Restoring & Protecting the NC Coast

Coastal salt and fresh water marshes, swamps and forested wetlands are among the most threatened land areas in the state. Threats include ditching and draining for mining, agriculture and forestry, and filling for development. Once considered wastelands, wetlands are now valued for their many benefits, including their ability to filter pollutants, provide habitat for birds, mammals and marine life, and provide erosion control. Over the years, runoff from agricultural, urban, and residential areas has polluted many of our creeks. The loss of wetlands, especially along coastal waterways, has increased the intensity of this problem by removing the natural filters that protect our water. Many of our waters now contain excess sediment, nutrients and bacteria, which can result in closures of shellfish waters and degradation of our recreational and, in some cases, drinking waters.
     The NCCF works to restore and protect wetlands as a means of improving coastal water quality and restoring habitat. Wetland areas can be restored through specific projects, such as the North River Farms restoration project and the Holly Ridge advocacy and restoration initiative, where large impacted areas will be restored to their previous wetland state. Restoration can also focus on wetland riparian buffers, narrow strips of wetland and upland vegetation running along a shoreline. More information on these projects can be found in the descriptions of NCCF's Student Wetland Nursery Program, Living Shoreline Program, or in our Wetlands Fact Sheet.

NCCF Achieves Our Restoration Goals
Through the Following Projects:

• North River Farms: Located in Carteret County just south of Open Grounds Farm, North River Farms is a large-scale wetland restoration project. The 5,500 acres of prior-converted wetlands are being restored in phases, with a range habitats including cypress swamp, freshwater marsh, and brackish and saltwater wetlands. Partners for this extensive project include North Carolina State University, Backwater Environmental, Restoration Systems, and 1804 Wildlife Partners.
• Open Grounds Farm: The largest farm east of the Mississippi River, Open Grounds Farm is the site of a water quality model focusing on riparian buffers. Researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, and the Duke University Marine Laboratory are monitoring the ability of 25 acres of restored wetland to buffer runoff from 900 acres of farmland.
• Holly Ridge: Through legal action in partnership with the Southern Environmental Law Center and the NC Shellfish Growers Association, illegal ditching and draining of wetlands was halted on a 1,700-acre parcel on Stump Sound and Cypress Branch Creek. A settlement involving the restoration of the drained wetlands, removal of a causeway in Stump Sound, and the establishment of a conservation easement is underway.