Friends Of Pleasure Island State Parks
Two State Parks
One Island
Carolina Beach State Park
Fort Fisher State Recreational Area
Making The Difference
In partnership to leave an impact!
What’s New?
There's a new Ranger in town!
Welcome Ranger Chris Watts to Carolina Beach State Park!
A native of the UK, moving to the states in 2003, Chris played collegiate soccer while obtaining his Batchelor of Science in Computer Science and Mathematics.
Not quite ready for the "desk job", Chris decided he wanted to explore the outdoors and the park systems.
In 2017, Chris was a kayak and SUP guide at the Outer Banks. He then decided the outdoors was the perfect place for him, joining Haw River State Park in the role of education and interpretation. Chris transferred to Falls Lake in 2020, completing his Ranger and Law Enforcement training.
We welcome Ranger Chris Watts and his wife to Carolina Beach State Park, Pleasure Island, and the awesome people and places that embrace the magic and majesty of our State Parks.
Welcome to our Schools in Parks Specialist
Marissa Blackburn
Marissa grew up in Baltimore, Maryland and after falling in love with the NC coast, moved to Wilmington in 2009, where she has remained firmly planted. She holds a Masters in Biology from Miami University and a Bachelors in Marine Biology from UNCW. She has over 11 years of experience in environmental education. Marissa has led education efforts at the Cape Fear River Watch and Bald Head Island Conservancy, including coordinating outdoor field trips, in-school programs, and summer camps. She also spent 5+ years teaching marine science at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. She is a certified NC Environmental Educator and is passionate about sharing the outdoors with others through educational experiences. Marissa is thrilled to be a part of the Schools in Parks program, increasing educational opportunities for youth at Carolina Beach State Park. In her free time, Marissa enjoys traveling, hiking, birding, nature photography, and spending time with her family.
New Hanover County is extremely fortunate to have this program of collaborative conservation and environmental education in our schools and parks.
Exciting News!
88 Turtle Nests!
“ALL THE TURTLES, Of course…
All the turtles are free, as TURTLES, and maybe, ALL CREATURES SHOULD BE!”
— DR. SEUSS
KIDS ZONE!
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KIDS ZONE! 〰️
KIDS! See how many turtle, flytrap, and bird stamps you can find on our website! VISIT US! Bring your discovery to Carolina Beach State Park Visitor Center for a special PRIZE!
Let us keep you informed of all that is upcoming at both our Island Parks!
Sign up to be the first to know about our events. We have fun for the kids and ways YOU can be part of our initiatives, here, at both our park locations!