Rachel Carson Reserve
Winter is upon us and there is no finer time to go outdoors here in Emerald Isle. The bright sun warms up island quickly and most days the temperatures rise into the 50s.
I especially enjoy visiting nature preserves this time of the year like Cape Lookout, Portsmouth, and the Rachel Carson Reserve. No bugs, no mosquitoes, no crowds. Plenty of birds and horses and shells!
Today, I want to focus on a preserve very close to Emerald Isle and a preserve very dear to me, the Rachel Carson Preserve in Beaufort. The Rachel Carson Reserve is one of North Carolina’s most precious natural areas. Named for Rachel Carson, the American marine biologist, conservationist and author of "Silent Spring" and other writings who is credited with banning DDT and advancing the global environmental movement, the preserve it is a stunning example of a pristine wetland habitat. It is home to many species of flora and fauna and a bird-watchers paradise. If enjoying the serenity of nature and Emerald Isle, NC is in your travel plans, the Rachel Carson Reserve is not to be missed!
The Rachel Carson Reserve is a 2,315-acre nature preserve located near Beaufort. The main portion of the reserve is a collection of tiny islands that includes Carrot Island, Town Marsh, Bird Shoal, and Horse Island. Middle Marsh is also a part of the reserve but is separated from the reserve by the North River Channel. The whole reserve lies between the Newport and North Rivers.
The mix of fresh and saltwater habitats provides an estuarine environment for a unique blend of fish and invertebrates who make their homes here. The landscape and ecology of the area are extremely diverse. The reserve includes tidal flats, salt marshes, ocean beaches, sand dunes, and submerged aquatic vegetation, just to name a few.
The islands of the Rachel Carson reserve are just as beautiful as they are educational. Only accessible by motorboat or ferry, these islands are one of the best-kept secrets of the Crystal Coast. These islands give you the option of relaxing and taking in the sun on the pristine shores or exploring the natural trails where you can observe wildlife, such as feral horses, gray foxes, river otters, raccoons and marsh rabbits.
Over 200 species of birds have been seen at the site, so make sure to bring your binoculars and cameras/phones! Look out into the water to see bottlenose dolphins (especially visible in winter), diamondback terrapins, sea turtles, and a range of other estuarine creatures.
A large band of feral horses (Banker Horses) also lives on the island. Although they are not native to the land, they have adapted to free life on the islands. The horses are some of the reserve’s most beloved inhabitants. Descended from domesticated Spanish horses and possibly brought to the Americas in the 16th century, these bankers survive by grazing on marsh grasses, which supply them with water as well as food, supplemented by temporary freshwater pools.
The Rachel Carson Reserve is accessible by ONLY by boat or passenger ferry. The ferry is open year round and departs from 610 Front Street in Beaufort. Call for seasonal time changes, (252) 728-4129. When you visit, please note that closed-toed shoes are recommended. In winter bring layers, or a down parka, gloves and a hat. Trails cover only certain areas, and there are some places that can become slippery or that have exposed sharp objects, like seashells. Bring necessities including water, snacks and sun block. Chairs, umbrellas and coolers are allowed at no extra charge. All dogs are welcome on at no extra charge. Reservations are not required but can be made to accommodate larger groups.
If places like the Rachel Carson Preserve interest you, please send me an email to: DRaczkowski@fathomrealty.com and I will send you my free Guide to Outdoor Adventures in and around Emerald Isle, NC.
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