Growing a Research and Education Community

The Donal C. O’Brien, Jr. Sanctuary is defining conservation success one research project at a time

Photo: Mary Alice Holley

Tucked away on a pristine and undisturbed landscape in the heart of Corolla, the Donal C. O’Brien, Jr. Sanctuary is defining conservation success one research project at a time. Through our efforts to establish a Research and Education Campus at the Sanctuary, we offer this special place to scientists to conduct research on a variety of issues and challenges.

Audubon North Carolina invites researchers from every discipline to explore the Sanctuary and take advantage of this unique resource. The 2,600-acre campus is virtually undisturbed offering a pristine campus in the heart of the Outer Banks for scientists to work, explore and become the visionaries of conservation success in North Carolina and across the nation.

Today, more than 600 species of flora and fauna have been identified and that number continues to grow through continuing surveys. The Sanctuary’s diverse mix of habitats include some globally significant areas and range from upland maritime forest to dune fields to fresh aquatic marsh to salt marsh, and many rare and priority bird species have made a home here.

Protecting and preserving special places like the Sanctuary has never been as important as it is right now. It’s an exciting time to be part of the future of conservation and lead the way for vital environmental protections. The possibilities for achieving the next scientific breakthroughs in the field of conservation are endless – and it starts at the Sanctuary in Corolla.

 From habitat preservation to bird species monitoring to marsh restoration to identifying the effects of climate change, the Sanctuary in Corolla is already supporting many amazing projects.

Now, we invite you to join our growing research community. We offer residential housing to accommodate researchers for short and long-term projects. While staying on-site, you’ll have direct access to our nature trails, impoundments, marsh and maritime forest, and much more.

Residential and nonresidential research is encouraged. Contact Center Director Robbie Fearn with your questions and proposals.

Research Conducted at the Sanctuary

Research Application for Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Sanctuary in Corolla
Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Sanctuary And Audubon Center In Corolla

Research Application for Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Sanctuary in Corolla

Learn more about how to apply to conduct research at the Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Sanctuary in Corolla.

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A Win-Win for Research and Conservation
Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Sanctuary And Audubon Center In Corolla

A Win-Win for Research and Conservation

Mark Stanback, PhD, Davidson College Professor of Biology chose the Sanctuary for his latest monitoring project. Learn how he's compiling data from Tree Swallow nest boxes.

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Research Shows Massive Black Rail Population Decline
Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Sanctuary And Audubon Center In Corolla

Research Shows Massive Black Rail Population Decline

The Audubon Sanctuary served as a site for researchers to measure the health of Black Rail populations and examine potential strongholds along the coast.

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Other News About the Sanctuary

New Habitat Coordinator Takes Flight at Pine Island
Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Sanctuary And Audubon Center In Corolla

New Habitat Coordinator Takes Flight at Pine Island

Meet the newest member of our team who is doing everything from implementing marsh restoration projects to tracking box turtles and counting secretive marsh birds.

Behind the Gates: Winter at Pine Island
Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Sanctuary And Audubon Center In Corolla

Behind the Gates: Winter at Pine Island

There’s more to winter at Pine Island than cold weather and waterfowl. Join award-winning photographer Bryan Putnam for a tour.

A Guide to Fall Migration on the Coast
Joy Of Birds

A Fall Guide to Coastal Migration

While this fall brings bird migration departures, many new arrivals are starting to appear along our coast.

Audubon and Coalition Announce Conservation Plan for Currituck Marshes
Coast

Audubon and Coalition Announce Conservation Plan for Currituck Marshes

— Marsh migration and restoration will be key as Currituck region adapts to rapid coastal change.
National Grant will Fund Audubon’s Marsh Restoration Project in Currituck Sound
Media Releases

National Grant will Fund Audubon’s Marsh Restoration Project in Currituck Sound

— New funding will support innovative approaches to preserving and recovering a threatened ecosystem.
Gazing Into the Future on the Outer Banks
Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Sanctuary And Audubon Center In Corolla

Gazing Into the Future on the Outer Banks

Our efforts to balance conservation, research and habitat improvement with sustainable hunting practices are profiled in this month’s issue of Garden & Gun Magazine, in a piece titled “Currituck Defenders.”

How Beach Heat Affects Birds
Coast

How Beach Heat Affects Birds

The warming of the planet may have severe implications for wildlife. Thermal mapping can help us predict what may happen to beach birds and determine how we can protect them in the future.

Nest Watch in 360: Pelicans, Terns and Ibis
Coast

Watch the Action: Cape Fear River Nesting Season

Experience a literal bird’s eye view of nesting season on the Lower Cape Fear River sanctuary islands in our new series of interactive 360-degree videos!

How you can help, right now