Resources

Visitor Services

Currently, visitor services at the Palmetto-Peartree Preserve include informational and educational signage, trash receptacles, and an unpaved parking lot. No bathroom or picnic facilities exist at this time, although we hope to offer these services soon. Clean restrooms (open 24 hours/day), picnic tables, and grills are available at the Tyrrell County Visitor’s Center, located on Highway 64 in Columbia.

What to Bring

Binoculars - a pair of binoculars will allow for easier observation of birds and animals at the preserve.
Water - there are no facilities to get drinking water at the preserve so be sure to bring enough with you to last throughout the day.
Sunscreen - the sun can be quite bright here in NC, especially when you are on the water. Be sure and bring sunscreen along with you.
Bug Spray - bugs are particularly prevalent in the summer months at the preserve, so bug spray is recommended. We do ask that you don’t wear bug spray containing DEET if you plan on entering the water to avoid contamination. Long sleeves and pants also provide a great alternative to bug spray.

Weather

Of course, we can’t make any promises about what the weather will be like when you come to visit the Palmetto-Peartree Preserve, but we can let you know what you might expect. Average highs tend to run in the upper 80s (°F) during the summer months, with lows around 70. Visits to the preserve need not stop during the winter months; daytime highs typically reach the mid 50s—perfect for a brisk walk. To get a current weather forecast for the preserve, click on the link below.

Current Weather at the Palmetto-Peartree Preserve

Preserve Rules

We want all users of the Palmetto-Peartree Preserve to have fun and be safe. Therefore, we ask that you abide by a few simple rules.

Hours - the preserve is open to visitors during daylight hours each day.

Dogs - we do allow dogs at the preserve, but for the safety and comfort of all visitors we ask that dogs remain on leashes. Please pick up after your dog.

Swimming - while there is an extensive coastline at the preserve, most areas that are accessible to swimming have also fallen victim to shoreline erosion and sea-level rise. As a result there are many dead tree stumps in the water. If you choose to swim, you do so at your own risk. There is no lifeguard on duty. Also, we ask that you do not wear bugspray containing DEET into the water.

Trash & Recycling - please keep the preserve pristine by throwing away your trash in the proper receptacles and using the recycling bins.

Hunting & Fishing - recreational fishing is permitted at the preserve. Fishermen must have the required state license, follow the state fishing rules and regulations, and properly dispose of all trash. There is no public hunting at the preserve. Lands are leased for hunting to local hunt clubs. Hunters must have a lease agreement with The Conservation Fund and obtain the appropriate state licenses.

"Take only memories, leave nothing but footprints" ~Chief Seattle 1786-1866, American Indian Chief of the Suquamish

We have plenty of maps and brochures to help you plan your trip to the Palmetto-Peartree Preserve. The following documents can be opened with Adobe Reader. If you do not have this product, click the logo below to download it for free.

Preserve brochure, with map and directions (Download PDF)

Recreation area map (Download PDF)

Bird brochure (Download PDF)

Paddle trail map (Download PDF)

Getting to the Preserve

Five miles East of Columbia on US Hwy 64 or about 5 miles West of the Alligator River Bridge on US Hwy 64, turn North onto Old US Hwy 64 (SR-1229). After approximately 2 miles, turn North onto Newfoundland Road (SR-1221). Turn left onto Sound Side Road (SR-1209). Continue on Sound Side Road for less than 1 mile, then turn right onto Pot Licker or Loop Road (SR-1220). The entrance to the preserve is the first right. Follow signs to the boardwalks and canoe launches.

Driving Distances
We’re closer than you might think!

Edenton, NC - 29 miles
Manteo, NC - 38 miles
Nags Head, NC - 47 miles
Norfolk, VA (closest major airport) - 98 miles
Rocky Mount, NC - 99 miles
Williamsburg, VA - 141 miles
Raleigh, NC - 154 miles
Washington, DC - 271 miles

Regardless of where you live, Tyrrell County and the Palmetto-Peartree Preserve are worth the trip.

Go Zero
Before jumping into your car, make sure you aren't harming the planet as you set out to enjoy it. Even the most efficient cars release CO2, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. With The Conservation Fund's Carbon Zero program, you can minimize your impact by offsetting your yearly carbon dioxide emissions. It's easy! Simply click on the link below and you will be directed to a calculator that will ask you to input your home energy consumption and travel habits. The Carbon Zero Calculator estimates your yearly carbon dioxide footprint and the number of trees it takes to offset it. You will then be invited to make a donation to The Conservation Fund to plant and monitor the trees. You can start by simply calculating your energy use for a year’s worth of trips to the Palmetto-Peartree Preserve, or make an even bigger impact by offsetting your entire lifestyle for a year. Go Zero!

Accessibility
Most cars with a standard ground clearance can access the preserve roads. Because this is a low lying area, however, at times the roads may be wet or impassable due to bad weather. Do not attempt to travel on roads if there is excessive water.

Preserve Road Map (Download PDF)
When printing map set printer options to landscape.

For a complete list of publications of the Freshwater Institute, please open our February 2007 publist. Unfortunately, we cannot provide all publications in an electronic format. For information on any publication not found here, please contact us at info@freshwaterinstitute.org .