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Visiting Our Area: Outdoor Recreation |  Printer Friendly
Sea Turtles
As one of the largest counties in North Carolina, and one which literally is bounded and criss-crossed by water, forests and wetlands, Brunswick County offers the absolute best of nature and citizens who diligently work each day to preserve that treasure. Sea turtle protection programs mark and monitor nests of several species of turtle, including the loggerhead, green sea turtle, leatherback and the extremely rare Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle. During the hatching season, usually June and July, volunteers make nightly treks to nests to help the quarter-sized hatchlings find their way to the sea. Because the hatchlings look for the light of the moon to find their way to the ocean, lights from beachfront homes can confuse them. Light curfews are voluntarily observed during the season, as are prohibitions on flashlights, flash photography and other human interference. If the timing is right during your visit, you may be able to view a hatching. To learn more about sea turtles, contact the Ocean Isle Beach Turtle Watch Program at (910) 579-1016 and Bald Head Island Turtle Sanctuary and Conservancy (910) 457-0089. You can also contact the Town Hall of each of the area beaches to get contact information for the local Sea Turtle Watch Program.
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Bird Watching
Some of the more than 200 species of birds also benefit from volunteer monitoring, including the wood stork. Prime viewing of these spectacular birds is at the Twin Lakes section of Sunset Beach. For more information on local bird watching and how to volunteer call (910) 579-2828. Ibises and pelicans nest on Battery Island in the middle of the Cape Fear River. This critical nesting area is managed by the National Audubon Society with assistance from volunteers. The ibises can often be seen flying high above Highway 17 between Bolivia and Supply.
The Green Swamp
Outdoor enthusiasts may want to trek into the Nature Conservancy’s 150,000-acre preserve in the Green Swamp northwest of Supply. Known for dense vegetation and wildlife, the swamp is home to endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers, black bears and bobcats. The vast array of plant life includes 14 species of carnivorous plants including Venus’ flytraps which grow only in this part of the world. Contact the Nature Conservancy for a map, and ask about local guides (910) 762-6277.
Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve
Town Creek, NC
The 174-acre Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve is open to the public for hiking, photography, bird watching, nature appreciation and research. Located to the east near Winnabow, the site has 15 trails, which display the preserve's diversity of plants and animals. Several small creeks drain the upland area; the low land forest along the Town Creek is undisturbed. For more information call (910) 962-3107. www.uncwil.edu/arboretum
Bird Island
Bird Island, at the south end of Sunset Beach, is one of the state’s last undeveloped barrier islands. Home to many kinds of shorebirds, the island has been purchased by the state in order to protect it from development. The Kindred Spirit mailbox, erected by an anonymous nature lover, offers island visitors a place to leave literary reflections of their visit.
Oak Island Parks & Recreation Nature Center
(910) 278-5518.
Oak Island, NC
Oak Island Parks & Recreation Department’s Nature Center – Live animals on display, talking tree trail, restrooms, interpretive trail, walkway and picnic area. Admission of free.
Southport Trail
(800) 388-9635
Southport Historical Society’s Southport Trail is a relaxed self-guided one-mile walk through the charming town. Begin with a stop at the Southport Visitor Center on Moore Street beside the library. Walkway winds around riverfront to the Southport Marina. Free.
East Coast Greeway
An exciting new way to travel the county is in development as Brunswick County joins the East Coast Greenway. This 2600-mile trail connecting cities along the eastern seaboard from Canada to Key West is designed for bikers, hikers, roller bladders and wheelchairs. www.greenway.org.
Agri-tourism
Local produce farms offer hundreds of locally and regionally grown fresh vegetables and fruits. Pick-your-own tomatoes, strawberries and more are also offered in season at Holden Brothers Produce and others. An interesting family outing may be in your future with a tour of a fully operational farm, an aquatic farm facility, or one of the large beef cattle, swine, tobacco or cotton operations. For more information and an extensive guide, call the Brunswick County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service at (910) 253-2610. www.ces.ncsu.edu/brunswick
Parks & Sports Facilities
Brunswick County offers seven beautiful public parks to take children to play—or to enjoy a bit of tennis, baseball, football, soccer, basketball and picnic shelters.
Shallotte District Park
5550 Main Street
Shallotte, NC 28459
(910) 754-7710
Leland Community Park
1490 Village Road NE
Leland, NC 28451
(910) 371-9606
Northwest District Park
1937 Andrew Jackson Highway NE
Leland, NC 28451
(910) 371-9222
Smithville District Park
8340 River Road SE
Southport, NC 28461
(910) 457-9105
Town Creek District Park
6420 Ocean Highway East
Winnabow, NC 28479
(910) 253-4610
Lockwood Folly Park
430 Green Swamp Road
Supply, NC 28462
(910) 754-8414
Waccamaw Park
5855 Waccamaw School Road NW
Ash, NC 28420
(910) 287-3658
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