National Estaurine Research Reserve

Summer Public Field Trips on the

Rachel Carson Reserve

Public field trips on the Rachel Carson component of the N.C. National Estuarine Research Reserve occur on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30-10:30am during June, July and August. All programs are open and free to the public but reservations and telephone confirmation of reservation is required at least the day before the field trip as boat space is limited. Call (252) 220-0779 to make reservations or for more information.

 The Reserve offers three types of field trips:

1. Nature hikes occur during low tides, when the most amount of land is exposed on the island. Be prepared to get your shoes wet and muddy. We require close-toed shoes because of the abundance of oysters on the island. You may also have the opportunity to swim on the nature hike, so dress accordingly.
2. Boardwalk trips occur at high tide, when the water is high enough in the estuary for our 24’ skiff to easily navigate around the island to our boardwalk located on Carrot Island.
3. Circumnavigation cruise on our 24’ skiff around the Reserve allows visitors a chance to view Middle Marsh after a brief stop at the boardwalk.

On all three trips, we encourage you to bring sunglasses, hats, binoculars, water and sunscreen. 

Closed-toe shoes are required for all field trips.

All field trips are free; however, we do accept donations for our nonprofit organization, Friends of the Reserve (FOR).

Directions:

NOAA-NERR Administration Building - 101 Pivers Island Rd - Beaufort, NC 28516

• From HWY 70 W: proceed through Morehead City downtown (30 mile/hour zone), over the high rise bridge by the port.
• Make your 2nd right (there are two right turn lanes) onto Pivers Island Rd. If you get to the Beaufort drawbridge, you’ve gone too far. You’ll see small signs on the HWY that say NOAA and Duke Marine Lab.
• Go over a small bridge with a security gate (gate will be open).
• Once over the bridge, you’ll see a large two story white building on the left, this is where we meet for the field trip. Park in the lot directly in front of the building or in the lot to the right. There is a large NOAA circle logo on the building.
• We will meet you in front of the building starting at 8:15am.

Education Links

• School/Group Field Trips
• Class & Field Activities
• Curriculum
• Teacher Workshops
• Summer Public Field Trips
• Summer Science School