Features
![rotator-NWRVC-kowlok](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20170107171649im_/https://www.fws.gov/uploadedImages/Region_4/NWRS/Zone_3/North_Carolina_Coastal_Plain_Refuge_Complex/Alligator_River/Images/gatewayvc-Rotator-kowlok.jpg)
Gateway to eastern NC Refuges
The National Wildlife Refuges Visitor Center on Roanoke Island is open daily, year-round, is FREE, and offers the experience of a lifetime!
National Wildlife Refuges Visitor Center
![Interpretation-fwsX150](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20170107171649im_/https://www.fws.gov/uploadedImages/Region_4/NWRS/Zone_3/North_Carolina_Coastal_Plain_Refuge_Complex/Roanoke_River/Images/RCWC-Sep-25-2010-B.-X150.jpg)
Interpretation & Environmental Education
Most educational and interpretive programming for this refuge occurs in partnership with the Roanoke-Cashie River Center.
Interpretation and Environmental Education
![ProthonotaryWarbler](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20170107171649im_/https://www.fws.gov/uploadedImages/Region_4/NWRS/Zone_3/North_Carolina_Coastal_Plain_Refuge_Complex/Alligator_River/Images/Prothonotary-Warbler-150x118.jpg?n=1361)
Birds of the Roanoke
Visit our Birds page, where we have provide a list of the most commonly seen and/or most frequently sought-after birds of the Roanoke.
Birds
Take a Sneak Peek
![Ropanoke River On-cell sign](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20170107171649im_/https://www.fws.gov/uploadedImages/Region_4/NWRS/Zone_3/North_Carolina_Coastal_Plain_Refuge_Complex/Roanoke_River/Images/RR-on-cellX150.jpg)
There's nothing like experiencing this refuge in person, but take a sneak peek to give you a hint of what's in store for you here!
Virtual Tour of Roanoke River
About the Complex
![Complex Graphic](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20170107171649im_/https://www.fws.gov/uploadedImages/Region_4/NWRS/Zone_3/North_Carolina_Coastal_Plain_Refuge_Complex/Alligator_River/Images/WD-Orsulak-118x150.jpg?n=9437)
Roanoke River is one of 6 national wildlife refuges in this complex, which is administered from Manteo, NC
Roanoke River is managed as part of the Coastal North Carolina National Wildlife Refuges Complex.
Learn more about the complex
About the NWRS
The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America’s fish, wildlife, and plants.
Learn more about the NWRS
Refuge Happenings
Keep up with news releases from eastern North Carolina National Wildlife Refuges
News Releases![Best of Show](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20170107171649im_/https://www.fws.gov/uploadedImages/Region_4/NWRS/Zone_3/North_Carolina_Coastal_Plain_Refuge_Complex/Roanoke_River/Images/BOS-2014-15X150.jpg)
Did you know there is a contest each year for a Junior Duck Stamp, in addition to the National Duck Stamp program?? Youth in grades K - 12 (public, private or home-schooling is fine) may enter. Each state holds a competition. Winners move up to compete at the National level. If you have a budding artist in the family or in your class at school, check this out!
Check out the Junior Duck Stamp Program![HuntingRR-fwsX150](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20170107171649im_/https://www.fws.gov/uploadedImages/Region_4/NWRS/Zone_3/North_Carolina_Coastal_Plain_Refuge_Complex/Roanoke_River/Images/Hunting2x150(1).jpg)
Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge, in partnership with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, offers special hunt permit for small game, turkey, and deer hunts at various times throughout the year.
Hunting on the Roanoke![Swainson'swarbler-lewisX150](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20170107171649im_/https://www.fws.gov/uploadedImages/Region_4/NWRS/Zone_3/North_Carolina_Coastal_Plain_Refuge_Complex/Roanoke_River/Images/swainsonswarbler-lewisX150.jpg?n=1436)
Swainson’s warblers reside on Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge from April through October, nesting in the river cane understories of bottomland hardwood forests. They eat insects. Swainson’s warbler migrates to Central American and the West Indies for the winter
Swainson’s Warbler
![birders-fwsX150](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20170107171649im_/https://www.fws.gov/uploadedImages/Region_4/NWRS/Zone_3/North_Carolina_Coastal_Plain_Refuge_Complex/Roanoke_River/Images/Birdingx150.jpg)
Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge offers memorable birding opportunities. Much of the refuge is accessible only by boat; however, we think it's worth the effort!
Learn more
Page Photo Credits Wood Duck by Jeff Lewis
Last Updated: Mar 10, 2016