About Us

Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge protects an extensive coastal marsh which includes the Swanquarter National Wilderness Area. The refuge hosts large concentrations of diving ducks (lesser scaups, redheads, buffleheads, canvasbacks, and surf scoters), sea ducks, American black ducks, wading birds and shorebirds, especially during the winter. Wading bird rookeries, osprey nesting and colonial nesting birds occur. Refuge habitats consist of irregularly flooded brackish marsh (13,200 acres) and forested wetlands (3,200 acres). The refuge provides habitat for American alligators and bald eagles as well as protection for migratory waterfowl and other birds. The refuge is administered by Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge.

Our Mission

Vision

Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge functions as a vital part of the Refuge System and is an important wintering area for migratory birds, such as ducks, geese, and swans, on the Atlantic flyway. The refuge maintains breeding habitat for a variety of migratory birds. The refuge protects and enhances a healthy brackish marsh ecosystem and an upland forest ecosystem, and maintains the natural and primitive character of the large wilderness area. It provides habitat for threatened and endangered animals, particularly the red-cockaded woodpecker, red wolf, and American alligator.

Visitors enjoy quality recreation opportunities such as fishing by boat or from the Bell Island pier, crabbing, waterfowl and deer hunting, and wildlife observation and photography. Visitors understand and appreciate the significance of the north Pamlico Sound ecosystems and the importance of refuge management activities.

The refuge staff works with partners and volunteers to achieve the refuge’s goals. Essential scientific information is garnered through research conducted at Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge in cooperation with government agencies, non-governmental agencies, universities, and others.

Refuge Purpose

Each unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System is established to serve a statutory purpose that targets the conservation of native species dependent on its lands and waters. All activities on those acres are reviewed for compatibility with this statutory purpose.

­The purpose of Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge, as reflected in the refuge’s authorizing legislation, is to protect and conserve migratory birds, and other wildlife resources through the protection of wetlands, in accordance with the following laws:

“... for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds.” 16 U.S.C. ¤ 715d (Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 1929)