Category: New Nominees

Led by our founder Millie Overman, NEST was established in 1995. N.E.S.T. is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and conservation of sea turtles and other protected marine wildlife on the Outer Banks of North Carolina from the Virginia line to south Nags Head. N.E.S.T. is committed to contributing to the preservation of these species through research and rescue and rehabilitation efforts and to fostering greater understanding and appreciation of these species and their habitat through education and enhanced public awareness. We work in partnership with the North Carolina Wildlife Commission and the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. We also work closely with the townships in Dare and Currituck Counties on issues related to sea turtles.

N.E.S.T. Program Currently Includes:

• ATV beach patrols – Identification and verification of sea turtle nests
• Protecting nests and hatchlings
• Rescue and rehabilitation of stranded sea turtles
• Education and support of sea turtle research

THE MISSION

Our mission is “to protect, conserve, and responsibly manage the herd of wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs roaming freely on the northernmost Currituck Outer Banks, and to promote the continued preservation of this land as a permanent sanctuary for horses designated as the State Horse and defined as a cultural treasure by the state of North Carolina.” The Fund incorporated as a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit charity in 2001.

WHAT MOTIVATED THE GROUP TO FORM?

Between 1985 and 1996, twenty horses were killed by vehicles on the stretch of road between Duck and Corolla, and a group of citizen-volunteers came together to change this tragic, destructive pattern. Many of today’s visitors to the Outer Banks do not know that before 1985, the 17 mile stretch of road between Duck and Corolla remained unpaved and infrequently traveled. Paving that road opened the floodgates for development, tourism, and more and more contact between wild horses and humans – and their vehicles.

“THE SANCTUARY” AND THE SOUND-TO-SEA FENCE

The early founders of CWHF researched and attempted several strategies to stop horse fatalities caused by traffic on Highway 12 between Duck and Corolla. In the end, the most effective solution, even though controversial, was to move the remaining twenty horses north of the paved road – to the “north beach” or “4×4 area.” (No one knows for certain how many wild horses were already in the roadless area north of Corolla.) By 1997, CWHF completed the southern sea-to-sound fence of the sanctuary, and the wild horses were relocated to the new “sanctuary”. The northern fence is eleven miles north, at the Virginia state line. Unfortunately for the horses, development continues to push north. Although referenced as a wild horse “sanctuary”, the 7,544 acres accessible to the horses is a mix of 1/3 public land and 2/3 private land. There are 3,150 platted lots with only 21% of the northern beaches currently developed. The beach is considered public road, and it is open to the public. It is the only access for residents of Corova, the growing community on the north end. Purchase the DVD, “Wild in Corolla,” to learn more about the formation of the Fund and its effort to relocate the horses. The film is narrated by Charles Kuralt.

Our Mission:
PTO’s Mission is to promote the education & well-being of FFMS students at home, in school & in the community. Maintain active communications between parents, faculty, administrators & students. Promote policies & academic programs for the care & development of students.