Wood stork with chicks on nest
Seasonal Closure in Effect at Woody Pond

Nesting activity has begun for wood storks and other colonial nesting birds that inhabit Woody Pond.  Because nesting birds are typically sensitive to disturbance, the perimeter of the pond, including the trail running along the east side of the pond, are closed annually to all visitor use beginning March 1 until nesting has ended. Signs will be posted around the pond to assist visitors in avoiding the closed areas.  

Woody Pond Dike will remain open throughout the nesting season and provides great long-range views of the rookery. Visitors are encouraged to bring binoculars or a spotting scope to get a closer look. 

West Woody Pond Trail will also remain open throughout the nesting season.  However, walking east of this trail, towards the pond, is prohibited until the closure is lifted.

Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) serves as an important link in the chain of refuges along the eastern seaboard, and is the inland base for two neighboring barrier island refuges, Blackbeard Island and Wolf Island.

Visit Us

National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings.  Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge offers a variety of opportunities to explore and enjoy the great outdoors from sunrise to sunset every day. You can observe and photograph wildlife, fish, or during the season, hunt white-tailed deer.

Location and Contact Information

      Our Species

      Harris Neck NWR provides premier nesting, foraging, and wintering habitat for a diversity of wildlife, including nearly 350 species of birds.  Signature species include threatened wood storks, which nest in a large colony on Woody Pond, and the colorful and uncommon painted bunting.