New Species Documented This Spring at Pine Island
June 30, 2026 —
Scientists and volunteers flocked to 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú’s sanctuary on the Outer Banks to count as many species as possible. Here’s what we found.
Welcome to
Donal C. O’Brien Jr. 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú Sanctuary and Center at Pine Island
A stronghold for our coast's untamed past and a model for future resilience.
Discover adventure, birds, and how to make a difference at an 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú center.
300 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú Drive, Corolla, NC 27927
Nature Trail:
Open Hours: Sunrise - Sunset
The Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Sanctuary at Pine Island is one of the last pieces of untouched property on the northern Outer Banks, preserving 2,600 acres of globally rare habitat, including marsh and upland maritime forest, as well as the region’s historical beauty. The sanctuary is both a stronghold of the untamed past of our coast and a model for what coastal conservation and resilience can look like in the future. 
The public can enjoy Pine Island through , limited public programs and a 2.5 mile nature trail.
Latest Updates from the Sanctuary
New Technology Brings Bird Monitoring to the Next Level at Pine Island
May 18, 2026 —
This spring we welcomed back breeding birds, installed special recording devices to revolutionize surveys, and more.
Pine Island Year in Review: Habitat and Infrastructure Upgrades Prepare Sanctuary for the Future
November 12, 2025 —
This year we made significant updates to make the sanctuary more resilient and improve habitat.
51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú, Chapters Join Global Wildlife Tracking Network to Help Birds
November 12, 2025 —
NC chapters and our Pine Island Sanctuary are taking advantage of an easy and affordable way to get involved in cool bird science, and it’s paying off.
Inside Look: Restored Pond and Waterway at 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú’s Pine Island Sanctuary
September 12, 2025 —
NC Land and Water Fund-supported project already welcoming back birds.
This Year at Pine Island: Motus Tower, Nesting Birds, and More
June 06, 2025 —
We started the year with important projects to improve bird habitat, just in time for the breeding season.
Rolling out the Welcome Mat for Black Rails at Pine Island
March 04, 2025 —
Create habitat and they will come. That’s the hope as we develop the perfect breeding ground for Black Rails at our Outer Banks sanctuary.
Pine Island Year in Review: Marsh Research, Wildlife Surveys, and More
November 19, 2024 —
We launched new research and advanced restoration projects at our Outer Banks sanctuary, with the help of new partnerships, staff, and volunteers.
New Habitat Coordinator Takes Flight at Pine Island
May 10, 2024 —
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
January 09, 2024 —
There’s more to winter at Pine Island than cold weather and waterfowl. Join award-winning photographer Bryan Putnam for a tour.
51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú North Carolina
We protect birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, in North Carolina and throughout the hemisphere.
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