Audubon NC Ecotours - Stay tuned for 2010 Dates

American Anhinga

Black River Nature Cruises - Coming in spring 2010

Did you know that alligators, bobcats, black bear, river otters, rare birds and other wildlife, plus 1,700-year-old bald cypress trees draped with Spanish moss, the oldest known trees east of the Rocky Mountains, are just minutes away from downtown Wilmington? These are just a few of the surprising facts visitors learn on a 4-hour narrated Black River Nature Cruise aboard the 49-foot Capt. JN Maffitt, a classic 1940s-era Liberty Launch resembling the movie legend African Queen.

Audubon North Carolina’s education director Andy Wood provides colorful narrative about the sights along our route including natural history lore with emphasis on connections with this area’s important cultural heritage.

Pileated Woodpeckers can be heard and seen as we boat upriver. Black bear, bobcat, American alligator, and other seldom-seen wildlife may make an appearance, but more common encounters will be with river turtles, Belted Kingfishers, herons, and egrets.
Proceeding 15 miles up the Cape Fear River onto the wilds of the Black River, a photographer's paradise and one of the cleanest waterways in the state, you will enjoy a relaxing and educational experience with narrated plant and wildlife interpretation.

BOARDING 9:30am at the Battleship North Carolina Memorial
Trip cost: $55/per person, $40 for children 12 and under.
Pre-paid tickets required

Our experienced boat Captains, some with over 40 years on the water, will ensure a pleasant and enjoyable trip. Light refreshments in the form of soda, water and snacks will be provided, but please feel free to bring your own lunch and beverages in a cooler.

To register call Cape Fear River Boats at 910-343-1611 or register online at Cape Fear River Boat's website.

Holly Shelter Eco-Tours for Groups and Families

Organized groups and families are invited to book passage on a special trek into history, both natural and cultural, to experience unique wonders found in long leaf pine savanna and Carolina Bay habitats. This four-hour guided tour of the state-owned Holly Shelter Game Land takes participants through a limited-access 100-square-mile Important Bird Area and natural heritage treasure in the heart of rural Pender County. This low-impact exploration allows participants to explore grand expanses of long leaf pine savanna and cypress-rimmed pocket pond habitats with close-up first hand views of Venus’ fly trap, Red-cockaded Woodpecker, and other rare and unique species.

Special tours and educational programs may be arranged for groups. Please note there may be fees attached to these tours. For more information and to schedule tours, please contact:

Andy Wood, Education Director
Audubon North Carolina
7741 Market Street, Unit D
Wilmington, NC 28411
awood@audubon.org
(910) 686-7527

Please note:

Trip fees are per person and include equipment and tour transportation.

Meeting location and additional information will be provided with registration.

Outdoor safety and awareness are important in all Audubon programs. Trips are contingent upon the weather. Thunderstorms and severe weather may result in cancellation or time change. Refunds will be made for Audubon-canceled programs. No-shows cannot be refunded without 24-hour prior notification.

Suggested items to bring include sunscreen, drinking water, hat, comfortable shoes (not sandals), and camera.