Wilmington Summer Bucket List: Relax at Masonboro Island

Welcome to our final week, Week 5! In Nest Realty’s Summer Bucket List Series, we’ll highlight five of our favorite summer activities in the Wilmington area. Let us know which adventure was your favorite after you tackle the bucket list! Next, send a photo or leave a comment about your day in the sun. We hope these inspire you to love where you live even more than you already do!

The fifth must-do for this summer in Wilmington is to relax at Masonboro Island. Located off of Wrightsville Beach, the 8.4-mile-long Masonboro Island Reserve is the longest undisturbed barrier island ecosystem in southern North Carolina. The Reserve protects coastal habitats for research, education, and stewardship. Salt marsh, barrier island, and tidal creek ecosystems thrive at Masonboro Island–it is truly a haven for birds, fish, invertebrates, and even sea turtles! The future of these animals depends on the future of Masonboro Island, so the Reserve ensures that the  fragile estuary system is well-preserved.

The Reserve offers education programs that entertain and teach all ages because environmental preservation of the island and its inhabitants is so crucial. You can even make a meaningful impact on the Reserve’s future by participating in “citizen-science” programs, or activities where non-scientists can contribute to scientific research. To reach the island, access the public and private boat ramps located near Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach, or take a private fee ferry system.

The primary function of the island is to serve as a preservation site for many ecosystems and animals, as the vast expanse of marshes, dunes, and tidal flats provide homes for all types of creatures. In addition, the island is spacious enough for  boating, surfing, and camping.  Plus, there are plenty of hiking and walking trails throughout the island! Please be sure that your visit doesn’t damage the future of the island and its inhabitants. As always, remember to leave only footprints, take only memories, and leave the tranquil sanctuary as pristine as you found it.

Enjoy a day or a weekend exploring this preserved area teeming with wildlife!

Feature photo source: Flickr: NOAA Photo Library
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