Lea-Hutaff Island facts for kids
View of Lea-Hutaff Island, North Carolina from Figure Eight Island
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 Lea-Hutaff Island
Location in North Carolina
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Pender County, North Carolina |
| Coordinates | 34°16′12″N 77°45′0″W / 34.27000°N 77.75000°W |
| Total islands | 1 |
| Area | 5,641 acres (2,283 ha) |
| Administration | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
Lea-Hutaff Island is a large, empty barrier island off the coast of North Carolina. It covers about 5,641 acres (which is about 22.8 square kilometers) of land and marsh. This island is special because it's a natural home for many animals.
A small part of the island, about 25 acres, is called Lea Island State Natural Area. This area is protected by the state of North Carolina. It helps keep the island's natural beauty and wildlife safe.
The island is surrounded by water. To the north, New Topsail Inlet separates it from Topsail Island. To the south, Rich Inlet separates it from Figure Eight Island. On the side facing the mainland, it's separated by Topsail Sound. The island is about four miles long. It became one single landmass in 1998 when a waterway called Old Topsail Inlet closed. This inlet used to divide Lea Island and Hutaff Island into two separate islands.
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Island History
Lea-Hutaff Island has an interesting past. It used to be two separate islands, Lea Island and Hutaff Island. Each island was named after a person who owned land there.
How Lea Island Got Its Name
Lea Island was named after Joseph Hampton Lea, Sr. He owned a seafood business in Hampstead. Mr. Lea bought land on the island in the early 1950s.
How Hutaff Island Got Its Name
Hutaff Island got its name from George Hutaff. He bought his part of the island even earlier, in 1925.
Challenges of Living on the Island
In the 1980s, parts of Lea Island were divided into about 40 lots for sale. Three houses were built there. However, living on the island was very difficult. The ocean was constantly eroding the land. This erosion was caused by New Topsail Inlet moving south by about 50 feet each year. This inlet has moved more than six miles since it first opened before 1730!
Because of the fast erosion, it was hard to keep houses safe. Also, the island had no public utilities like electricity or water. There was no bridge or ferry to the mainland. People had to travel by boat. Many people who bought lots decided not to build homes.
Protecting the Island
By the early 2000s, people started working to protect Lea Island from development. Organizations like Audubon North Carolina and the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust began buying the private lots. Their goal was to transfer the land to the state. Many owners agreed to sell, and some even donated their land.
This land then became part of Lea Island State Natural Area. In 2010, Audubon bought 36 acres on Lea Island to help protect it.
The Island Today
The last house on Lea-Hutaff Island was destroyed by a storm in October 2015. Today, the northern part of the island (which was Lea Island) is mostly owned by the National Audubon Society and the state government. The southern part (the Hutaff area) is still owned by the Hutaff family.
The island is only reachable by boat. It is a very important place for wildlife. Many different kinds of birds and sea turtles use the island.
Island Wildlife
Lea-Hutaff Island is a vital nesting spot for several animal species. It provides a safe place for them to lay eggs and raise their young.
- Loggerhead sea turtles: These large sea turtles lay their eggs in the sand.
- Least terns: These small seabirds build their nests on the open beach.
- American Oystercatchers: These birds use their long, strong beaks to open shellfish.
- Piping plovers: These small shorebirds are protected because their numbers are low.
- Clapper rails: These marsh birds live in the grassy areas of the island.
| Preceded by Topsail Beach |
Beaches of Southeastern North Carolina |
Succeeded by Figure Eight Island |
