The University of North Carolina Wilmington Blue Economy Index rose by 3.7% in February, beating the MSCI All World Index, the S&P 500, and the S&P Industrials.
News Briefs
Event to explore unsung African American gardening history
The North Carolina Botanical Garden is offering a virtual option for its daylong symposium on the “African American Legacy in Gardening and Horticulture” set for the last Saturday of March in Durham.
State officials: Burning trash against North Carolina law
Careless debris burning is the leading cause of wildfires in North Carolina, and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality has issued a reminder that, “If it doesn’t grow, don’t burn it.”
Link between greentails, green energy topic of next CSI talk
Dr. Lela Schlenker, fisheries liaison from Kitty Hawk Wind, will present, “What do greentails have to do with green energy? An update on the Kitty Hawk offshore wind project served with a side of shrimp” March 20 at the Coastal Studies Institute on the ECU Outer Banks Campus.
Chemours to expand well testing for PFAS contamination
About 150,000 additional private water drinking wells are eligible for PFAS testing after the state’s lead environmental agency directed Chemours’ to expand sampling in Harnett and Hoke counties.
State to host hearing on mid-Currituck Bridge application
The state Division of Coastal Management has set a public hearing for March 18 on the Coastal Area Management Act application for the proposed Turnpike Authority project.
Endowment to add $7.5 million for Fort Fisher aquarium work
The New Hanover County Community Endowment grant awarded this week to the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher will support its $56 million renovation, the details of which are to be announced this summer.
CAMA county governments may apply for resiliency funding
Local governments within the state’s 20 coastal counties and contractors may apply for the next round of funding for resiliency projects.
State seeks impaired watershed restoration project proposals
The Department of Environmental Quality expects to receive $1.5 million in federal grants to fund all or portions of eligible watershed restoration projects.
NC Trails Program announces grants for trail projects
Grants through the state’s Recreational Trails Program support greenways and trails for hikers, bikers, paddlers, equestrians and off-road vehicle operators.
Pop-up oyster roast to support Cape Fear River Watch
Tickets are $40 for a baker’s dozen of oysters and two beers at the “Sip & Shuck for Cape Fear River Watch” pop-up oyster roast Sunday afternoon at The Alley in Wilmington’s Cargo District.
Topsail Beach mourns death of second mayor in months
Morton Blanchard, who served more than a decade as a town commissioner, was appointed Topsail Beach mayor last fall following the death of former Mayor Steve Smith.
Registration open for 2025 Coastal Summit in Raleigh
Register now for the North Carolina Coastal Federation’s 2025 Coastal Summit taking place April 8-9 in downtown Raleigh.
‘Donor marsh’ to allow improved restoration plant sourcing
The North Carolina Coastal Federation is partnering with two private firms to build a 1-acre salt marsh to serve as a “donor marsh” for scarce native salt marsh plants coastal restoration projects.
Living shoreline construction, design courses set for March
Carteret Community College is launching in March its Living Shoreline Academy, a course of instruction to help people design, permit and install their own living shoreline projects.
Wildlife commission seeks advisory committee nominees
Eligible North Carolina residents’ names may be submitted for the state Nongame Wildlife Advisory Committee membership through April 18.
