Donal C. O'Brien Sanctuary and Audubon Center at Pine Island

Discover the Outer Banks as they used to be...

Winter Sunset over Pine Island Photo: Robbie Fearn

Preserving the Past, Managing the Present, Improving the Future

Tucked away on a small  road, the Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Sanctuary in Corolla is one of the last pieces of untouched property on the northeastern portion of the Outer Banks, preserving 2,600 acres of marsh, upland maritime forest and sandy beaches, as well as the historical beauty of the Outer Banks. The Sanctuary remains  largely free from development, so birds and wildlife can continue to have a safe place to thrive free from human disturbance. A 60 acres education campus, surrounding a historic 1913 hunt club hosts researchers, adult education participants, and conservation leaders striving to ensure a brighter future for birds and other wildlife. The public also enjoys the property through Kayak tours, public programs and a 2.5 mile nature trail.

Go Behind-the-Scenes

Visit Our Nature Trail
Plan Your Visit

Visit Our Nature Trail

Visitors are encouraged to explore the nearby 2.5-mile Nature Trail, sign up for a kayak trip in Currituck Sound, or make a reservation for your group to tour the sanctuary.

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Audubon Sanctuary Kayak Trips
Visit

Audubon Sanctuary Kayak Trips

One of the best ways to explore Audubon's Pine Island Sanctuary is by water.

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Pristine Sanctuary for Birds
Plan Your Visit

Pristine Sanctuary for Birds

With its extensive marshes, waterways and diversity of upland and maritime forest, the 2,600 acres of preserved land contribute to major environmental and wildlife conservation efforts for the health of our birds, wildlife and local community. 

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Sanctuary Management
Sanctuary Management

Sanctuary Management

Balancing conservation, education, research, habitat improvement and traditional hunting grounds

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A Peek behind the Gates
Visit

A Peek behind the Gates

Learn about how Audubon is creating a world class conservation research and education campus

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Biodiversity Abounds
Natural History

Biodiversity Abounds

Audubon’s Sanctuary in Corolla is host to hundreds of individual species and more are being identified and recorded regularly.

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News from NC Audubon

Research Application for Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Sanctuary in Corolla
Conservation

Research Application for Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Sanctuary in Corolla

Learn more about how to apply to conduct research at the Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Sanctuary in Corolla.

A Win-Win for Research and Conservation
Conservation

A Win-Win for Research and Conservation

Mark Stanback, PhD, Davidson College Professor of Biology chose the Sanctuary for his latest monitoring project. Learn how he's compiling data from Tree Swallow nest boxes.

Phase 1 of the Future Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Sanctuary and Audubon Center
Conservation

Phase 1 of the Future Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Sanctuary and Audubon Center

The birds and wildlife have been here for centuries and now ambitious planning at the Sanctuary and Audubon Center in Corolla will bring researchers from across the country to unlock its conservation secrets.

Save Rich Inlet
Conservation

Save Rich Inlet

We need your help protecting one of the LAST natural inlets in our state. Be the voice for our coastal birds!

Get Updates
About

Get Updates

The Donal C. O’Brien, Jr. Audubon Sanctuary is full of a wide-range of habitats, birds and wildlife. We offer supporters many ways to stay up to date and get involved. 

Pristine Sanctuary for Birds
Plan Your Visit

Pristine Sanctuary for Birds

With its extensive marshes, waterways and diversity of upland and maritime forest, the 2,600 acres of preserved land contribute to major environmental and wildlife conservation efforts for the health of our birds, wildlife and local community. 

Sharing Our Ocean & Shores
Conservation

Sharing Our Ocean & Shores

Protecting coastal habitats for generations to come.

Beach Bird Stewards
Conservation

Beach Bird Stewards

Learn more about the Beach Bird Stewards program and how they are protecting coastal birds.  

Controlled Burns Bring Life to the Marshes
Conservation

Controlled Burns

Audubon NC staff is conducting sustainable controlled burns at the Audubon Sanctuary in Corolla. 

How you can help, right now