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.
Commentary
Guest Column: Drilling Means Jobs
David McGowan, executive director or the N.C. Petroleum Council, thinks offshore drilling can be done safely and would provide jobs and boost the coastal economy.
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.
Sam’s Field Notes: Getting Up Close and Personal with a Cyclops
When a caterpillar of the Polyphemus moth wove its cocoon outside his door, Sam Bland naturally broke out his camera.
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.
Sam’s Field Notes: A Hike in the Snow Can Be a Birder’s Delight
Snow days are good days to look for birds. They’re a bit more conspicuous against the white background and a little more tolerant of humans.
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.
Sam’s Field Notes: The Dance of the Dolphins
Sam Bland got an unexpected surprise after Christmas on a jog down the beach at Emerald Isle. He rushed back with his camera to catch The Dance of the Dolphins.
Takeover Complete; Now Comes the Hard Part
With the takeover of state government complete, Gov. Pat McCrory and the GOP must now govern in way that doesn’t alienate voters.
Sam’s Field Notes: Glasswort Offers Colorful Display in Marsh
The three species of glasswort that grow along the coast are hardy and salt tolerant and go out in a blaze of glory.
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.
Cut Teachers a Break: Restore NCCAT Funding
Let’s hope the N.C. House of Representative budget writers don’t sell our educators short. They should restore funds for the N.C. Center for the Advancement of Teaching.
