North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve |
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Buchanan Battery at Zeke's Island
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| Location | North Carolina |
| Area | 10,000 acres (4,000 ha) |
| Established | 1982 |
Imagine a special place where rivers meet the sea. This is called an estuary. The North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve protects one of the largest estuary systems in the United States. It covers more than 10,000 acres (4,000 ha) of important coastal areas.
These estuaries are super important for the economy of North Carolina. About 90 percent of the seafood caught in the state, like shrimp and crabs, spend part of their lives in an estuary. The North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve was created in 1982 to keep these amazing natural places safe. It also helps protect the many different plants and animals that live there.
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Why Estuaries are Important
Estuaries are like nurseries for the ocean. They are places where fresh water from rivers mixes with salty ocean water. This creates a unique environment. Many young fish and other sea creatures grow up here before moving to the open ocean.
Estuaries also help keep our coastlines healthy. They filter out pollution from the water. They also protect the land from storms and erosion. This makes them very important for both nature and people.
Exploring the Reserve's Sites
North Carolina is special because it has two main natural regions. One is to the north, like Virginia, and the other is to the south, like South Carolina. Because of this, the reserve has several different parts. Each part protects a unique piece of North Carolina's coast.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and North Carolina work together to manage these sites. Here are the main parts of the reserve:
Currituck Banks
This part of the reserve is about 960 acres. It is located near the town of Corolla. Currituck Banks is known for its beautiful sandy beaches and dunes. It also has important marsh areas. These areas are home to many birds and other wildlife.
Rachel Carson Reserve
The Rachel Carson Reserve covers about 2,625 acres. It is found near Beaufort. This site is famous for its wild horses. These horses roam freely on the islands. It is also a great place to see different types of birds and marine life.
Masonboro Island
Masonboro Island is the largest part of the reserve. It is about 5,097 acres. This island is near Wrightsville Beach. It is a barrier island, which means it protects the mainland from ocean storms. Masonboro Island is a popular spot for boating and fishing. It is also a critical nesting site for sea turtles.
Zeke's Island
Zeke's Island is about 1,165 acres. It is located near Kure Beach. This site includes a mix of sandy beaches, mudflats, and salt marshes. It is a very important resting and feeding area for many types of shorebirds. You might see many different birds here, especially during migration.
Protecting Our Coastal Treasures
The North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve helps scientists study estuaries. They learn how these areas work and how to keep them healthy. The reserve also teaches people about the importance of estuaries. It helps us all understand why we need to protect these amazing natural places for the future.
