The North Carolina Division of Coastal Management is now accepting reservations for a series of free-of-charge public field trips this summer to the Rachel Carson Reserve in Beaufort.
Beginning in June, two types of field trips will be offered on the Reserve, including nature hikes, which will occur during low tides when the most land on the island is exposed.
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Participants of these hikes must wear close-toed shoes to protect their feet from the abundance of oysters, specifically their sharp-edged shells. Make sure your footwear is suitable for wet, muddy conditions. And, if you desire to wade in the water on the hike if given that opportunity, dress accordingly.
For those who prefer a little drier ground, the division is also hosting boardwalk trips, which will take you down Taylor’s Creek to the boardwalk on Carrot Island. Close-toed shoes are required for these trips as well.
Field trips have been scheduled as follows:
- June 16 — Boardwalk trip.
- June 23 — Nature hike trip.
- June 30 — Boardwalk trip.
- July 7 — Nature hike trip.
- July 16 — Boardwalk trip.
- July 23 — Nature hike trip.
- July 30 — Boardwalk trip.
- Aug. 6 — Nature hike trip.
- Aug. 13 — Boardwalk trip.
- Aug. 18 — Nature hike trip.
Boats will depart from Pivers Island in Beaufort.
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Participants must be at least 4 years old and all are encouraged to bring sunglasses, hats, binoculars, water, and sunscreen.
For additional information or help making an online reservation call 252-515-5426. If you leave a voicemail, expect a return call within 24 hours.
To join a waitlist if a trip is full, you may call the number above or email staff at lori.c.davis@deq.nc.gov.
While these field trips are free, donations are accepted for the nonprofit organization Friends of the Reserve by PayPal.
