N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve

COVID-19 update - Phase 3

The N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Reserve reminds visitors to all reserve sites to follow the Modified Stay at Home Order after a rapid increase in North Carolina’s key COVID-19 trends. In accordance with Executive Order No. 181, mass gatherings that bring together more than 50 persons outdoors at a time are prohibited. Face coverings are required outdoors where physical distancing of six feet is not possible. To ensure health and safety, visitors should follow the "Three W’s” as outlined by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services – wear a mask or cloth face covering; wait at least six feet away from others, and wash hands frequently. 

The reserves will continue to closely monitor state and local COVID-19 guidelines and directives and encourage reserve visitors to comply with these measures to protect themselves and their communities.

Visitors are strongly advised to take the following steps to reduce transmission while visiting a reserve:

  1. Postpone your visit if you are sick or experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
  2. Maintain at least six feet social distancing from other individuals, with the exception of household members.
  3. Wear a cloth face covering outdoors when you cannot maintain at least six feet distancing from other people with the exception of household members.
  4. Carry hand sanitizer with you when leaving home and use it frequently.
  5. Avoid touching surfaces others may have touched, such as signs and boardwalk railings.
  6. Do not share any personal items, including phones, cameras, water bottles, and recreational equipment.

Additional guidance for visitors during the COVID-19 outbreak:

  • Avoid group photos that violate social distancing guidelines. 
  • Continue to keep dogs leashed and practice social distancing with other people and their dogs.

Any additional guidance and future updates will be posted to the Coastal Reserve website. For the latest information on COVID-19 in North Carolina, go to: www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus or call 866-462-3821 for health-related questions.

Planning Effective Projects for Coastal Communities – Virtual Training

Learn how to design a project that reaches the right audience, has the intended impact, and achieves measurable results. You'll walk away with the ability and confidence to build in the accountability & strategic thinking to achieve project success.

Learn more and register
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Access Grant Virtual Workshop Series for Local Governments

Local communities will learn about grant opportunities to acquire land and make improvements to beach and waterfront access, parks, and boating facilities. The two-part workshop series will be held on January 21st and 26th from 9:30-noon.

Learn more
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Coastal research grant writing tips for graduate students

Are you a NC-based graduate student applying for the 2021 Coastal Research Fellowship? Our Coastal Training Program intern and UNC IMS PhD student Zofia Knorek will walk you through preparing a proposal over the next six weeks on our Tidal Flat blog.

Read the blog post
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Training Program leads virtual workshops for real estate professionals

This year, workshops for real estate professionals are going virtual! Three workshops were held in August and September on low impact development and barrier island development issues.

Learn more
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Welcome Marae Lindquist - 2020 Margaret A. Davidson Graduate Fellowship

Marae Lindquist, a PhD student at UNCW, will study two wintering sparrow populations as a NOAA Davidson Fellow. She will focus her research on the impacts of sea level rise on wintering populations of the saltmarsh and seaside sparrow.

Learn more
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State acquires 36 acres for the Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve

The Division of Coastal Management purchased 35.6 acres of the Little Colington Island peninsula in Dare County, known as Meter Point, to ensure long-term habitat protection and contribute to enhanced water quality, fisheries, and natural heritage.

Learn more about the acquisition
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2020 Coastal Research Fellow

Meet Aaron Ramus, recipient of the 2020 NC Sea Grant - NC Coastal Reserve Coastal Research Fellowship. He is investigating the effects of a nonnative seaweed on predator-prey relationships, as well as on hard clam production in estuarine lagoons.

Learn more
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Find a reserve site near you!

The N.C. Coastal Reserve & National Estuarine Research Reserve is a network of ten protected sites spanning the North Carolina coast.

Learn more about our reserve sites
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The N.C. Coastal Reserve & National Estuarine Research Reserve is a program of the N.C. Division of Coastal Management, a division of the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality. The N.C. National Estuarine Research Reserve is managed through a federal-state partnership between NOAA and the N.C. Division of Coastal Management. The Reserve is a network of 10 protected sites established for long-term research, education and stewardship. This program protects more than 44,000 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.

Learn more about the Reserve program

Reserve sites

Protecting more than 44,000 acres of estuarine habitat for research, education, and stewardship.

Learn more about the 10 Reserve sites

N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve • 101 Pivers Island Road • Beaufort, NC 28516 • 252-838-0883

 

The N.C. Coastal Reserve & National Estuarine Research Reserve is a program of the N.C. Division of Coastal Management, a division of the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality. The N.C. National Estuarine Research Reserve is managed through a federal-state partnership between NOAA and the N.C. Division of Coastal Management.
 



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