Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge In North Carolina Is Among The Nation’s 10 Best
The Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge In Rodanthe, North Carolina Is Among The Nation’s 10 Best Wildlife Refuge’s according to USA Today and its readers. According to US Fish and Wildlife Services “the National Wildlife Refuge System is the largest and most diverse network of lands and waters dedicated to ensuring the long-term future of America’s rich fish and wildlife heritage.”
The entirety of the U.S. National Wildlife Refuge system includes some 150 million acres of land and water habitat throughout 570 refuges. And each state is home to at minimum one refuge. And perhaps more importantly 380 plants and animals listed as endangered or threatened are protected in these spaces.
So needless to say they are incredibly important to the ecosystems. Which makes it even more special that we here in North Carolina are home to such a beloved wildlife refuge in the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
The US Fish and Wildlife Services indicate that the “Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1938” with the intention “to provide nesting, resting, and wintering habitat for migratory birds”. It’s home to endangered species such as the loggerhead sea turtles and located on Hatteras Island part of the Outer Banks. Of course taking in the wildlife and birds specifically is a main draw of the area.
Guests can stop by the Visitor Center center for more information on popular activities. This includes things like hiking one of several refuge trails, fishing in the surf or the sound, or just relaxing on the beach. Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge ranked at the 9th best Wildlife Refuge in the USA Today 10best list.
The list is a part of the publication’s ongoing 10best Readers Choice Awards. The nominees in the awards, which encompass a variety of categories, are submitted by a panel of experts. From there the USA Today 10best editors narrow the field to select the final nominees that are voted on by USA Today readers. Learn more and view the full USA Today 10best Wildlife Refuges here.
3 Of The Nation's Best National Parks Are Within Driving Distance Of North Carolina
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
The closest national park, Great Smoky Mountain sits on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. It’s actually America’s most visited national park! Great Smoky Mountain National Park is known for its diversity of plant and animal life, the stunning beauty of the mountains, and that Southern Appalachian mountain culture. Learn more here.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park is about 75 miles outside of Washington, D.C. According to the National Park Service it features “cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows.” Shenandoah National Park consists of more than 200,000 acres land that is home to animals such as deer, songbirds, and black bears. Get more info here.
New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia
And finally we have southern West Virginia’s New River Gorge National Park. It’s highlighted by the whitewater river-the New River- that flows through the deep canyons that make up the park. The new river is one of the oldest rivers in North America. New River Gorge National Park is made up over over 70,000 acres with many scenic views and opportunities for recreation. Learn more here.
