N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson is set to join staff, state, and local officials at the Masonboro Island Reserve in Wilmington on Friday, May 16. This visit marks the fourth stop on the Discover the N.C. Coastal Reserve Tour, an initiative aimed at raising awareness about the N.C. Coastal Reserve and its ten reserve sites.
The tour, which spans from 2023 to 2026, celebrates the efforts of the Division of Coastal Management in protecting North Carolina’s coastal resources. The event will include brief remarks from NCDEQ Secretary Wilson and other representatives. Participants will have a guided boat trip to Masonboro Island Reserve and a walk along its nature trail.
This year also marks the 40th anniversary of North Carolina’s National Estuarine Research Reserve, recognized by both state authorities and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for protecting areas like Masonboro Island Reserve.
The event will be held at UNCW Center for Marine Science in Wilmington from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with limited boat seating available for media participants based on availability.
The event emphasizes how Masonboro Island Reserve benefits North Carolina citizens through scientific research, education, public access, habitat preservation for fisheries and wildlife, and environmental health improvements.
Credentialed press members are invited to attend. RSVPs should be sent to Christy Simmons (christy.simmons@deq.nc.gov) by 4 p.m. Thursday, May 15 for participation confirmation or interview requests.
