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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 2, 2006

Frank Tursi, Cape Lookout COASTKEEPER^®
252-393-8185 or 252-241-3505 (cell)
lookoutkeeper@nccoast.org

Go Native Plant Sale Set for Earth Day Weekend

     Ocean, NC - Thousands of coastal native plants will once again take center stage at the N.C. Coastal Federation's Third Annual Go Native Plant Sale, set for Earth Day weekend, April 21 and 22.
     Free gardening workshops and a free nature walk through the Croatan National Forest will also be featured at this year’s sale, which will take place at NCCF headquarters in Ocean. There also will be free live music on Saturday and exhibits offered by several environmental groups and agencies.
     The plants will remain the stars of the show. Almost 5,000, representing more than 100 species, will be on sale. They will range from stately live oaks to native grasses. Many of last year’s best sellers will return – coastal and swamp azalea, highbush blueberry, wild plum and persimmon trees, sweet bay, Atlantic white cedar, swamp hibiscus, marsh rose, cardinal flowers, iris, and pitcher plants. Ten species of water plants, such as duck potato, arrowhead and fragrant water lilies – will also be available.
     Most of the plants will sell for under $10, 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.”
     People can learn about those benefits and how to use natives in their gardens at one of six free workshops on Saturday. Topics include backyard landscaping with natives, coastal trees, and wetland landscaping.
     Bart Kicklighter of Croatan National Forest will lead hikes on Saturday through the Patsy Pond area of the forest and talk about longleaf pine habitat, a disappearing ecosystem throughout the Southeast. The hikes will start at 9:30 am and 11 am and are free.
     Frank Gaines, a resident of Swansboro, will roam through the crowd Saturday, playing music. People also will be able to stop at exhibits by the Hammocks Beach State Park, the Izaak Walton League, the Carteret County Tree Awareness group, Big Sweep, and the Master Gardeners. David Nash, a plant expert from the NC Cooperative Extension Service, will be available Friday to identify that mysterious plant growing in your yard. Bring a leaf or a picture and try to stump the expert. Bring the kids on Saturday for a Birds of Prey exhibit featuring owls native to the area.
     Books on gardening with natives will be available in the NCCF’s gift shop.  For more information, visit us online at www.nccoast.org.