Center Director Appointed at Donal C. O’Brien Sanctuary and Audubon Center in Corolla

Audubon North Carolina has appointed Robbie Fearn as Center Director of the Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Sanctuary and Audubon Center in Corolla, NC. As Center Director, Fearn will oversee conservation planning impacting the greater Currituck Sound region, the construction and renovation of the 2,600 acre property for programming and research activities, and engage the local community in the protection of this pristine property.

Fearn brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the center director position. After earning his M.S. in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Communications from Antioch New England Graduate School, Fearn served in many leadership roles including Executive Director of Birmingham’s Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve and Director of the Cape Wildlife Center in Massachusetts.

“This is an exciting time for the Donal C. O’Brien Jr. Sanctuary and Audubon Center in Corolla, and I believe that the organization will have a significant impact in shaping a brighter, more ecologically aware future for all who live in and experience the Northern Outer Banks and the associated eco-region,” says Robbie Fearn. “Having lived in Manteo for 14 years, sailing the waters, serving as an eco-tour guide and co-founding, with my wife Pamela, the Network for Endangered Sea Turtles, the region strongly influenced my love of the natural world and indeed, my own career path. Audubon has brought me home.”

“Robbie’s passion for conservation and community engagement, along with his distinguished career make him the perfect choice to step into this role and guide the Donal C. O’Brien Jr. Sanctuary and Audubon Center through its next phase of development,” added Heather Stark, Audubon North Carolina Executive Director. 

Audubon North Carolina took management of the 2,600-acre sanctuary and former hunt club in 2010. Renovation and building plans will be implemented to prepare the property for visitation, as well as launching a conservation plan for the improvement of Currituck Sound. For more information about the sanctuary project and Audubon North Carolina’s many conservation initiatives visit nc.audubon.org.