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

Celebrating Beach Birds
Conservation

Celebrating Beach Birds

Today, Audubon protects 21 sanctuaries that are essential nesting sites for more than 50,000 birds. 

Visit
Visit

Visit

Come see all the wildlife and habitats of Pine Island Santuary and Center.

Audubon Sanctuary Kayak Trips
Visit

Audubon Sanctuary Kayak Trips

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

History of Pine Island
About

History of Pine island

Birdlife plays a key role in the history of Pine Island and the entire Currituck Sound region.

Why are marshes important?
Conservation

Why are marshes important

Pine Island promises to be a unique experience of the wildness of Currituck Sound and its unparalleled marshes, maritime forests, birds, and other wildlife.

Audubon's Vision for Protecting Marshes at the Sanctuary
Conservation

A Vision for Currituck's Marshes

The Audubon sanctuary is part of the Currituck Marshes-Pine Island Important Bird Area, which is made up of an extensive system of marshes, creeks, channels and open water.

Coast Watch: Agencies Oppose Figure Eight Groin
Conservation

Coast Watch: Agencies Oppose Figure Eight Groin

Coastal conservation advocates vigorously object to "beach hardening" structures such as groins and seawalls.

Currituck Marshes-Pine Island IBA
Conservation

Currituck Marshes-Pine Island IBA

Under the soft green canopy of live oaks, in the rustling grasses of Currituck Sound, and in freshwater pools teeming with birdlife, change is underway at the Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary.

Staff & Office Locations
About

Staff & Office Locations

Find our mailing address and staff contact listings.

Lea Island and Hutaff Island
Conservation

Lea Island and Hutaff Island

Located north of Wilmington, between Figure Eight Island and Topsail Island, Lea-Hutaff Island is a 5,641-acre undeveloped barrier island and marsh system that has remained undisturbed by development.

How you can help, right now