In the Fall of 2023, NCOBS convened the Sunset Island Task Force as a part of the Sustainability Pathway of the Strategic Plan. The main charge of the Sunset Island Task Force was to develop a thorough understanding of the viability and sustainability of continuing to deliver courses at Sunset Island given the threats of sea level rise, frequency of hurricanes, and ongoing maintenance needs. This feasibility study work and the recommendations of the Task Force were presented to the NCOBS Board of Directors in March 2025. The board voted “yes” to partially fortify Sunset Island against these impending threats. This important decision marks a significant step in NCOBS history - one grounded in responsibility, vision, and care for generations to come.

Read more about the Sunset Island Resilient Base Camp Project below:

Sunset Island has a strong NCOBS legacy and holds the heart of hundreds of students, staff, and NCOBS Community members. Since 1974, NCOBS has been delivering courses in the Everglades. NCOBS formed a task force in 1982 to work on a long-range plan for Florida programs and determine the return on investment in scaling programming and the benefit of establishing a permanent base. Once a fishing lodge at a prime jumping off spot into the Everglades National Park in Everglades City, Sunset Island proved to be the perfect home for the NCOBS Florida program.

Sunset Island was purchased by NCOBS in 1986 from the Stephenson family for $400,000. Only accessible by boat, the island property is 2.38 acres and has a .05 parking lot located across the Barron River. Sunset Island is a vital part of NCOBS year-round programming trajectory for many Program staff. Everglades National Park provides one of the most diverse and robust ecosystems in the world for our students to explore by canoe or sea kayak.