More than $4.6 million will go to coastal conservation efforts such as property acquisition and living shoreline projects out of $36 million in statewide grants through North Carolina Land and Water Fund, the state announced earlier this week.
Conservation
Builder vows fight to develop land that includes Sledge Forest
Copper Builders founder Wade Miller says misconceptions are fueling opposition to his proposed Hilton Bluffs development on a portion of 4,000 acres including a nationally threatened forest; opponents say entire tract should be conserved.
Duke Energy Foundation awards grant to Coastal Federation
The money will be used to support the Coastal Federation’s new Coastal Leadership Institute, a six-month-long program designed to strengthen leadership across North Carolina’s coastal communities
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.
National Estuaries Week encourages awareness, protection
This week, Sept. 20-27, is National Estuaries Week, an annual opportunity to raise awareness and encourage protection of these natural resources.
Coastal Federation lauds environmental stewards, volunteers
The North Carolina Coastal Federation celebrated 15 coastal stewards Saturday during the annual Pelican Awards ceremony for sharing “their time and talents, through leadership, education, hands-on projects, and volunteer efforts, to inspire others and create lasting change.”
Holden Beach Turtle Patrol to open T-shirt design contest
If you love sea turtles and have a talent for graphic design, consider donating your design for the Holden Beach Turtle Watch Program’s 2026 T-shirt design contest open Sept. 15-Oct. 15.
Docks event celebrates Hatteras Islanders’ spirit, watermen
The annual event set for Sept. 19-20 celebrates the heroes of Hurricane Isabel in 2003, the commercial fishing and charter operators who restarted the economy after the storm.
Amid backlash, Dare board retains Buxton Woods restrictions
Commissioners approved a text amendment allowing the requested construction but kept longstanding protections around the Buxton Woods Reserve on Hatteras Island.
Pine Knoll Shores aquarium offers special summer programs
The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores has two new special events set for August, as well as its usual bevy of weekly programming.
Sledge Forest added to national threatened forests list
The last remaining expanse of old-growth forest in New Hanover County is among a minute percentage of original ancient forests remaining in the eastern part of the country.
Pender landowner on mission to conserve hundreds of acres
Clint North has registered 1,988 acres in Pender County with North Carolina’s Natural Heritage Program, one of only three property owners in the state to register 1,000 acres or more with the state-managed conservation effort.
Plan would address threatened eastern black rails’ habitat loss
A public comment period is open on a proposed management plan that seeks to rebuild the once-abundant birds’ numbers by permanently protecting coastal marshes and helping private landowners create habitat.
State wildlife agency seeks conservation steward nominations
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is accepting nominations for the annual Thomas L. Quay Award through Friday.
Four-day fête honors Jockey’s Ridge State Park’s 50th year
Preserved from development by Carolista Baum, a mother of young children, who blocked a bulldozer, declared a National Natural Landmark and made a state park 50 years ago, an occasion recently celebrated by officials and throngs of visitors.
Save Sledge Forest rally planned for this month
The rally to support the conservation of New Hanover County’s last large expanse of old-growth trees is scheduled for June 21.
