Mattamuskeet Lodge Society

08/03/2026

From hummingbirds in hand to birds soaring over Mattamuskeet, Hyde County offers incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing and research year-round. Projects like this remind us that there is always something new to discover in our own backyard—and that Mattamuskeet Lodge is at the heart of a landscape rich in wildlife, conservation, and discovery.

A special thank you to Susan Campbell with the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and Kyle Shepard with the Banding Coalition of the Americas for bringing this unique hummingbird banding opportunity to Hyde County and helping us learn more about the wildlife that calls this place home.

07/15/2026

Yesterday, the Mattamuskeet Lodge was honored to welcome participants of the National Cotton Council's Southeast Producer Information Exchange (P.I.E.) Tour. Since 1989, the P.I.E. program has brought cotton producers from across the Cotton Belt together to explore innovative farming practices, exchange ideas, and learn firsthand how producers in other regions are adopting new technologies to improve efficiency, sustainability, and crop production. This year's Southeast tour included a stop in Hyde County, where farmers from across the region gathered to learn about both the past and future of the Mattamuskeet Lodge and the cutting-edge agricultural research taking place right here in our community.

Hyde County Cooperative Extension Agriculture Agent Andrea Gibbs shared updates on an exciting sensor project being conducted in partnership with East Carolina University. This project uses advanced field sensors to help farmers better monitor water levels and drainage while collecting valuable data to address one of Hyde County's greatest agricultural challenges—saltwater intrusion.

Participants also learned how the restored Mattamuskeet Lodge will play an important role in the future of agricultural research. Plans for the Lodge include a dedicated laboratory space where researchers, Extension, and partners can continue developing practical solutions that benefit local producers while creating innovations that can be adapted on farms across the country.

The Mattamuskeet Lodge has always been a place where people come together to share knowledge and ideas. We're excited to see it once again becoming a hub for education, collaboration, and innovation that will help shape the future of agriculture.

Thank you to everyone who joined us—we're proud to showcase how Hyde County is helping bring agriculture into the 21st century!

06/16/2026

If you participated in our Sunrise to Starlight National Hiking Day event, please consider filling out our evaluation. We are excited to plan more events like this one but we need your input. Even if you did not attend and there was something about the event that kept you from attending, we would like to hear from you. Click the link in the original post to fill out our evaluation form.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Sunrise to Starlight at Mattamuskeet! From sunrise hikes and kayaking adventures to wildlife viewing, lodge tours, and our popular night hike, we loved sharing this special day with all of you.

As we begin planning future outdoor recreation, wellness, and educational programs, we'd love to hear about your experience. What activities did you enjoy? What brought you to the event? What would you like to see us offer in the future? Did you have a favorite moment, wildlife sighting, or story from the day?

Your feedback helps us improve programs, secure support for future events, and better serve both our local community and visitors.

Please take a few minutes to complete our event evaluation:
👉 https://forms.gle/NCiZe5vP7f3u6Pmg8

Thank you for helping us make Mattamuskeet an even better place to explore, learn, and connect with nature. We look forward to seeing you at future events!

06/15/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Sunrise to Starlight at Mattamuskeet! From sunrise hikes and kayaking adventures to wildlife viewing, lodge tours, and our popular night hike, we loved sharing this special day with all of you.

As we begin planning future outdoor recreation, wellness, and educational programs, we'd love to hear about your experience. What activities did you enjoy? What brought you to the event? What would you like to see us offer in the future? Did you have a favorite moment, wildlife sighting, or story from the day?

Your feedback helps us improve programs, secure support for future events, and better serve both our local community and visitors.

Please take a few minutes to complete our event evaluation:
👉 https://forms.gle/NCiZe5vP7f3u6Pmg8

Thank you for helping us make Mattamuskeet an even better place to explore, learn, and connect with nature. We look forward to seeing you at future events!

06/15/2026

🌅🌙 From Sunrise to Starlight: What a Day at Mattamuskeet! 🛶🥾

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our National Trails Day celebration, Sunrise to Starlight at Mattamuskeet! We were thrilled to welcome visitors from as far away as Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Concord, North Carolina, along with many local residents who came out to experience the beauty of Mattamuskeet.

From sunrise hikes and birdwatching to paddling the refuge waterways and exploring trails, participants spent the day discovering the incredible natural resources of the Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge by both land and water. Kayaking proved to be one of the day's biggest adventures, with several paddlers spotting alligators and even bears along the canals!

Perhaps one of our favorite moments came from two of our youngest kayakers, who left proudly declaring that they were "explorers" and immediately pulled out their Backyard Explorer books when they got home to learn even more about the world around them. Inspiring the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists is exactly what events like this are all about.

The excitement continued into the evening, where our "Mattamuskeet: After Dark" night hike was a huge hit, giving participants a chance to experience the refuge in a whole new way and discover what happens when most of us have gone inside for the night.

This event would not have been possible without the partnership and support of the Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, the Mattamuskeet Lodge Society, NC Cooperative Extension Hyde County Center, our volunteers, guides, and participants. Thank you for helping make our first Sunrise to Starlight celebration such a success.

We're already looking forward to creating more opportunities for people to connect with nature, history, and the outdoors right here at Mattamuskeet. Stay tuned—this is only the beginning!

06/13/2026

🌅 First Light Hike Success! 🥾
A special thank you to our three dedicated hikers who were willing to rise before the sun and join us for the First Light Hike as part of our Sunrise to Starlight at Mattamuskeet celebration!
There's something truly magical about experiencing Mattamuskeet in those quiet moments before dawn. As the sky began to brighten and the refuge came to life, our group enjoyed the sights and sounds of waking wildlife while taking in the beauty of a Lake Mattamuskeet sunrise. These early morning adventures remind us why this place is so special and why protecting these natural spaces is so important.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped kick off a wonderful day of exploration, conservation, and outdoor recreation. We hope you'll continue to enjoy all that Mattamuskeet has to offer—from sunrise to starlight.

06/13/2026

🌅🥾 Today's the Day! Sunrise to Starlight at Mattamuskeet is Here! 🌙🦉

Join us today as we celebrate National Trails Day with a full day of outdoor adventure, wildlife discovery, local history, and family fun at Mattamuskeet!

Whether you're joining one of our guided hikes, exploring the refuge on a self-guided adventure, touring the historic Mattamuskeet Lodge, or paddling the waterways, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Don't forget to stop by the Yellow Building to pick up information, complete passport challenges, purchase Mattamuskeet Lodge merchandise, and learn more about the exciting future of the lodge restoration project.

Families with children won't want to miss a special activity hosted by a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service educator this morning! It's a great opportunity for young explorers to learn more about the incredible wildlife and habitats that make Mattamuskeet such a special place.

A few reminders:
✅ No pre-registration is required for guided hikes.
✅ Please sign in before participating so we can maintain an accurate headcount.
✅ Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and bug spray.
✅ Practice Leave No Trace and help us keep Mattamuskeet beautiful.

Thank you to everyone helping make this celebration possible. We can't wait to spend the day exploring with you from sunrise to starlight!

06/12/2026

👕 New Mattamuskeet Lodge T-Shirts Available Tomorrow! 👕

Show your support for the restoration of the Mattamuskeet Lodge with our brand-new Mattamuskeet Lodge t-shirts! Shirts (including youth sizes) will be available for purchase beginning at 8:00 AM tomorrow at the Yellow Building during our Sunrise to Starlight at Mattamuskeet celebration.

At this time we don't have online ordering but it is in the works. When we're ready to launch it we will be sure to let everyone know.

While you're there, don't miss the opportunity to step inside the historic Mattamuskeet Lodge. The lodge will be open for self-guided tours from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Members of the Mattamuskeet Lodge Society will be on site throughout the morning to answer questions, share the history of the lodge, and discuss plans for its future.

Whether you're picking up a shirt, touring the lodge, or spending the day enjoying the refuge, we look forward to seeing you at Mattamuskeet!

06/11/2026

☀️ Gearing Up for Sunrise to Starlight: Your Official "What to Expect" Guide!🥾🌾

With our National Trails Day celebration just days away on Saturday, June 13th, we want to make sure you and your crew have the absolute best time exploring Lake Mattamuskeet!

Because the refuge is beautifully wild, remote, and untouched, coming prepared is the secret to a great adventure. Here is everything you need to know before you load up the car:

🎒 1. Pack for Your Crew (Food & Water)
Whether you're joining us for a guided hike, kayaking, or exploring the refuge on your own, staying hydrated and fueled is important. If you don't pack a full lunch, don't worry! There are a couple of great dining options and gas stations nearby in Hyde County. We highly encourage you to take the opportunity to visit and support our local favorites while you're in the area!

☀️🦟 3. Sun Protection & Bug Spray are Must-Haves
We are right in the middle of June, which means the summer sun is at its most intense. While many of our walking trails offer beautiful tree shade, you will want to wear sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Additionally, we share the refuge with nature—it will be buggy on some of the trails, so bring plenty of insect repellent!

🌧️⚡ 4. Rain or Shine (But Watch for Lightning)
We are celebrating rain or shine, so a little summer drizzle won't stop the fun! However, your safety is our top priority. Only a thunderstorm (lightning) will cancel or pause our planned guided hikes or kayaking sessions. Keep an eye on the local forecast so you can pack rain gear if needed.

🚮 5. Leave No Trace: Pack It In, Pack It Out
We are incredibly lucky to have access to this pristine wildlife refuge. Let's keep it beautiful! Please plan to pack out every single piece of trash, food wrapper, and plastic bottle you bring in.

Consider this your ticket to a smooth, stress-free wilderness adventure. Pack your gear, map out your local lunch stop, and we will see you at Event HQ inside the Yellow Building this Saturday! 🦅🌅🌌

06/10/2026

📅 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐭 – 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬! 🌅🌙

We're excited to share the list of activities for our National Trails Day celebration at Mattamuskeet all in one place! From guided sunrise hikes and wildlife viewing opportunities to self-guided trail exploration, lodge tours, and an exclusive nighttime hike, there will be activities throughout the day for all ages and interests.

𝗡𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗵𝗶𝗸𝗲𝘀. However, we do ask that participants sign in before each hike so we can maintain an accurate headcount and ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.

One special highlight of the day will be the opportunity to tour the Mattamuskeet Lodge from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. With restoration efforts on the horizon, this may be one of the last chances to see portions of the lodge before construction begins. Members of the Mattamuskeet Lodge Society will be on hand to answer questions and share updates about the restoration project.

Whether you're joining us for the sunrise, staying until starlight, or stopping by somewhere in between, we hope you'll come celebrate the natural beauty, history, and outdoor recreation opportunities that make Mattamuskeet such a special place.

See the full schedule below and make plans to join us on June 13!
Learn more: https://hyde.ces.ncsu.edu/news/sunrise-to-starlight-at-mattamuskeet/