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.

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.

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.

Cape Fear Arch Conservation and Collaboration

This partnership of organizations is committed to conserving the special character and wildlife of the arch region – stretching from Cape Lookout to Cape Romaine, SC.  The unique geology of this area – sand and limestone deposited 35 million years ago – has created a diverse habitat with many species here that are found nowhere else in the world.

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.

Cape Fear CYCLISTS

This fun group offers scheduled group rides on weekends and weekdays - all skill levels are invited.  They maintain a ride calendar for area cyclists.  Membership is for individuals or families.

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.

Cape Fear Paddlers Club

All levels of canoeists, recreational kayakers and sea kayakers are invited to participate in enjoying and improving the paddling waters around us.

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.

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.

Cape Fear Ski and Outing Club

Not only does this group go skiing, they kayak, hike, bike and enjoy all kinds of outdoor recreation and social activities.

Cape Fear SORBA

  Our Cape Fear SORBA chapter is part of the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA) - the largest nonprofit mountain biking organization in the Southeast.
Members work with land managers in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee to create trails and trail systems for mountain bikers and other users to enjoy.

Cape Fear surfriders 

  The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over 50,000 members and 90 chapters worldwide.

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.

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.

North Carolina 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.

CYCLE NC

Cycle NC is part of the NC Amateur Sports organization, established in 1983 to host the first sanctioned State Games of North Carolina in 1986 and the US Olympic Festival in 1987.  Cycle NC offers a spring weekend ride and a fall "mountains to coast" week-long ride.

FEAST ON THE SOUTHEAST

Fort Fisher

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.

Halyburton Park

This 58-acre nature preserve has serene walking trails and an Events Center that offers educational programs and live animal displays.

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.

New Hanover Soil and Water Conservation District

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.

NC AMATEUR SPORTS

NCAS was established in 1983 to host the first sanctioned State Games of NC in 1986 and the US Olympic Festival in 1987.  Today it operates with a goal of promoting the spirit of amateur sports and physical fitness for all ages and skill levels.  NCAS hosts the State Games of NC, Cycle NC's spring and fall rides and the Be Active Challenge.

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.

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.

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.

NCDENR Division of Coastal Management

This agency protects and manages our coastal environments, including enforcing the Coastal Area Management Act through permitting and land use planning.

NCDENR 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Stand-up Paddleboard CleanUp

Started by local Coastal Urge shop owners, this is a monthly cleanup effort by paddlers aimed at remote beaches, marshes and small islands that others might miss.  Their goal is to build a network of groups across the country so the monthly event spreads to all shorelines.

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).

Wilmington Road Runners Club

Part of the Road Runners Club of America, this local group of 250+ members organizes races and weekly runs.

Wrightsville Beach Longboard Association

A group of young and old surfers who not only enjoy the sport and the surfing way of life, but give back to the community through cleanups, scholarships and other charitable efforts.

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.

This list of native community groups is by no means exhaustive.  Do you know of an organization or group that should be recognized for the work they’re doing?  Send an email to kass@capefearnative.com.