While only a handful of North Carolina’s coastal towns charge beachgoers to park, the oft-controversial topic is a recurring discussion in some towns, begging the question of whether free parking at the beach will eventually become a thing of the past.
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Come to the Landing to Work, Have Some Fun
People will gather in August at the N.C. Coastal Federation’s Morris Landing Preserve on Stump Sound to help build an oyster reef and let their hair down afterwards.
Coming to the Aid of an Abused Creek
The N.C. Coastal Federation expects to pay for and begin work this fall on a project to solve a vexing environmental and aesthetic problem: Turning two unsightly ponds in western Carteret County into wetlands to protect an imperiled creek.
Jetty Bill Stuck in State House
Although there have been rumors that a compromise might be in the works, a controversial bill to lift most restrictions on building small jetties along the state’s beaches has not moved out of committee in the N.C. House.
McCrory Objections Slow Landfill Bill
As the N.C. General Assembly enters its waning weeks, movement on a controversial landfill bill passed by the state Senate has slowed considerably in the N.C. House because of objections raised by the McCrory Administration.
Seashell Bounty
Take some time on this holiday weekend to comb North Carolina’s beaches for their bounty of seashells. We offer some tips.
Take a Drive to See Bears
The Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge offers guided drives this summer to view black bears. More bears live in the refuge than in just about any other place on the East Coast.
The Value of Restored Oyster Reefs
Researchers are learning some surprising things about the value of created or restored oyster reefs as marine habitat.
Budget Cuts Threaten Cleanup at Old Base
A would-be beach access that Dare County has eyed since the Coast Guard abandoned its oceanfront base in Buxton eight years ago is apparently still a distant dream, as environmental cleanup of contaminants has yet to begin.
Putting the Pieces Together at North River Farms
The N.C. Coastal Federation put in place one of the final pieces of the puzzle that will eventually restore water quality and provide public access to thousands of acres of restored wetlands at its North River Farms property.
Seining the Sound to Learn Cool Stuff
Did you know that blue crabs molt or that pipefish are related to seahorses? Learn about the creatures of our sounds in a free N.C. Coastal Federation program this summer.
Tracking Giants of the Cape Fear
State researchers catch and tag Atlantic sturgeon that prowl the Cape Fear River. The tags allow researchers to follow the movements of the endangered fish. Keeping track of them will help protect these ancient giants.
Lionfish: It’s What’s For Dinner
The invasive lionfish turns out to be quite tasty, which may provide a path to the species’ long-term management. Today’s Coastal Review Online offers some recipes that can help you do your part.
Lionfish Tournament: If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Eat ‘Em
The first annual lionfish tournament on the Crystal Coast recently ended. Lionfish are a prolific invasive fish that have set up shop in our local waters, to the detriment of the original inhabitants. Local groups are searching for a way to control the population.
Wildlife Gardening: Bring on the Birds, Bees and Butterflies
Welcoming wildlife to your yard has many benefits for insects, amphibians, reptiles and mammals of all descriptions, including people. A recent workshop taught participants how it’s done.
Sam’s Field Notes: The Magnificent Roseate Spoonbill
The big pink bird is rarely seen in North Carolina, so when reports of one visiting Bear Island reached Sam Bland, he had to check it out.
