A beach re-nourishment project at North Topsail Beach has covered the beach with tons of rocks. Though that’s against the law, state regulators have given the town a pass as long as tries to remove the rocks.
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The Bear Lady: Her Life and Mysterious Death
They called Kay Grayson the “Bear Lady” because of her passion for feeding and protecting bears near her home in Tyrrell County. While it appears a bear may have dragged the remains of her body into the woods, the cause of her death remains unknown.
State Fines Duke Energy $25 Million
The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources yesterday levied the largest environmental fine in state history against Duke Energy for groundwater contamination from coal ash ponds at the company’s L.V. Sutton power plant near Wilmington.
Scientists Warn About Seismic Tests
As the N.C. officials evaluate a third request of offshore seismic testing, scientists warn that such testing for oil and gas beneath the Atlantic Ocean floor is likely to have significant effects on the reproduction and survival of fish and marine mammals.
McCrory Budget and the Environment
The proposed budget that Gov. Pat McCrory released last week cuts money to a grant program that protects water quality and sensitive land and continues the whittling of the state’s major environmental agency.
Fla. Bans Term ‘Climate Change’
Officials with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection have been restricted from using the term “climate change” or “global warming” in official correspondence.
“Carolina Blues”
Photograph by Lisa Miles.
Watermen up and down the N.C. coast are readying their crab pots this time of year in anticipation of blue crabs moving back into shallow waters to molt. For some visitors, simply admiring the blue crab can be a thrill.
Report: Fixing the Coast Good for Economy
The benefits of restoring North Carolina’s coastline extend beyond the state’s environment, infusing millions of dollars into local economies, according to a new report.
Influential Coastal Engineer Dies
You’ve seen the handiwork of Robert Dean, an influential coastal engineer and the “father” of beach-renourishment. He died recently at age 84.
N.C. Coastal Federation Wins Award
A chapter of the world’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to fisheries will present one of its annual awards to this environmental nonprofit group for its work restoring marine habitats.
Fed Agency Opposes Ocean Isle Groin
Officials of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service expressed their opposition to Ocean Isle’s proposed terminal groin, which they said would significantly damage the critical habitat of several species.
Sam’s Field Notes: Sea Foam
Ever wonder what creates those tufts of sea foam on the beach? Naturalist Sam Bland investigates that answer, and saves a couple shorebirds while he’s at it.
Council of State Delays OK of Park Deal
Final approval of the state funds to begin the acquisition of about 290 acres for an addition to Hammocks Beach State Park in Swansboro was mysteriously pulled from the N.C. Council of State agenda yesterday.
Giving Bees and Butterflies a Hand
Since the beginning, humans have relied on a partnership with nature to survive. So it is only natural that when the tiniest workers in the human food chain are in danger, it is time to give them a little helping hand.
“Sunrise Over Queens Creek”
Photograph by Barry Fetzer.
When the sky is on fire, it doesn’t matter that the temperature is freezing outside.
Our Coast’s Food: Banana Pudding
Here’s a recipe for old-fashioned banana pudding. The soft, sweet custard full of banana flavor melts its typical Nilla Wafer crust as quickly as it does Southerners’ hearts.
