Currituck Banks Coastal Estuarine Reserve

Just north of the village of Corolla on NC 12 is the Currituck Banks National Estuarine Research Reserve, administered by the North Carolina Coastal Reserve Program. It is one of 10 sites statewide recognized and protected because of its unique habitat. A wide variety of ecosystems are found in the reserve, which is made up of just under 1,000 acres. Shrub thickets, inter-tidal dunes and flats, maritime forests, and brackish and freshwater marshes are all present.

Of special interest is the mix of plants found at the Currituck Banks National Estuarine Research Reserve. It is the southern-most range for many northern species and the northern-most range for some southern species. This diversity caused the area to receive reserve status.

The Currituck Sound, borders the reserve on its western boundary. It is an important breeding ground for freshwater fishes, as well as a crucial stopover for migrating waterfowl.

A boardwalk takes explorers on a 1/3 mile trip into the reserve; those more adventurous will want to tackle the 1-1/2 mile primitive trail that veers off the boardwalk.