Currituck Banks Reserve, North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve

The Currituck Banks Reserve is part of the North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserves, located on the northern Outer Banks. This protected area encompasses a diverse range of habitats, including maritime forests, shrub thickets, grasslands, and salt marshes. These habitats support an abundance of wildlife, such as waterfowl, wading birds, and the iconic wild horses of Corolla. The Reserve has a rich history of human settlement and activity, initially inhabited by Indigenous peoples and later explored by European settlers. Today, it serves as a living laboratory for research, education, and stewardship of coastal resources. Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities like hiking, bird watching, and photography, all within a serene and preserved natural landscape.