Project to elevate the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge’s Visitor Center in full swing

An ongoing project to elevate the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge’s visitor center took a big step forward in recent days, as the center was raised roughly five feet above ground in an effort to protect it from oceanside flooding that regularly accompanies storms.

The project was spearheaded by the Coastal Wildlife Refuge Society, a non-profit organization that helps support and maintain national wildlife refuges all across the state.

“We provided funding for the original building, and have provided [funds] for additions and improvements since 1995, when it was first built,” said Mike Bryant of the Coastal Wildlife Refuge Society. “With storms and beach erosion that has occurred over time, the building has become more threatened by overwash events, and our friends group wanted to help the refuge to get the building elevated as an intermittent measure to protect the visitor center.”

The project was first discussed in the winter and fall, and was planned for the spring months when visitation to the refuge was relatively low.

“We planned for it to be done this time of year because it’s the off season, and with recent developments, we’re really in the off season now,” said Bryant. “But we want to get it done in time for the summer, when we are obviously hoping that our visitors will be returning.”

The budget for the project is roughly $30,000, and through fundraising efforts, the Coastal Wildlife Refuge Society has been able to provide $15,000 for the project so far.

Two contractors are involved in the process – a house-moving company that is conducting the actual raising of the structure, and a pilings expert who will add new pilings now that the center is up in the air. Once the pilings have been established, the building will be lowered on its new, elevated foundation, and Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge volunteers and staff will get to work on adding new stairs and ramps to the site.

Once complete, the building will be five feet higher than its original elevation, which will hopefully keep it protected from future storms.

“The building has been more and more threatened over the years, so we wanted to get it up and out of harm’s way,” said Bryant. “It’s not a long term solution, but it’s a good short term solution to keep the building open and accessible to the public. The visitor center is a great resource for people to find out what the refuge is all about, and to learn about educational programs [offered there] – like bird walks or canoe trips.”

Established in 1989, the Coastal Wildlife Refuge Society has been helping sites like the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge for more than 30 years, and with this project, the visitor center will be able to welcome and inform visitors for many more years to come.

“Right now, we’re excited to get this job done, so that the Pea Island visitor center– which is heavily utilized during the summer season – can continue to provide enhanced [experiences] to the public.”

How you can help:

For more information or to make a donation, visit the Coastal Wildlife Refuge Society website at https://www.coastalwildliferefuge.com/. Donations can be made online via https://www.coastalwildliferefuge.com/donate.html.