REMODELING THE PEA ISLAND VISITOR CENTER

& GIFT SHOP

While most of the action at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is on the observation platforms and the trails, many of the visitors love the Visitor Center and Gift shop located at the parking area to North Pond.  The Center and Gift Shop was designed and built with the resources and energy of Coastal Wildlife Refuge Society.  Not only does it provide a quaint setting for the thousand of birders to Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, but it also is a place for keeping notes of unusual sightings (e.g., white pelicans) and purchases items of interest to the children in all of us.  The shop is chock full of books and pamphlets on birds and birding as well as a bevy of clothing and toys promoting the out of doors.  Sales at the Visitor Center and Gift Shop are one of the principal revenues streams for the Society.

Coastal Wildlife Refuge Society has recognized the need to “open up” the west wall of the Visitor Center and Gift Shop, allowing folks to get a taste of what awaits them as they prepare for the easy hike along the dikes.  To that end, the Society has completed a remodel of the Center and Gift Shop, with the most important feature being a 14 foot bay window exposure to the North Pond.  Not only does this entice folks to explore and discover the trail system, but it opens the interior of the center to more light and ease of traffic flow.  Coastal Wildlife Refuge Society is also taking advantage of the space to “capture” new members and encourage support of the Society mission in support of Pea Island and Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge.

Next time you are visiting the North Pond at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, drop by the Visitor Center and Gift Shop, enjoy the view, and give us some feedback on how we can make your visit even better.