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Discover the Outer Banks as they used to be...
Winter Sunset over Pine Island Photo: Robbie Fearn
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.
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.
One of the best ways to explore Audubon's Pine Island Sanctuary is by water.
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.
Balancing conservation, education, research, habitat improvement and traditional hunting grounds
Learn about how Audubon is creating a world class conservation research and education campus
Audubon’s Sanctuary in Corolla is host to hundreds of individual species and more are being identified and recorded regularly.
Learn about the bird conservation research taking place at Pine Island and find nature-focused events happening at this Important Bird Area along the Outer Banks in our periodic eBulletin.
Click Orange Button to register for Guided Kayak Programs
Every donation will be used to protect the 6,000 acres of marsh complex within the sanctuary and the wildlife it supports.
