Hundreds of people showed up to celebrate the life of one of our coast’s great friends and defenders.
Commentary
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.
Hoop Pole Creek Preserve
The “central park” of Atlantic Beach, the 31-acre preserve and nature trail was once threatened by development and is now about all that’s left of the town’s natural environment.
Sam’s Field Notes: North Carolina’s State Shell, The Scotch Bonnet
Everybody has their favorite shell, but in North Carolina, the Holy Grail of seashells seems to be the Scotch bonnet.
Coastal Legislators Made Bad Bill Better
Two state representatives pushed for significant improvements to a bill that remakes the state’s regulatory commissions.
Why the Federation Is Opposed to Drilling Off N.C.
Producing and refining oil and natural gas is a dirty, smelly business that pollutes the water and air, mars the landscape and, when an accident occurs, can have life-changing effects. And all for what? A few months supply of gasoline?
McCrory Should Step Lightly
A new poll found that a sizable majority of voters thinks it’s prudent for Gov. Pat McCrory to balance economic development with environmental protection.
Sam’s Field Notes: The ‘Spectacled Goose’
The largest seabirds in the North Atlantic, the northern gannets have long been tied to maritime culture.
