Recapping a Successful 2023

Protecting Salt Marshes

North Carolina boasts a large and productive estuarine system with 220,000 acres of salt marshes that provide vital habitats for fish, improve water quality, and protect against flooding. However, these marshes are threatened, and to ensure their protection, the Coastal Federation is leading a partnership to develop the North Carolina Salt Marsh Action Plan (NC SMAP), a five-year strategy to protect, restore, and preserve these vital ecosystems. The plan is part of the larger South Atlantic Salt Marsh Initiative (SASMI), which prioritizes protecting and restoring nearly one million acres of salt marshes along the South Atlantic coast. The NC Salt Marsh Plan will serve as the foundation of the Coastal Federation’s New Marsh Program Goal that will focus on salt marsh conservation and restoration, facilitate salt marsh migration, and include our work to advance living shorelines along the coast.

Lessons on Oysters

Educating the next generation of coastal stewards is a critical part of the Federation’s work and it’s something our team of educators enjoys. Recently Coastal Education Coordinator, Rachel Bisesi led a lesson on the importance of oysters to a group of students in Carteret County.
“We love partnering with different community groups and were honored to work with Carteret Parks & Recreation at Fort Benjamin to help educate the next generation about the value of oysters and healthy waterways.”
During Rachel’s lesson, students had the chance to build an oyster reef of their own with the help of recycled egg cartons! We have quite a few fun and educational lessons similar to this one that you can do at home, just visit our Distance Learning Lab for more information and projects!

A Night of Wine & Brine

This month the Coastal Federation had the privilege of once again partnering with the North Carolina Seafood Festival for the highly anticipated Wine & Brine event at Southern Salt in Morehead City. The event on January 19, will begin at 6:00 pm and there are still a few tickets available!
This event is a chance to learn about our coastal protection and restoration projects while enjoying great company, and delicious fresh oysters from local growers that are expertly paired with wines.

Hatteras Island Oyster Roast and Silent Auction

One of our most popular events of the year is drawing near, the Hatteras Island Oyster Roast that will take place at Oden’s Dock on February 3. Tickets sell out fast but everyone can participate from their home in the online silent auction. This year’s auction includes incredible items like gift certificates to local restaurants and shops, stunning pieces of art, and more!

There are also opportunities to become one of our amazing event sponsors, you can learn more about the benefits associated with our sponsorship spots, here.

Spread the Love, Adopt an Oyster

As we begin the new year, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. If you’re looking for a perfect gift for your special someone, we’ve got just the thing for you. Adopt an oyster and not only will you get a sweet Valentine’s Day message for your loved one, but you’ll also be supporting the Federation’s efforts to restore oyster populations. Did you know that oysters are crucial to our estuaries because they can clean up to 50 gallons of water per day? They also provide habitat for other creatures and are delicious to eat too!

Supporting the Coast

We’d like to take a moment to say thank you to all of our sponsors. This month we’d like to shine the spotlight on Carolina Brewery, Coastal Wildlife Consultants, Gerry Lindner, OBX Full Throttle, Southern Bank, T.D. Eure, Towne Bank, and The Coastal Real Estate Group.
Thank you! Your support helps us protect and restore the North Carolina Coast!

Federation in the News

Here’s a look at some recent news featuring the Federation

● Federation founder Miller to step back, Davis new director – CRO
● Founder of North Carolina Coastal Federation moves to new role – WITN
● Where and How to Recycle Your Oyster Shells After Using Them – WWAY
● NCCF Lost fishing gear recovery program underway – Carteret County News-Times
● Restoring a North Carolina Wetland – PBS
● Tickets on sale for Feb. 3 Hatteras Island Oyster Roast – CRO