The North Carolina Coastal Reserve & National Estuarine Research Reserve
The North Carolina Coastal Reserve (NCCR) & National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NCNERR) is a network of ten protected sites established for long-term research, education and stewardship.
This is an interactive map. Clicking on the Reserve site will take you to that site's page. By clicking on the water drops (except at Rachel Carson) you can access real time water quality data for that site. Clicking on the sun will take you to real time weather data for Masonboro Island.
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 laboratories for scientists. Four of the Reserve components are designated as NCNERR sites: Currituck Banks, Rachel Carson, Masonboro Island, and Zeke’s Island. 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.