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TYRRELL,
HYDE, &
WASHINGTON COUNTIES Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge |
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At present Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge consists of over 93,000
acres of wetlands that was donated by the Conservation Fund and the adjacent
Pungo National Wildlife Refuge which is over 12,000 acres. Eventually, 6,000
acres of Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge will be added, forming a
single refuge of over 111,000 acres. The refuge includes the waters of Lake Phelps and Pungo Lake and also borders or includes portions of the Scuppernong and Alligator Rivers. The refuge abound with acres of natural pocosin, the southeastern shrub bog. This ecosystem is characterized by a very dense growth of mostly broadleaf evergreen shrubs and scattered pond pine. Large pitcher plants are visible in some areas. A bottomland hardwood forest includes blackgum, Carolina ash, red maple, water tupelo, loblolly pine and bald cypress. "Watchable wildlife" including swans, geese, ducks, deer and bear are abundant in the beautiful natural setting. Several impoundments and adjacent farmland makes it possible to observe a large concentration of wintering waterfowl. An observation tower located on the south side of Pungo Lake provides a good view of the lake and early morning/late evening flights of waterfowl. For additional information, contact: Pocosin Lake NWR Manager Route 1 Box 195B Creswell, NC 27928  797-4431
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