The Buxton Woods Reserve, part of the North Carolina Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve, will be closed to visitors starting August 19 at 8 a.m. The closure is due to risks posed by Hurricane Erin, including possible downed trees, flooding, and other hazards that could threaten public safety.
Officials will assess the site after the storm passes to determine when it is safe for visitors to return. Updates about reopening will be available on the Coastal Reserve’s website (www.deq.nc.gov/coastalreserve) as well as on its Facebook and Instagram accounts.
According to the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management (DCM), which operates under the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality, their mission is to protect, conserve, and manage coastal resources across 20 counties in North Carolina. The N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve program has been preserving natural areas for education, research, and traditional uses since 1989. Over 44,000 acres across 10 sites along the coast have been protected through this initiative.
