Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge

Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area in North Carolina that encompasses salt marshes, tidal flats, and upland areas serving as habitat for numerous bird species. The landscape is shaped by water channels, seasonal flooding, and marsh vegetation that create distinct ecological zones throughout the refuge.

The refuge was established in 1964 as a protected sanctuary for migratory birds moving along the Atlantic coast. Before that, the land served hunting and fishing interests, but designation as a wildlife refuge changed its purpose to conservation.

The refuge serves as a place where visitors can directly experience coastal wildlife and understand how birds depend on salt marsh environments. Walking through the area, you notice how the birds move freely across the water and reeds throughout the day.

Two public boat ramps with parking make it easy for visitors to launch boats for fishing and watching wildlife throughout the protected waters. The best way to explore the interior is by water, either with your own boat or by joining organized tours that navigate the shallow channels.

The refuge holds North Carolina's largest population of eastern black rails, secretive birds that hide in the brackish marshes and are rarely spotted by visitors. Despite their abundance here, these small dark birds remain one of the hardest species to actually see during a visit.