North
Carolina Sanctuaries
The National Audubon Society's history has always been
linked to a passionate concern for birds, other wildlife
and their habitats. It was this concern that led to the
organization of the nation's first Audubon Society in
1886. Then in 1902, T. Gilbert Pearson organized the
Audubon Society of North Carolina which launched the
beginning of wildlife conservation in the state. This
tradition of wildlife conservation has long been a key
source of Audubon's strength and identity.
The early 1900s was a busy time for the Audubon Society
of North Carolina. The Society established wildlife
sanctuaries and hired the state's first game wardens. One
such warden was N. F. Jennett who patrolled the waters of
Pamlico Sound and protected seabird colonies from the
relentless guns of market hunters.
Today, the threats are far different than a century ago,
but they are potentially greater in magnitude. Habitat
loss and degradation as a result of human influences are
the greatest threats to birds and bird populations.
Habitats for nesting, foraging, migration and winter are
essential and the conservation of these areas is
critical.
More than a decade ago, when the number of nesting sites
for wading birds and seabirds was at a critical low,
Audubon established the North Carolina Coastal Islands
sanctuary system to protect and restore vital nesting
habitats for these birds. The system began with two
islands in the lower Cape Fear River. Today, Audubon
protects 20 islands that support thousands of nesting
pairs of pelicans, herons, egrets, ibises, gulls, terns
and black skimmers.
On the northern Outer Banks, between Duck and Corolla,
Audubon protects 6,000 acres of marsh and forest on the
Pine Island Sanctuary. The sanctuary is a true island of
life in the midst of one of the fastest growing areas of
the State.
In the northwestern corner of the State, along the Blue
Ridge Parkway, Audubon will soon protect and manage
Bullhead Mountain. This is North Carolina's premier site
for viewing the annual spectacle of raptor migration
where thousands of hawks, falcons and other raptors pass
along the mountain's ridge.
Audubon's commitment to conserving North Carolina's birds
and their habitats is stronger than ever! Check out the
sites listed below to learn more about Audubon's North
Carolina Sanctuaries.
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