Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter’s Fort Macon Trail 5K  

 

Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter (OWLS) is a non-profit 501(3)(c) wildlife shelter located at 100 Wildlife Way in Newport, NC.  Wildlife technicians provide educational outreach programs and rehabilitate small mammals, birds, and reptiles with help from community volunteers and members of OWL’s Board of Directors.   More than 140 runners signed up for and participated in OWLS’s first annual trail run sponsored by Barefoot Chandler & Associates Real Estate, Western Carteret Medical Center, The Emerald Club, The Sports Center, and Carteret Craven Electric Co-op.  The members of the Board of Directors are thankful for the fantastic turnout and support demonstrated by local businesses, volunteers, and runners. The run was organized by Run the East. West Carteret High School’s Junior ROTC staffed the race trail, and student Isabel Rayos sang the Star-Spangled banner to kick off the festivities.  Emerald isle Turtle Patrol's Shorebird Response Team (SRT's) manned the water station.  Thank you to Lowe's Foods for the generous water and snack donations.

 

 This year Joe Keyslor, a Board member, spearheaded the shelter’s first community 5K. As the sun came up, rain drops sprinkled the ground, but the weather held out and the runners took off together and ran along the water and up through the trails around beautiful Fort Macon.   Joe volunteers at the shelter regularly completing projects and maintenance on the grounds.  He enjoys being outside among the animals and decided to involve the community in an outdoor event. 

 

Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter relies upon the community’s generosity and the generosity of others who donate supplies and resources to support the facility and medical care required to care for native NC wildlife and return them to their natural habitat.  Fundraisers such as the 5k are essential to raise funds for the animal care of over 2000 animals per year.  The 2024 trail run was a modest event without bells and whistles, but the proceeds of the race directly fund animal care for local wildlife in need of shelter, food, and care provided by trained volunteers and staff.  OWLS’s invites new volunteers to apply to participate on the shelter’s website.  Businesses and organizations that are interested in team building activities, projects, or sponsoring capital projects can email OWLSSaves@gmail.com to contact a member of the Board of Directors.  Please check out our Facebook page – like and share to help support wildlife.