Native Life
The Oceans Gallery at the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher houses many intriguing animals from ethereal floating jellyfish to a green moray eel. Yet one inhabitant, the common octopus, tends to en...
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Native Community
The NC Coastal Federation relies on volunteers to protect and restore our coast. Thousands of people have helped to restore coastal habitat, push for stronger environmental rules and promote s...
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Native Plant Society protects and informs
The NC Native Plant Society was formed in 1951 as the NC Wild Flower Preservation Society. Changing their name in 2004, the group's purpose is to promote enjoyment and conservation of North Carolina's
native plants and their habitats through education, protection, propagation, and advocacy.
These are some of their activities:
*rescuing native plants from encroaching construction and applauding people who create native plant habitats
*providing a listing service to speakers, making native plant related presentations available to the public
*sponsoring various programs for both the community and college students, supporting research and stewardship activities which promote native plants
*writing letters to key officials stating their position on certain important issues
*providing field trips, plant & seed exchanges & auctions, picnics, and other events
*promoting responsible landscaping practices growing native plants
*buying nursery propagated plant material and leaving the wild plants in the wild
*conserving and protecting native plants and natural area habitats
*avoiding invasive exotic plants.
Membership info here. Calendar here.
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NC Wildlife Artist Society draws inspiration from nature
The North Carolina Wildlife Artist Society brings wildlife artist, wildlife advocate, huntsman and wildlife art collector together. The mission of the group is to highlight quality wildlife art and offer a variety of services and opportunity for the wildlife enthusiast.
The society invites all fine art wildlife artists working in the state to join the organization. Their mission is to become a strong, influential factor in education within our school systems, provide special funding for scholarships in wildlife research and preservation and provide ongoing exhibitions to show the abundance of our animal and plant species in their natural environment.
Here is information on how to join.
Here are thumbnails of artist members.
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Cape Fear Green Building Alliance offers Sustainability Saturday programs
CFGBA will launch a series of workshops for the public at the Building Performance Training Center beginning Saturday, May 7.
The Sustainable Saturday sessions will educate homeowners in energy efficiency basics, providing helpful hints on how to save money with green home improvements.
Courses offered are:
• May 7 The Home as a System
• May 14 Sealing the Building Envelope for Energy Savings
• May 21 Taking Advantage of Incentives for Energy Improvements
• May 28 The Ins and Outs of Remodeling
• June 4 Focusing on Energy - HVAC, Lighting, Water Heating and Appliances
• June 11 Focusing on Energy - Renewables
• June 18 Indoor Air Quality
• June 25 Water Resources and Conservation
Sustainable Saturdays are FREE for CFGBA members and $10 per class for non-members. The sessions will be held at 9 and 10:30 a.m. with seating limited to 30, on a first come first served basis.
RSVP or purchase advanced seats online.
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NC Conservation Network brings together environmental groups
The North Carolina Conservation Network is a statewide network of over 100 environmental, community and environmental justice organizations focused on protecting North Carolina’s environment and public health.
The network supports, trains and coordinates diverse groups and directly advocates to achieve equitable and sustainable solutions for our environment. The organization was launched in 1998 by a collaborative effort of more than 60 NC conservation, environmental justice, and community groups to improve the community`s communications and its capacity for effective advocacy.
The network's goals include providing updates and environmental news to NC environmental groups, training activists to become more effective advocates, fostering healthy patterns of communication and collaboration, and convening and facilitating coalitions to address significant environmental issues.
Learn more, donate and take action here.
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East Coast Greenway Alliance connects trails
The East Coast Greenway Alliance is a non-profit aiming to create a transportation infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians, stretching from Maine to Florida. Their vision is for a long-distance, urban, shared-use trail system linking 25 major cities along the eastern seaboard. It will serve non-motorized users of all abilities and ages. The North Carolina routes are two: one from the Triangle to Fayetteville to Wilmington, and another that runs from Virginia down the coast to Wilmington. Only 14% of North Carolina’s 390-mile route is currently on trails, and another 7% is in development. And 60% of the route is still “gap” area, where no off-road routing potential has been located. The NC Committee is working hard to identify future routing possibilities for these areas.
In total, the Eastern Seaboard 3,000-mile long spine route will be accompanied by 2,000 miles of alternate routes that link in key cities, towns, and areas of natural beauty. This green travel corridor will provide cyclists, walkers, and other muscle-powered modes of transportation with a low-impact way to explore the eastern seaboard.
Estimated cost for the spine route is $3-4 billion with alternate routes costing another $2 billion. But, while federal funds are the major source for building Greenway segments, the federal government does not play a lead role. The Alliance seeks involvement from other state and local agencies, trail advocates and other non-profits.
The project's scope is huge; it will take decades to achieve their goal of a mostly off-road Greenway. Currently, and for many years to come, portions of the route temporarily follow roads that link the completed trail sections together and enable public use. But the vision is for the ECG to be entirely off-road and traffic-free.
The Alliance notes that the Appalachian Trail was largely on road for many decades and is just now achieving a fully secured off-road right-of-way after 80 years of effort. Theirs is a long-term project, hoping to achieve a 95% traffic-free route by 2030.
Follow their North Carolina blog here.
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Cape Fear Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation works to protect our beaches
The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches through conservation, research, education and activism. The organization was founded by a group of surfers in 1984 in Malibu, California, and now numbers over 50,000 members and 90 chapters worldwide.
The Cape Fear Chapter is actively involved in beach sweeps, a beachscape mapping program and other projects to preserve our coastal resources. They are activists as well as people who enjoy surfing and other water sports.
"The responsibility for the actions and agenda of the government ultimately falls on the shoulders of those who elect the government into power. The people of New Hanover County need to hold their elected officials responsible for the preservation of our natural resources and the continued smart, well planned growth of our city."
-Cape Fear Surfrider Foundation
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Althea Gibson Tennis Complex at Empie Park
The Empie Park tennis complex is named after Althea Gibson, the first African-American to win Wimbledon, the French Open, the Australian Doubles and the US Open in the late 50's. She moved to Wilmington in 1946 to attend high school and work on her tennis game with Dr. Hubert A. Eaton.
The park offers 8 lighted tennis courts and a 1500 sq. ft. clubhouse with lounge, meeting room, and snack counter. Courts are open until 10 pm each night, and reservations are not required.
ADULT PROGRAMS Clinics are offered in 4 week sessions. Pre-registration is required.
Doubles Positioning/Strategy Clinic (for 3.5 and 4.0 players)
Mondays from 11 am-12 pm (session begins Jan. 17)
Cost: $40 for 4 week session
This is a fast-paced doubles positioning/strategy clinic that will elevate your game to the next level.
Max: 6 players.
Serving Clinic
Tuesdays 10:30 am -11 am (session begins Jan. 18)
Cost: $20 for 4 week session
This quick 30-minute Serving Clinic will greatly improve your technique, overall consistency, placement, and help you generate more power.
Max: 6 players.
2.5/3.0 Doubles Clinic
Tuesdays 11-12 pm (session begins Jan. 18)
Cost: $40 for 4 week clinic
This weekly 2.5/3.0 Doubles Clinic will focus on playing "Smart Doubles" including proper court positioning, targeting your opponents weaknesses, and playing to your teams strengths.
Max: 8 players.
Volley/Overhead Clinic
Wednesdays from 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm (session begins Jan. 19)
Cost: $40 for 4 week clinic
Come join us for this weekly clinic that focuses on using the correct technique for your volleys and overheads and how to make them major strengths.
Max: 8 players
Cardio Tennis
Monday mornings at 10 am (session begins Jan. 17)
Wednesday evenings at 5:30 pm (session begins Jan. 19)
Cost: $40 for 4 clinics
Tennis tournaments are scheduled throughout the year.
For more information, call 341-4631 or email info@empiepark.com
Clubhouse Hours: Monday-Thursday: 9 am - 8 pm Friday: (CLOSED) Saturday: 9 am-5 pm Sunday: 12 pm-5 pm
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NC Sea Grant
Part of the National Sea Grant program, this organization provides grant funding for research, outreach and education programs designed to protect and benefit our coastal communities. Focus areas include sustainable seafood supply, healthy ecosystems, and hazard resilience.
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Wilmington Roadrunners Race for Fun and Charity
Founded in 1977, the Wilmington Road Runners Club is one of the oldest continuously operating clubs in North Carolina. Their 250+ members run the gamut from speedy racers to occasional joggers, bonded by the simple pleasure of putting one foot ahead of the other on the roads and trails of New Hanover County... and beyond.
Over the next six months, their race calendar lists 17 events, many of which benefit local charities. They also offer weekly morning and evening runs downtown, at UNCW and Wrightsville Beach. Get fit and have fun by joining this long-standing, active group.
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Halyburton Park
This 58-acre nature preserve has serene walking trails and an Events Center that offers educational programs and live animal displays.
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NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Dedicated to the management and conservation of the state’s fish and wildlife resources, this agency also monitors endangered species and provides information on permits and registrations.
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Standup paddleboarders clean up our coast
Our area's standup paddleboarders have organized a group called SUP Cleanup. Their mission is to remove trash and debris that gets left behind or washed up on beaches.
SUP Cleanup began as a grassroots organization, tackling the trash problems of local beaches and islands. As the popularity of paddling grows, their hope is that chapters will spring up across the United States and beyond, covering every ocean, lake and river to give back to the ecosystems that we get so much from. Currently their website shows 15 chapters in place, stretching from Florida to Washington,and even in Hawaii and Brazil.
Local Coastal Urge shop owners Catherine and Jeoffrey Nathan started SUP Cleanup in March of 2009. Paddling around the islands off the coast of Wilmington, they realized the accessibility paddlers have to marshes, small islands and remote beaches. With heavy boat and tourist traffic throughout most of the year, areas such as Masonboro Island, Lee Island and Figure Eight Island gather quite a bit of trash and debris.
Since March 2009, SUP Cleanup has organized monthly cleanups in Wilmington’s surrounding islands and waterways. As standup paddle boarding’s popularity grows nationally and globally, SUP Cleanup founders are hoping to spread the idea and membership throughout the sport’s network of paddlers to make this a monthly occurrence on beaches everywhere. Wilmington’s chapter has been fortunate to receive support from community businesses and organizations allowing them to find success with each cleanup in the organization’s inaugural year.
Join in their efforts, organize a chapter, or donate to their cause here.
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Fort Fisher
Fort Fisher is celebrating its 146th anniversary this year. This Confederate fortress enabled blockade runners to supply troops inland up until the final days of the Civil War, when it fell to a massive Federal amphibious assault. Fort Fisher offers exhibits, walking tours and special events year-round.
One of the most impressive exhibits is the outdoor gun emplacement - Shepherd's Battery - which features a fully operational, reconstructed cannon,
a Napoleon fieldpiece and a Coehorn mortar. A tour trail and a dozen exhibits allow visitors to take in the whole area and wonderful views of the
Cape Fear River and ferry launch.
Inside, the fiber-optic battle map shows the Federal Point peninsula as it appeared in 1865, with models of the fort and battery. Colored lights and a nine-minute narration bring to life the final bloody hours of the assault on the fort. Other exhibits include blockade-runner photos, artifacts from sunken ships, weapons and technology used by the troops at the time.more...
UNCW Center for Marine Science
Recognized nationally for their research in marine science, the Center provides facilities and labs for 40 scientists, 65 students and 60 staff, a dock with Intracoastal Waterway access, an oyster hatchery and a marine biotechnology center (to be completed in 2012).
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Wrightsville Beach Museum of History
This museum is housed in a turn-of-the-century cottage furnished as a beach home of that time. Several events are offered to celebrate the history of Wrightsville Beach.
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Cape Fear Paddlers
The club promotes kayaking and canoeing activities, and invites everyone to join them in paddles on the Cape Fear River and surrounding areas. They organize day trips, overnight camping, paddle sweeps, race participation, and other events. The CFPA also coordinate with local retailers in promoting and supporting events such as demos, clinics, and sales.
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NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher
Everyone enjoys this destination for learning all about the waters of the Cape Fear, including coastline habitats and all kinds of native plants, animals and marine life. Exhibits change regularly and educational programs abound, including behind-the-scenes tours.
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Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center
This facility on Topsail Island monitors sea turtle nests from May through August, and cares for sick and injured turtles at its hospital. The volunteers reported over 100 nests on the island this year.
Watch the turtle release video.
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Poplar Grove Plantation
On the National Register of Historic Homes, this former peanut plantation dates back to 1795. Events and festivals celebrate the homesteading and craft traditions of the past.
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Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project
Monitoring Kure Beach and Carolina Beach during nesting season, this group works to ensure the safety and health of threatened and endangered sea turtles.
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NCDENR Natural Heritage Program
Documenting and monitoring the rarest of plant and animal species in our state, this agency provides information to groups and citizens about the potential impact of development and seeks to conserve those unique natural communities.
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NDENR Division of Marine Fisheries
Responsible for ensuring and sustaining our marine and estuarine habitats, this agency regulates and monitors fishing activity of over 4,000 commercial and 2 million recreational fishermen in NC.
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NCDENR Division of Coastal Management (CAMA)
This agency protects and manages our coastal environments, including enforcing the Coastal Area Management Act through permitting and land use planning.
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NCDA&CS Plant Conservation Program
Aiming to identify and ensure our native plant species continue to thrive in their natural habitats, the Plant Conservation Program monitors endangered species and develops programs to protect them.
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NC Coastal Reserve
With the National Estuarine Reserve System, this is a network of 10 protected sites along the coast, including Masonboro Island, Zeke’s Island and Bald Head Island. The network was established to provide opportunities for long-term research and protection of these areas.
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New Hanover Soil and Water Conservation
This agency is dedicated to protecting water quality in the area. Staff environmental educators provide programs on stormwater management and other conservation practices to community and school groups.
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The Nature Conservancy
This worldwide organization is dedicated to protecting ecologically important areas. The North Carolina chapter works tirelessly in the Coastal Plain area to protect public areas like the Green Swamp and Lake Waccamaw.
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NC Coastal Land Trust
Acquiring important open space and natural areas along our coastline to preserve and protect our natural habitats, the Coastal Land Trust has over 40,000 acres of protected lands.
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Coastal Water Watch
As advocates for improved water quality in Brunswick County, CWW works in partnership with the Cape Fear River Watch, Cape Fear Arch and the Waterkeeper Alliance to promote, educate and inform area residents about water conservation.
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Carolina Beach State Park
Camping, hiking trails, towering longleaf pines and a newly renovated marina with a public boat ramp make this a great spot to visit. The park spans Snow’s Cut on one side and the Cape Fear River on the other, with easy access to local fishing hot spots.
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Cape Fear River Watch
An active advocate and protector of the water quality of the Cape Fear River basin, CFRW offers educational programs and participatory events focused on cleaning the area’s rivers, lakes and creeks, as well as a monthly paddle series for explorers.
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Cape Fear Resource Conservation and Development
This non-profit is focused on regional economic development and conservation, particularly water resources. Grants are provided to deserving projects, most notably an effort to preserve Eagle Island.
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Cape Fear Audubon Society
The local chapter of this important national organization is dedicated to conserving the natural ecosystems of our region, focusing on birds and other wildlife. Audubon works in partnership with other organizations to provide educational opportunities; they also offer field trips and bird walks seasonally.
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Cape Fear Arch Conservation and Collaboration
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Cape Fear Museum
The oldest museum in North Carolina offers a large collection of Civil War artifacts, as well as other historical exhibits about the life and culture of the region. Featured exhibits and special programs are changed out regularly.
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Bald Head Island Conservancy
A non-profit committed to preserving, protecting and promoting the Smith Island group (Bald Head, Middle and Bluff islands), the Conservancy sponsors scientific research and offers events for residents and visitors to enjoy this unparalleled natural environment.
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The Arboretum of New Hanover County
A special seven acre sanctuary featuring coastal area plants and beautiful water features, the staff and volunteers provide educational opportunities and events for gardeners year-round.
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Airlie Gardens
This 67-acre public garden offers walking trails, a 400-year old live oak and beautiful views of Bradley Creek that inspire and excite us, along with year-round changing displays and events.
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