Bird Island Reserve

Partnership: NC Coastal Reserve, Bird Island Preservation Society

Bird Island Reserve is a beautiful undeveloped beach with sparkling white sand, tall natural dunes, and plenty of wildlife. The last barrier island in North Carolina, Bird Island Reserve includes more than 1,200 acres encompassing beachfront, salt marsh and tidal creeks existing in their dynamic, natural state.

: To save or not to save?

A popular destination for outdoor recreation, like boating, beachcombing, walking, and fat-tire cycling, visitors delight in seeing this pristine coastal ecosystem. Make sure to visit the very special Kindred Spirit mailbox where you can leave thoughts, poems, observations and well-wishes in a notebook, and peruse messages left by others before you!

Bird Island was preserved through the dedication and hard work of Bird Island Preservation Society (BIPS), an alliance formed in 1992 with local residents, the Audubon Society, the Coastal Land Trust and North Carolina Coastal Federation. BIPS advocated for the preservation of the island for many years and successfully blocked permits which would have made development more likely. In 2000, with funding from multiple agencies, Bird Island was purchased, put under conservation, and in 2002 became a part of the NC Coastal Reserve system.

Bird Island Preservation Society volunteers care for the preserve and share it with visitors. You are invited to come learn all about Bird Island’s sand dunes, animal life (including sea turtle nesting areas!), and history. Educational walks led by BIPS volunteers of this special and beautiful coastal preserve are held every Wednesday in the summer. Walks begin at the 40th Street walkover and the beach at 8:30 am every Wednesday from June through August and last about 2.5 hours. Bring plenty of water, sun protective clothing, sunscreen and be aware that there are no facilities on the island. Arrive early to find parking along the city streets.

For even more information about Bird Island ecology and history, visit: https://sites.google.com/site/birdislandsteward/home
And the Coastal Fed Reserve site: https://www.nccoast.org/project/bird-island-coastal-reserve/