Topics Related to Coastal Reserve

Help us protect our nesting American oystercatchers! Shorebird nesting season begins April 1st and runs until August 31st.  Masonboro Island hosts 35 and 40 pairs of this species of concern - this is approximately 10% of the State's nesting oystercatchers.

Oystercatchers are territorial nesters that spread all along the length of the island. We post enclosures where birds are nesting around popular landings to limit foot traffic and minimize disturbance from human visitors, while leaving as much of the beach open as possible.  

Join the Reserve staff for an informational meeting about the sea turtle monitoring program on Masonboro Island and how you can get involved. 

Registration is not required. 

The Reserve and NC Wildlife Resources Commission are teaming up for the 6th year to conduct diamondback terrapin head count surveys. These surveys continue to help us better understand the status of Diamondback Terrapin populations at the Masonboro Island Reserve. 

The Reserve and NC Wildlife Resources Commission are teaming up for the 6th year to conduct diamondback terrapin head count surveys. These surveys continue to help us better understand the status of Diamondback Terrapin populations at the Masonboro Island Reserve. 

The Reserve and NC Wildlife Resources Commission are teaming up for the 6th year to conduct diamondback terrapin head count surveys. These surveys continue to help us better understand the status of Diamondback Terrapin populations at the Masonboro Island Reserve. 

The Reserve and NC Wildlife Resources Commission are teaming up for the 6th year to conduct diamondback terrapin head count surveys. These surveys continue to help us better understand the status of Diamondback Terrapin populations at the Masonboro Island Reserve. 

The Reserve and NC Wildlife Resources Commission are teaming up for the 6th year to conduct diamondback terrapin head count surveys. These surveys continue to help us better understand the status of Diamondback Terrapin populations at the Masonboro Island Reserve. 

The Reserve and NC Wildlife Resources Commission are teaming up for the 6th year to conduct diamondback terrapin head count surveys. These surveys continue to help us better understand the status of Diamondback Terrapin populations at the Masonboro Island Reserve. 

August 22 Rachel Carson Reserve Nature Hike - Sign up now! (sign up required)

August 20 Rachel Carson Reserve Boardwalk Trip - Sign up now! (sign up required)