Ecology

Marshes

Marshes are wetlands where water covers the soil, or is present either at or near the surface of the soil all year or for varying periods of time during the year, including during the growing season.

Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems in the world, comparable to rain forests and coral reefs. An immense variety of species of microbes, plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish, and mammals can be part of a wetland ecosystem. Physical and chemical features such as climate, landscape shape (topology), geology, and the movement and abundance of water help to determine the plants and animals that inhabit each wetland. The complex, dynamic relationships among the organisms inhabiting the wetland environment are referred to as food webs. This is why wetlands in Texas, North Carolina, and Alaska differ from one another.

Marine Life

Hunting Island is a nesting ground for the Loggerhead turtle. Around June, many Loggerhead turtles begin dragging their huge bodies up onto the beach, dig a hole and lay their 100 - 160 eggs before returning back to the sea. At night Hunting Island personnel, along with volunteers, comb the beach for new nests. They then uncover the eggs and take them to a hatching facility located on Hunting Island where the eggs can hatch and the young turtles are safe from the many predators. After obtaining the statistics of each turtle, they are then released to begin their journey to the sea, hopefully to return another day to dig their own nest. This is a vital contribution to the Loggerhead species. If you should find a nest it is important not to disturb it. Report it to a park ranger.

Sand dollars and sea shell collecting on Hunting Island beach is very popular. The best time to find them is during low tides. The lower the tide the better. Often after a storm or spring tide, many sand dollars will wash up on the beach. Once you've found a sand dollar, the next step is to place it in fresh water. After awhile the water may turn brownish in color and will need to be changed. Repeat each time the water turns color. When the water remains clear, replace about half the water with bleach and leave the sand dollar for about 15 to 20 minutes. This will start bleaching the sand dollar white. Don't use too much bleach or leave longer because this will make the sand dollar crumble. Rinse the sand dollar well with fresh water to remove the bleach and let dry in the sun. The longer in the sun, the more white the sand dollar will become. To harden the sand dollar more, just mix some white glue and water together and brush on the sand dollar. This can be done only after bleaching to the desired color. You now have a beautiful treasure that will last a long time and will always remind you of your stay on Hunting Island beach. It is important not to take living sand dollars, as these are living creatures and are part of the food chain. Please, do not take sand dollars from the water. Check the beach for the ones that have washed up, as they are already dead. Of course you can also buy sand dollars at the many gift shops around the Beaufort and Hunting Island area and save yourself the hassle.

Wildlife

Hunting Island got its name when the island was once used for hunting deer, waterfowl and raccoon. Hunting Island, as well as Beaufort, was a common layover for sailors and pirates, including Blackbeard. In the 1930's, the Civilian Conservation Corps built the State Park. Hunting Island has remained very conservative with the natural environment, but that does not mean you have to rough it. There are showers and dressing rooms on the beach, a 200 site campground, cabins, boardwalk, nature trails, lagoon, fishing pier and boat landing. In the center of the park stands a historic lighthouse which gives a magnificent view of the shoreline.

Hunting Island is also a popular nesting ground for the Loggerhead turtle and the park has a hatchery for the study and preservation of the species. The weather is nice most of the year and the cool Atlantic breeze keeps the summer heat at an enjoyable level. The park hours are 6 am to 9 pm from April through October and 6 am to 6 pm from November through March.

Fishing

Fishing is probably the biggest recreational sport in Beaufort. The marsh habitats provide the perfect environment for young sea life, also attracting many of their hunters. Fishing in Beaufort water can be enjoyed by boat, pier, dock, surf, or bank. A saltwater license is required to fish Beaufort waters.

http://beaufortusa.com/fishslt.htm provides more fishing information including tide index, weather forecasts and sunrise times.