Paddling for Clean Water
Last week paddlers from the Wrightsville Beach Outrigger Canoe Club hit the water for the final leg of their three-year journey up the North Carolina coast completing the We the Water initiative to raise awareness about the need for clean coastal waters.
This final journey included paddling 110 miles from Buxton to the Virginia border. In total, they paddled the full 325-mile North Carolina coastline!
While they’ve finished their trek, their effort to raise funds to support the Federation’s efforts to improve coastal water quality is not over, you can still bid on a number of fantastic Silent Auction items until September 23. Be sure to check out this video to learn more about their efforts.
Celebrating the Beauty and Importance of Estuarine Ecosystems
We’re just days away from the start of National Estuaries Week and we can’t wait to celebrate all of the wonders of our coastal estuaries!
National Estuaries Week began back in 1988 to promote estuaries and the need to protect them. Now 36 years later, the National Estuaries Program, National Estuarine Research Reserve Association, Restore America’s Estuaries, the Coastal Federation, and many other organizations continue to celebrate and educate communities about the value estuaries provide for habitat, recreation, and flood protection.
Be sure to tune into our social media channels next week to learn more about our estuaries! We will also be participating in several events to celebrate National Estuaries Week, so be sure to check out our calendar of events.
Shellebrating Oysters!
Following National Estuaries Week, comes a month-long “shellebration” of oysters during NC Oyster Month in October. This month provides opportunities to learn about the history, culture, economy, and ecology of oysters in our state. Oysters improve water quality and create habitat for countless species of fish, crabs, and shrimp. Outside of the water, oysters play an important role in our coastal economy! Throughout October, the Federation will host or participate in several oyster-themed events. Join us as we celebrate this remarkable bi-valve. Just subscribe to our events calendar to see all of our upcoming events.
OBX Green Drinks is Back
During Oyster Month, a popular event series, OBX Green Drinks, will officially return with our Oyster Kick-Off Party on October 17 at Waverider’s Coffee, Deli, & Market. The 2024-2025 OBX Green Drinks series in Nags Head will offer monthly opportunities for networking, presentations on local environmental topics, and of course great food and drinks.
The October event will feature presentations and conversations about oyster farming, the NC Oyster Trail, and the Federation’s oyster reef restoration. You can find more information about the entire OBX Green Drinks event series on the Federation’s website.
Win A Weekend, Protect the Coast
The countdown is on to get entered to win a weekend stay for two at the Beaufort Hotel, in beautiful Beaufort NC as part of our summer membership drive. By signing up to become a Coastal Federation member before Sept. 28, you could win this fantastic weekend getaway along with gift cards to Kitty Hawk Kites and Backstreet Pub.
Already a member? Refer a friend and you can still get entered into the giveaway!
Vehicle Donation: Make a Difference Today!
Do you have a vehicle you no longer need and are willing to donate? The Coastal Federation needs two commuter vehicles. The ideal car would have less than 100,000 miles and be a Toyota Camry or similar.
All donations are tax-deductible, and your gift would greatly help the Federation’s team. Please complete this information form if you might have a vehicle that is a fit!
In the News
- Discussions continue over threatened oceanfront structures on Cape Hatteras National Seashore – WTKR
- Urgency surrounds Outer Banks homes at risk of collapsing for beach erosion – WRAL
- Outrigger canoe paddlers prepared to travel 110 miles to raise awareness on need for clean water– WECT
- Dare Soil & Water Conservation District Presents Inaugural Salt Marsh Award – Dare County
- Newport River project prevents stormwater from flowing into river– WITN