Drainage systems that rely on gravity fail when the difference in elevation that drives water from land to sea has been shrinking as sea level rises.
Commentary
Fly fishing ’round here? Options abound for the well prepared
“Where do you do that ’round these parts?” The answer is almost anywhere, if you know when to get there, what to bring and how to use it. Capt. Gordon shares his tips.
Port’s Cape Fear dredge project fails taxpayers, environment
Guest commentary: Deepening the Cape Fear River will only worsen flooding around the downtown Wilmington waterfront and the North Carolina Battleship site and lead to a substantial loss of vital wetlands and floodplains.
Tabb’s Trails: Along the North Pond Wildlife Trail
Saturday, Oct. 18, turned out to be a remarkable day on the half-mile trail behind Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge’s visitor center, with rarely seen species and migratory waterfowl.
Chemours is doubling down on its toxic history: NRDC
Chemours is not a company that can be trusted to expand its operations responsibly, and it’s an example of the national PFAS pollution crisis, writes Drew Ball of the Natural Resources Defense Council.
Toadstools: Friend or foe? Your best bet is to surely know
Some are beauties, some look naughty, others appear delicious and nutritious while others still will land you in hospital if eaten. Often, and to many, mushrooms are mostly mysterious.
A successful catch from a pier takes a bit of bait, know-how
Piers can be found along the state’s coast, from Avalon at Kill Devil Hills to as far south as Sunset Beach, and each one has local expertise that will separate the rookies from what we used to call “The Sharpies,” Capt. Gordon Churchill writes.
Autumn’s traditional scents, aromas are soul-deep comforts
Humans’ sense of smell is powerful, and scent-triggered memories, such as the aromas of fall foods, can take us back to our childhoods or to any special memories with just one whiff.
Opinion: Ocean Isle’s terminal groin process fully transparent
Readers are not provided full context and are left with an incomplete understanding of the facts regarding the lengthy, transparent public process behind the town’s terminal groin project, writes Ocean Isle Beach Mayor Debbie Smith.
Lovin’ Spoonsful: Spoon lures may be an underused asset
There are lots of ways to fish spoon lures, and they are popular worldwide, but around here, they seem to be underutilized.
Coastal habitats are North Carolina’s hidden climate engines
North Carolina’s abundant coastal wetland ecosystems are highly effective carbon storehouses, serving to slow climate change’s pace while also providing vital fish nurseries, wildlife havens and storm buffers.
Survey says … be considerate with your music while fishing
Capt. Gordon’s “extensive research” finds that, while it may be a matter of individual preference, the question of whether or not may instead be a matter of how loud, when and where.
Garden visions: Knowing what to look for is part of seeing
Like artists picking out details others can’t always see, gardeners pick up on things others miss — an invaluable skill in times past, when grocery stores were few and far between, much less fresh produce — when knowledge about plants could literally mean the difference between making it through the winter or starving to death.
What makes a fishing trip great? It’s not how many you catch
Following Capt. Gordon’s recent tips on preserving memories by taking better photos: Consider who is with you as a big part of the equation for a fondly memorable angling experience.
Roadless Rule protects US wildlands, Croatan National Forest
Guest opinion: The federal Roadless Rule was adopted with massive public support and now protects 58.5 million acres of roadless national forestland in 39 states, but it’s in jeopardy and our voices are powerful.
Relish a good pickle? Ancient preservation methods still work
Fruit ciders, vinegars, relishes and pickled vegetables — these time-tested methods for preserving foods share similarities, but there are also delicious differences.

















