Boat and boardwalk tour of the Rachel Carson Reserve (~2-2.5 hrs). Located adjacent to the town of Beaufort, the Rachel Carson Reserve is one component of the North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve. Participants will travel down Taylor’s Creek, viewing several islands that make up the Rachel Carson Reserve and observe coastal habitats and wildlife, particularly birds; over 200 species use the reserve within the Atlantic Flyway, including 23 that are rare or declining. Participants may also spot feral horses or bottlenose dolphins. On the boardwalk, participants will explore marsh and successional dredge-spoil habitats, aided by informative displays on local flora and fauna. We will also get a closer look at the recently installed living shoreline that stretches along 500 meters of the east end of Carrot Island. NCNERR staff will provide commentary during the trip and answer questions.