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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 10, 2001

Sally Steele
252-393-8185
sallys@nccoast.org

Coastal Federation Kicks Off
Learning Center Campaign

     Ocean, NC - Students will be planting Spartina soon. The wetland grasses will grow at the North Carolina Coastal Federation's new facility – the ShoreKeeper Learning Center – and will be used by students to plant and restore local shorelines and coastal habitat. Wetland gardens are just one of many unique aspects of the Center located next to the Coastal Federation's headquarters in Ocean. 
     In addition to serving as a living model for environmentally friendly lifestyles, the Learning Center will dramatically expand the Coastal Federation's capacity to teach. The Learning Center will consist of two individual classrooms which can be opened to make one large classroom. Seating for up to 150 individuals auditorium style and 60 students classroom style will be available. The Center will also have an adjoining open air classroom for small groups. Currently the Coastal Federation serves more than 5,000 individuals annually with educational experiences. The group expects to double this number over a five-year period. 
     "We have a lot of work to do before we're ready to the open the Center's doors," stated Todd Miller, Coastal Federation Executive Director. We purchased the building in March this year and hope to begin major renovations this summer. But first, we need to raise the funds for the work and to equip the facility. Our board, staff, and NCCF members have already donated $75,000 - half of the price tag for purchase, renovation and equipping. We'll need to raise the other $75,000 before we start programming."
     Grady-White Boats, long time supporter of the Coastal Federation, was among the first to chip in with a $10,000 donation. Federation member and CEO of Grady-White Boats, Eddie Smith explains his interest in the new Center, "The Coastal Federation has a long history of environmental education and a solid track record in the community. Grady-White Boats is pleased to support this important effort that will help teach students of all ages the importance of water quality and how we can support a healthy coastal environment." 
     Coastal Federation staff will begin outdoor projects this summer and plan to have Center renovations complete by the end of the year. To learn more about the ShoreKeeper Learning Center or the North Carolina Coastal Federation, come by the offices located at 3609 Highway 24 in Ocean, about halfway between Morehead City and Swansboro. Or call 252-393-8185.