3609 Hwy 24 (Ocean) | Newport, North Carolina 28570

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 11, 2007

Frank Tursi, Cape Lookout Coastkeeper
252-393-8185; 252-241-3505 (cell)
lookoutkeeper@nccoast.org

Go Native Plant Sale Set for Earth Day Weekend, April 20 and 21

Ocean, NC - Thousands of coastal native plants will once again take center stage at the N.C. Coastal Federation's Fourth Annual Go Native Plant Sale, set for Earth Day weekend, April 20 and 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This year, over 3,500 plants, representing more than 150 species, will be on sale. They will range from stately live oaks to perennials and wildflowers. Many of past years’ bestsellers will return – coastal and swamp azalea, highbush blueberry, persimmon, sweet bay, Atlantic white cedar, swamp hibiscus, swamp rose, cardinal flowers and irises. Ten species of water plants, such as arrow arum, pickerel weed, horsetail and lizard tail – will also be available.  Most of the plants will sell for under $15, and the proceeds from the sale will support the Federation’s work to protect our coastal environment.

"The purpose of the Go Native Plant Sale is to educate people about using natives for home landscaping and to raise a little money for the Federation,” said Frank Tursi, NCCF’s Cape Lookout COASTKEEPER® and one of the sale’s organizers. Natives have adapted to the coastal environment, he explained. Once established, they need little water and no fertilizer or pesticides.

“Landscaping with natives can save gardeners time and money,” Tursi said. “They also benefit the environment by attracting birds, bees and other wildlife.”

Once again, NCCF will offer a special “Members’ Sneak Preview” on Thursday April 19 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.  NCCF members will have the first opportunity to purchase plants before the sale opens to the public the following day.  NCCF membership is required.  Membership may be obtained prior to the plant sale by calling our headquarters office at (252) 393-8185 or joining at www.nccoast.org

New This Year and Special Features 
On Saturday, noted bird expert John Fussell will lead a birding hike on the Patsy Pond Nature Trail in the Croatan National Forest. The hike is free and will start at 7:30 a.m. at the NCCF headquarters office.  Space is limited to 10 participants and registration is required. Register by calling NCCF headquarters at (252) 393-8185.

Throughout the weekend, plant sale attendees can stop by exhibits manned by Carteret Community College, Carteret County Master Gardeners, Carteret County Tree Awareness Group, Crystal Coast Beekeepers Association, NC Birding Trail and Croatan National Forest.  In addition, Charlie Humphrey of the NC Cooperative Extension Service will be on hand to talk about the benefits of backyard rain gardens, plant ID experts Jeannie Kraus and Alistair Glenn will be on hand to answer your technical plant questions, and local musician Frank Gaines will roam through the crowd Friday and Saturday playing music.

New this year is an Earth Day Raffle featuring artwork by local artists Craig Gurganus and Georgia Mason, Wind Dancer yard art by Rudy Chambers of Salisbury, N.C. and more.

NCCF's headquarters office is located at 3609 Hwy 24 in Ocean, halfway between Morehead City and Swansboro.  From Morehead City follow Hwy 24 west for 11.5 miles and the office is on the left.  From Cape Carteret, follow Hwy 24 east for 7.5 miles and the office is on the right.