That’s the goal of the N.C. Coastal Federation’s educational programs. Taking kids out of the classroom to build oyster reefs and plant rain gardens, research shows, enhances their understanding of the coastal environment.
News & Features
There’s No Classroom Like the One Outdoors
Research at N.C. State University shows that taking kids outside significantly improves their understanding of ecology and their attitudes about the environment.
Federation Requests Hofmann Records
The N.C. Coastal Federation has asked the Army Corps of Engineers for information about thousands of acres in the Hofmann Forest that appear to have been cleared.
Court Battle for Park Land Continues
The state Supreme Court, in a ruling released last week, agreed to review a N.C. Court of Appeals decision in a long-running legal dispute that could add 289 acres to Hammocks Beach State Park.
What? Fracking on the Coast?
Banning the use of injection wells for wastewater from fracking and expanding the regions under consideration for exploration, including several coastal counties, were among the issues detailed in a recent meeting of a legislative committee.
Chemical Maker Hit With $2.5M Fine
A federal judge found that Elementis Chromium Inc., which has a plant near Wilmington, failed to notify its workers about the possible health hazards of one of the chemicals made at the plant.
A Different Bird for the Holidays
Several farms on the coast offer “pastured” turkeys, which are bred and raised the old fashioned way. No hormones or growth additives. These birds actually run around and eat bugs.
Work Begins on Controversial Subdivision
After years of environmental and legal disputes, land created when man-made canals were dug along Topsail Sound in Surf City is being developed.
Water Bill Worries Jones, Others on Coast
As it heads to a conference committee, the federal water resources bill still has some skeptics on the N.C. coast, chief among them U.S. Rep. Walter Jones.
Pamlico Commissioners Want Answers
The Pamlico County commissioners voted last night to ask the Army Corps of Engineers to re-examine its decision that wetlands aren’t present on hundreds of forested acres near Merritt that were cleared for farming.
Land Clearing in Pamlico May Spur Action
Pamlico County commissioners tonight will consider taking action on a major land-clearing operation that farmers and business leaders fear is damaging wetlands and could lead to serious coastal water quality degradation.
Getting the Kids Outside
Students in Kill Devil Hills will have more opportunities to get outside and learn about the coastal environment thanks to a $5,000 federal grant that the N.C. Coastal Federation recently received.
Stemming the Stampede
New rules have brought some order to the free for all along Currituck Banks where tourists and tour guides crowded the beaches for a chance to see the wild horses.
Flood Insurance Changes Explained
After being buffeted for years with criticism for encouraging irresponsible development along coastlines, the National Flood Insurance Program has begun phasing out subsidies on policies for high-risk properties.
Small Shorebird May Yet Ruffle Feathers
The federal government recently proposed listing the red knot as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act. Will the action lead to more public opposition?
Dare Towns Commit to $42 Million Beach Plan
What the federal government refused to fund, towns on the Outer Banks have committed to tackling, and more — pumping sand onto beaches in Duck and from Kitty Hawk to South Nags Head. All to the tune of $42.6 million.