Back to Nature

Editor's note: this press release announces the official opening of Springer's Point. Of course, Ocracoke residents visited right away to survey the damage and enjoy the views from one of the island's best spots.

The NC Coastal Land Trust’s Springer’s Point Preserve on Ocracoke Island reopened to the public in mid-December after being closed for an extended period of time due to hurricane damage.

Springer’s Point Preserve is still recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Dorian in September 2019. Since then, Coastal Land Trust has been strategically working to re-open the Preserve. The top priorities have been, and continue to be, safety and the needs of the Ocracoke Island community. 

The road to recovery after a hurricane is very long and difficult. Our plans for Springer’s Point include the December soft reopening of the Preserve after taking steps to ensure the safety of our visitors.  While the Preserve is open, work will be ongoing. Visitors will see evidence and reminders of the hurricane around every bend of the trail – from missing benches and signs to new views created by downed trees. The Preserve may be temporarily closed on some days for repairs. Work will continue throughout the winter and spring with plans to have the Preserve fully repaired by May 2020.

The Coastal Land Trust is grateful for funding from the Orton Foundation, an affiliate of Louis Bacon’s Moore Charitable Foundation. The Coastal Land Trust is contracting with island residents to assist in this work in an effort to contribute to the local economy whenever possible.

The Coastal Land Trust has received many inquiries about the iconic live oaks along the Pamlico Sound shorefront of the Preserve. Unfortunately, these trees sustained extensive damage and a few of these special trees were lost to Hurricane Dorian. You will also notice downed trees in the maritime forest. Since Springer’s Point is a nature preserve, downed trees that do not pose a threat to people on the trails will be left to allow nature to take its course. We do ask that visitors stay on the trails and do not climb on any trees in the Preserve.

Updated plans, closings, and information can be found on the Coastal Land Trust’s website and the Springer’s Point Facebook page. 

About North Carolina Coastal Land Trust 

Founded in 1992, the mission of the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust is to enrich the coastal communities of North Carolina through conservation of natural areas and working lands, education, and the promotion of good land stewardship. The Coastal Land Trust has offices in Wilmington, New Bern and Elizabeth City. www.CoastalLandTrust.org.