Onslow County Environmental Education Center

10/21/2026

Today is Reptile Appreciation Day! So, what exactly is a reptile? These animals are cold-blooded and often dry and scaly, so they might not be considered the cuddliest of critters, but they have other attributes to appreciate. They are important to a healthy ecosystem, acting as pest controllers of insects and rodents. Reptiles in NC are part of three different groups- Lizards and Snakes, Turtles and Tortoises, and Crocodiles and Alligators. Pictured here are the Eastern Box Turtle, Five-Lined Skink, Green Anole, American Alligator, and the beautiful (and non-venomous) Corn Snake.

Visit Onslow County Environmental Education Center in Sneads Ferry to learn more about the wildlife of Onslow County! For questions, or to book group tours, call 910.324.9008

10/19/2026

Just sharing a moment with a local resident! ❤

10/19/2026

10/07/2026

Raccoons are unmistakable, with their cute “masked” faces and unique gait. They are very common throughout eastern NC, largely due to the easy proximity to water sources including swamps, marshes, rivers, and floodplain forested areas, which provide most of their food supply. They prefer to eat a mostly plant-based diet, but they are opportunists and will forage through residential garbage if left unsecured. They are mostly nocturnal but are becoming more common in daylight. If you see a raccoon during daytime hours this does not mean the animal is sick. If it is going about its business, avoiding humans, then it’s likely just being curious and probably looking for extra food. These cute creatures are very intelligent, with long-term memory, and exceptional problem-solving skills.

Visit Onslow County Environmental Education Center in Sneads Ferry to learn more about the wildlife of Onslow County! For questions, or to book group tours, call 910.324.9008.

09/30/2026

The American Alligator is native to eastern North Carolina and Onslow County. They live in and around the water, in ponds, rivers, swamps, and coastal wetlands. Hatchlings are 8 to 10 inches in length when born, usually around the end of August. Female alligators average about 8-10 feet long and males are 11-15 feet long. Once they reach about 4 feet long, they are mostly safe from predators and can live about 50 years in the wild. Fun fact: alligators regrow their teeth throughout their lives and can go through thousands in their lifetime. Remember to use caution if you spot one. They may seem slow, but they can run faster than humans!
Visit Onslow County Environmental Education Center in Sneads Ferry to learn more about the wildlife and local ecology of Onslow County. On display there is a 12-foot long American Alligator, preserved through taxidermy, as part of the Discover Onslow exhibit. For questions, or to book group tours, call 910.324.9008.

09/23/2026

The Canada Goose is naturally a migratory bird, though many areas have permanent colonies due to milder climates and adequate food supply. They are found year-round in Onslow County. They are large birds, standing anywhere from 14 to 22 inches tall, 29 to 44 inches long, with a wingspan of 50 to 74 inches. Canada Geese fly in a distinctive V-shaped formation, alternating the front position which consumes more energy. If they survive to adulthood, their average lifespan is 10-24 years.

Important to note: Canada Geese molt in late Spring and early Summer, losing their flight feathers. This is also around the same time they are raising their young, so you will often see families of these beautiful birds stopping traffic to cross the road as they forage for food during the day and return to their nesting areas at night. Please slow down and use caution as they cannot fly during this time.

Visit Onslow County Environmental Education Center in Sneads Ferry to learn more about the wildlife of Onslow County. For questions, or to book group tours, call 910.324.9008.

09/16/2026

The House Finch is a very common bird in Onslow County. They are highly adaptable and are at home in the city, neighborhoods, and rural areas. They are very social little birds, usually spending most of their time in flocks. The male has a deep rose red head, breast, and rump with brown streaked wings and back. The female has a similar appearance, but no red. They are usually 5 to 6 inches long. If you have bird feeders in your yard, you have likely seen House Finches. They love most kinds of seeds but will scatter and sling them out of the feeders while sorting for their favorites, black oil sunflower seeds.
Visit Onslow County Environmental Education Center in Sneads Ferry to learn more about the wildlife of Onslow County! For questions, or to book group tours, call 910.324.5008.

09/09/2026

Bluefish generally swim in open water, often in large groups, but do make many forays into shallower water while searching for food. They are one of the most common fish species in Onslow County, found in brackish coastal waters like the lower part of the New River, the White Oak River near Swansboro, and the Intracoastal Waterway. Juvenile Bluefish, less than a pound and smaller in length, are often referred to as “Snapper Blues”. They are quick, aggressive fish, and are among the hardest to catch, making them a favorite of sport fishermen. They are blue-green along their back and silver on their sides, have razor sharp teeth, and can grow up to 31 pounds, with a potential life span of up to 12 years.
Visit the Environmental Education Center to learn more about our local plants and animals, as well as local geography and ecology. We're located at 1330 NC-210 in Sneads Ferry. Call 910.324.5008 for more information.

09/02/2026

Oysters have lived along the east coast, including Onslow County, for hundreds of years, but by the mid-20th century, their numbers were in decline due to overharvesting, habitat loss, and pollution. Fortunately, thanks to many conservation efforts, oysters are being grown safely and sustainably. Once such rehabilitation program, administered by the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries, monitors natural and artificial reefs in ocean and estuarine waters, 14 of which are oyster sanctuaries, including one in the New River. These sanctuaries provide safe habitat for oysters to grow and thrive, which serves the oyster industry as well as the environment.

The “N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries Artificial Reef Guide” is an excellent resource for learning about oyster conservation efforts. It maps the location of all the artificial reefs in Onslow Bay (and other coastal waters) as well as the oyster sanctuaries. You can download a copy at the link in comments.