Did you know North Carolina’s state reptile is the Eastern Box Turtle? Keep an eye out for this slow-and-steady state mascot next time you visit one of our ten Reserve sites!

If you're visiting the Rachel Carson Reserve this weekend, please remember to maintain a lawful distance of at least 50 ...
05/23/2026

If you're visiting the Rachel Carson Reserve this weekend, please remember to maintain a lawful distance of at least 50 feet away (the size of a large bus). A much larger distance is recommended for viewing the horses’ natural behaviors and when a foal is present.

Similar rules govern the horses found at Shackleford Banks, Cape Lookout National Seashore. If a violation is witnessed at the Rachel Carson Reserve or Shackleford Banks and it’s safe, take a photo of the incident including boat registration numbers and call the non-emergency dispatch number at 252-726-1911.

Cape Lookout National Seashore Foundation for Shackleford Horses Town of Beaufort NC

Address

101 Pivers Island Road
Beaufort, NC
28516

Telephone

+12528380882

Website

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