A Toast to Tradition

Each year, we are blown away by the love shown for one of our signature events, and this year was no exception! After a weekend of intense winter weather, we were thrilled to see so many people join us at our annual Hatteras Island Oyster Roast earlier this month. 

It was an afternoon filled with delicious food, great drinks, and even better company. Your support ensures we can continue our work along the coast. Thank you to everyone who joined us and to all the event sponsors. We look forward to next year!

Fishing for Lost Gear

For the past 12 years, the Coastal Federation has worked side by side with commercial fishing crews and the Division of Marine Fisheries up and down the coast to find and remove lost fishing gear as part of our Lost Fishing Gear Recovery Project. So far, more than 24,000 pieces of lost gear have been removed from our coastal waters. 

The work typically takes place in January during the annual closure of internal coastal waters to all crab, eel, fish, and shrimp pots in North Carolina Marine Patrol Districts 1 & 2, and now crews in the southern district 3, are gearing up to remove lost gear during the two-week closure in March. 

This work is important for a number of reasons. Lost gear can get hung up or drift into channels, creating serious hazards for boaters, wildlife, and fishermen. 

This year, in coordination with efforts out on the water, the Federation’s staff is encouraging volunteers to join us at the Morris Landing Clean Water Preserve on March 10, for a shoreline cleanup of marine debris. 

Leadership & Olympic Gold 

Earlier this month, we had the pleasure of hosting the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Carteret. This program’s goal, since 1989, has been to equip emerging community leaders with the knowledge and relationships needed to succeed in Carteret County and make a positive impact on our communities.

We had the opportunity to explore coastal solutions with the group alongside environmental students from NC Central University. By bringing the students and leaders together, we provided a chance for them to network and discuss these topics in a unique environment.

Thanks to our Education Team’s ingenuity, the group was able to enjoy some Winter Olympics themed fun with challenges based on our salt marsh, oyster, marine debris and water quality programs. Highlights included Marine Debris Curling to remove Abandoned & Derelict Vessels from littering our waterways and Cross-room box skiing with trash pickers for ski poles!

Sip, Share & Strengthen Our Coast

Our popular speaker series is continuing this month and in March in the Outer Banks and in Morehead City.  This month, the N.C. Coastal Reserve’s natural resources manager, Paula Gillikin, will be joining us for a chat and drinks at Jack’s on the Waterfront in Morehead City on February 26 from 5:30-7:30 pm. 

In March the OBX Green Drinks series will take place at Waverider’s in Nags Head on March 12 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Both of these events are free and open to everyone! Be sure to subscribe to our calendar to stay up to date on each month’s speakers and to learn more about our other upcoming events.

Planned Giving is Planting a Seed for the Future

“Society grows great when we plant trees in whose shade we shall never sit.” — Greek Proverb.

Including a charity in your will is a wonderful way to ensure that your estate supports the things that are important to you. 

Planned gifts provide reliable support to the causes you care about – support that is lasting, sustainable, and less impacted by year-to-year volatility. Planned giving is also a great way to make a meaningful impact for estates of any size. 

However, over two-thirds of Americans don’t have a plan in place to ensure that their wishes are fulfilled. The top reason: “I just haven’t gotten around to it.”

Now is a great time to take a few minutes to think about the people and causes most important to you, and to make a plan. It’s easy to do – and plants precious seeds for the future. Read more in this article and contact Sarah King at sarahk@nccoast.org if you might like to include the Federation in your will. 

They Say It’s Your Birthday!

Are you approaching your birthday and looking for a unique way to celebrate? Consider an alternative to traditional gifts and make a positive impact on the beautiful North Carolina coast! 

If you prefer no gifts or want to avoid physical presents, we have the perfect solution for you. Instead of receiving items, why not gather your friends to create something meaningful together? By using our customizable birthday fundraiser page, you can celebrate your special day in a way that supports the preservation and enhancement of the NC coast. 

You can invite your friends to contribute to an important cause, all while enjoying quality time together. It’s a fantastic opportunity to give back while celebrating life’s milestones. Join us in making your birthday a memorable occasion that also contributes to the well-being of our cherished coastal environment. Ready to get started?

 Visit our build-your-own birthday fundraiser page here. Let’s make a difference and celebrate your special day in style!

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