LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

North Carolina Estuarium

Students can visit the North Carolina Estuarium and learn about the plants and animals that inhabit an estuary.

Preview your trip on the web: North Carolina Estuarium

Learn more

  • National Estuary Program This site contains a weath of data on the estuaries of the United State as well as information on what estuarys are and the animals that inhabit thses important areas.
  • Lesson plan: StreamWatch This lesson is intended as a long term project to determine the overall health of a stream or wetland. Students identify seasonal changes that occur within the ecosystem, ideally with a minimum of bimonthly or monthly monitoring.

Related pages

  • Mountain Island Educational State Forest: This State Forest concentrates its programs on best forestry management practices and water quality. Located on Mountain Island Lake, the Forest offers educational opportunities to classroom students.
  • Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area: Originally settled by the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, the Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area has a diversity of natural communities including undisturbed forest and a wide variety of wildlife species.
  • New River State Park: Visit New River State Park and discover its unspoiled beauty as well as the flora and fauna of the area.

Related topics

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An estuary is formed where fresh water and salt water mix together, creating a dynamic and vital ecosystem. The Estuarium is an aquarium with unique exhibits about the Pamlico-Tar River System. Students will be enthralled with the Whiting Toler animated sculpture that shows the life cycle of a drop of water as it travels from the Piedmont of North Carolina to the coast. The Estuarium has over 200 exhibits and special programs available for groups. Exhibits include a dugout canoe remnant used by Native Americans thousands of years ago. Some of the exhibits highlight the fishing heritage of the coastal region. Program topics include environmental education, black bears, birds, blue crabs, reptiles and amphibians, and wetlands. All programs can be modified for ability and age of the students and can be correlated to the North Carolina standard course of study.

For special programs add an addition $2.00 per student.

The Estuarium is open 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Tuesday-Saturday. Admission is $3.00 for adults, $2.00 for students (k-12, and children under five are free. For additional information or to schedule a group visit call (252)948-0000 or email estuary@beaufortco.com

Please see photographs of the North Carolina Estuarium from NC ECHO.

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