Projects and Research
A wide variety of projects and scientific research are occurring on the refuge.
Hydrology Restoration and Climate Change Adaptation
The Nature Conservancy and Alligator River NWR are working together on a hydrology restoration and climate change climate change
Climate change includes both global warming driven by human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases and the resulting large-scale shifts in weather patterns. Though there have been previous periods of climatic change, since the mid-20th century humans have had an unprecedented impact on Earth's climate system and caused change on a global scale.
Learn more about climate change adaptation project on the eastern boundary of the refuge. This project is focused on putting infrastructure in place to allow the refuge to more closely mimic natural hydrology in that area, which will help reduce the frequency and severity of wildfires and slow salt water intrusion. Water control structures and oyster reefs are being put in place and salt tolerant tree species are being planted as part of the project. In addition, researchers have installed equipment at sites on the refuge to monitor the intake and release of carbon in the ecosystem.
Red Wolf Recovery Program
Alligator River NWR is home to some of the few wild red wolves in the world. Red wolves are the most endangered wolf in North America. Learn more about the Red Wolf Recovery Program.