North Wake News

The N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve, part of the Division of Coastal Management in the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality, held a dedication ceremony for Bald Head Woods Reserve in late January 2025. This event marked the site's inclusion in the Old-Growth Forest Network. The ceremony was attended by staff, representatives from the Old-Growth Forest Network, and various local, state, and community partners who participated in speeches and a guided hike.

Bald Head Woods Reserve is a 191-acre area added to the Coastal Reserve program in 1993 to preserve its maritime forest and interdune swale communities as a living laboratory. Located centrally on Bald Head Island, it features large live oak trees forming an intricate canopy system.

Elizabeth Pinnix, Coastal Reserve Southern Sites Manager, stated: “Maritime forests in N.C., like Bald Head Woods Reserve, are a rare and declining habitat in the state, so it is important to recognize and study these forests and build strong partnerships to work to protect them.” She also noted that the site is protected as a state nature preserve by the N.C. Natural Heritage Program.

Rebecca Ellin, N.C. Coastal Reserve Manager, expressed gratitude for local partnerships and recognition from the Old-Growth Forest Network: “The N.C. Coastal Reserve is fortunate to be entrusted with the protection and preservation of ecologically important habitats on our coast."

The Old-Growth Forest Network aims to protect old-growth native forests nationwide for public enjoyment and biodiversity conservation. Dan Camacho from the network highlighted: “Showcasing this forest in the Network is an invitation to others to see what is ecologically possible.”

Nick Sanchez, Network Manager for Old-Growth Forest Network said: "We're honored to welcome this exceptional old forest in the national Network," noting it as North Carolina's fifth recognized site.

Bald Head Woods Reserve now stands as the 277th forest included in this network across 39 states.