Publications Archive

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ESTUARIES:
Where Salt and Fresh Water Mix and the Mountains Meet the Sea

     North Carolina’s 2.1 million acre estuarine system is one of the world’s largest and most productive areas. Estuaries are made up of many different habitats that function as a whole to create this invaluable natural resource. Our newsletters aim to take you on a journey through these diverse and amazing communities.

Spring 1999 Issue

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: This issue takes a close look at OYSTERS – a major member of the shellfish community. Shellfish beds are areas in tidal creeks, rivers and shallow estuarine waters where shellfish such as oysters and clams live. Nearly 5,900 oysters can grow in an area of one square yard. One oyster can purify almost 1.5 gallons of water an hour as it extracts nutrients and impurities with its gills while feeding.

Fall 1999 Issue

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: This issue takes a close look at WETLANDS – Wetlands cover much of Eastern North Carolina, more than 5.7 million acres! They provide many animals and plants with a lush and productive habitat. They protect our water and our economy by acting as a big filter, and by keeping our shorelines intact. Read on and find out what "No Wetlands, No Seafood" really means.

Winter 2000 Issue

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: This issue takes a close look at RIVERS – Water is constantly flowing. Through a complex cycle it moves from the land to our rivers and oceans to the air and back to the land. The rivers of North Carolina are a part of this cycle and have helped to shape the history, culture and environment of North Carolina. Read on to find out more.

Spring 2000 Issue

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: This issue takes a close look at SHORELINES – North Carolina has over 4,600 miles of estuarine shoreline. These fragile edges between land and water serve many critical functions and are considered some of the most productive places in the world!

Summer 2000 Issue

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: This issue takes a close look at ESTUARIES – The shallow waters of North Carolina’s estuaries serve as vital spawning grounds and offer food and protection for the young of many fish and shellfish. These areas are called primary nursery areas and make up only four percent of North Carolina’s 2.1 million acres of estuary. These areas are essential to producing almost half of the fish commercially harvested on the east coast of the United States.

Fall 2000 Issue

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: This issue takes a close look at BARRIER ISLANDS – The entire North Carolina coast, stretching from Corolla to Sunset Beach, is lined by barrier islands. Barrier islands serve as important habitat for many plants and animals, protect our mainland, and are in constant motion.

Winter 2001 Issue

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: This issue takes a close look at COASTAL PLAIN FORESTS – Within the Coastal Plain of North Carolina are some really beautiful forests, with trees that are almost 2000 years old, leaves that are as big as a human head, and wood that has been used for everything from building boats and houses to carving decoys of ducks and geese. Turn the page to find out about these forests and to learn more about what is happening in them today.