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. Learn more about the Reserve's organizational structure.
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.