Ashley’s Adventures: Bald Head Island Conservancy
BALD HEAD ISLAND, NC (WWAY) – Last week on Ashley’s Adventures we climbed the Old Baldy Lighthouse. Standing 110 feet tall, it’s not hard to miss. Today’s adventure, however, is tucked away.
To get to the Bald Head Island Conservancy you’ll either want to rent a golf cart or sign up for one of its packaged programs.
Either method will take you through the forest, past beautiful beaches and under native palms.
The conservancy’s mission is conservation, preservation and education.
While helping protect and support the island’s ecosystems, it also welcomes the community to get to know the creatures that call Bald Head Island home.
“People learn best when they’re in the environment,” said Chris Shank, the conservancy’s executive director. “So having us here in the middle of where the forest and the marshes and the beaches meet is really important because people can look around and see what we’re talking about.”
From island retreats to fishing school, the conservatory offers several ways for kids and adults to get to know the island.
Open seven days a week, its schedule changes. So, before you go, you’ll want to check out the conservancy’s website.
During my trip to the BHI Conservancy I took advantage of the touch tank program.
Located inside the conservancy’s main building, it offers a hands on and up close lesson about some of the animals that live in the waters off the island.
I held sea urchins, crabs and starfish. There were turtles of all sizes and types. I even witnessed a live conch eat a clam!
Honestly, I had so much fun I didn’t even realize I was learning.
While entertaining, the conservancy’s programs serve a much bigger purpose.
“The more folks we can reach and the more folks who say ‘I just love Bald Head Island’ the better chance Bald Head Island 50 years from now, 100 years from now, is going to be reasonably similar to what it is today,” said Shank.
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