Land for a Healthy Coast
Protecting Land. Safeguarding Waters. Supporting Fisheries.
The Land for a Healthy Coast Program is a bold initiative by the North Carolina Coastal Federation to protect and restore the coastal lands that support clean water, healthy fisheries, and resilient communities.
Inspired by the concept of greenbelts that preserve forests and open space, this program focuses on lands that directly affect estuaries, wetlands, and coastal waters—ensuring North Carolina’s coast remains a vibrant place to live, work, and play.
A Legacy of Conservation
For over 43 years, we’ve worked with landowners, communities, and partners to protect and restore hundreds of thousands of acres of coastal land. Together, we’ve:
Protected 383 square miles of wetlands—the size of Charlotte—by stopping destructive peat mining, helping create Alligator River (1984) and Pocosin Lakes (1990) National Wildlife Refuges.
Saved Hoop Pole Creek Preserve (31 acres) in Atlantic Beach (1997)—home to the first water quality preserve funded by the N.C. Land and Water Fund.
Facilitated the preservation and restoration of 5,000+ acres of low-productivity farmland into wetlands that filter runoff in Hyde County (2010 to present).
Helped permanently protect 1,100+ acres at Bird Island (2002) in Brunswick County.
Preserved 63-acre Permuda Island (1986) in Stump Sound, now part of the N.C. Coastal Reserve.
Restored 7,000+ acres at North River Wetlands Preserve (1999 to present) in Carteret County to enhance water quality, fisheries, and flood control.
Secured 3,000+ acres along the White Oak River and Queens Creek with $17M in public investment (2002 through 2019).
Partnered with the N.C. Coastal Land Trust to conserve and restore 3,500 acres along the Newport River (2021 to present) to enhance water quality and shellfishing.
In total, our work has helped permanently protect and restore over 264,000 acres of coastal lands (or about 80% of the land area of Carteret County)—and we’re just getting started.
How the Land for a Healthy Coast Works
We protect coastal lands through advocacy, conservation, restoration, and partnerships. Our strategy:
- Identifies priority lands critical to the health and productivity of coastal waters and fisheries
- Secures protection through purchases and conservation easements
- Restores natural systems—wetlands, shorelines, oyster reefs
- Works with landowners and developers on voluntary conservation solutions
- Advocates for policies that promote nature-based solutions to pollution and storm risks
Explore the Properties We Protect and Restore
Many properties owned and managed by the North Carolina Coastal Federation are open to the public for hiking, paddling, birdwatching, and guided tours. The Federation has also helped preserve or restore other sites that are now managed by state and federal agencies—many of which offer public access for hiking, boating, fishing, hunting, and/or swimming.
Explore the coast and see conservation in action:
Public Sites:
- North River Wetlands Preserve (Carteret Co.)
Trails, wildlife, and part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail - Hoop Pole Creek Preserve (Atlantic Beach)
Self-guided trail through salt marsh and maritime forest - Boathouse Creek Park (Cedar Point)
56-acre park with kayak launch and nature trails - Morris Landing Preserve (Onslow Co.)
Estuarine shoreline with public dock and paddling access - White Oak River Game Lands (Onslow Co.)
Hiking access on tracts managed by NC Wildlife Resources - Jones & Huggins Islands (Onslow Co.)
Part of Hammocks Beach State Park, accessible by boat - Bird Island (Brunswick Co.)
A pristine barrier island with guided beach walks in summer - Alligator River NWR (Dare Co.)
- Wildlife drive with views of black bears, birds, and wetlands
Guided Tours & Educational Programs
We offer seasonal tours and learning opportunities at select sites that are not generally open or accessible by the public. A full interactive map of locations and visitor info is coming soon!
Get Involved
Want to support a healthy, resilient coast? There are many ways to help grow the Land for a Healthy Coast Program:
- Conserve your land
- Volunteer with us
- Make a donation
Every action helps protect the coast we all love.
