Coastal communities face a looming threat as wildfires stoked by the forces of climate change make effective land management, preparedness and response more important than ever.
Coastal Federation at 40: Past successes, new opportunities
As the North Carolina Coastal Federation celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, Executive Director Todd Miller looks back on the four-decade journey.
Keep Plastics Out of Our Seafood
With little doubt that microplastics find their way into seafood, Todd Miller of the North Carolina Coastal Federation says we should be doing everything possible to reduce the amount of plastic released into coastal waterways.
April Flower Blooms in Croatan
April brings flowering of dwarf iris, also known as Iris verna, or dwarf violet iris, in the Croatan National Forest. According to the North Carolina Cooperative Extensions, the flower only gets as tall as 6 inches, but its foliage can double the size after flowering. The fragrant native North Carolina perennial can be found in partly shady areas under the longleaf pines in the Southeastern coastal plain from Maryland to Florida. Photo: Todd Miller
Patsy Pond Predator
A fledgling great horned owl watches over the Patsy Pond Nature Trail in the Croatan National Forest near Newport on an early morning last week. According to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, the great horned owl is the largest owl species in the state, so named because of the two prominent ear tufts of feathers that resemble horns.
Remembering a Tireless Coastal Advocate
Our publisher Todd Miller reflects on the legacy of Dick Bierly, who died Wednesday at 86, and his longtime involvement with the North Carolina Coastal Federation and his tireless efforts to protect the coast.
James Barrie Gaskill, Friend of Our Coast
James Barrie Gaskill of Ocracoke, an educator, commercial fisherman, family man and advocate for a healthy North Carolina coast, died Wednesday at 74.
Commentary: Many Davids Beat Goliath
Titan was a “Goliath,” toppled by ordinary people who waged an extraordinary campaign to protect their quality of life and environment, writes Todd Miller.
Commentary: What Oil Money?
Todd Miller thinks the odds are pretty long that the feds will share revenues from offshore drilling with North Carolina any time soon.
Commentary: Rolling the Dice Offshore
North Carolina has one of healthiest coastal ecosystems in the country. It will be at risk, Todd Miller warns, if the oil industry sets up shop offshore.
We’re Giving Bald Head a Pass
The federation isn’t going to formally object to a terminal groin on Bald Head Island because there’s not much habitat there left to protect.
Time to Forget the Groin at Figure Eight
An ill-conceived effort to build a terminal groin on a spit of land in Rich Inlet should be abandoned in favor of a more environmentally friendly alternative.
Remembering Charles Jones
Hundreds of people showed up to celebrate the life of one of our coast’s great friends and defenders.
New Education Center Named for Stanbacks
The federation named its new education center in Wrightsville Beach to honor Fred and Alice Stanback, who have done immeasurable good across the state.
The Polar Vortex, Climate Change and Our Coast
The wild swings of winter weather, scientists tell us, are related to a changing climate. It may be time to dust off an old report that suggests ways to better prepare for a different future.
Remembering One of Our Coastal Heroes
The N.C. coast lost a great friend and champion with the death of Bernice Rice of Thomas Landing in Onslow County.
