Visitors explore the site on a gorgeous summer day.
An Investment in the Future

The Center for Coastal Protection and Restoration

Education, Outreach, and Public Engagement

Connecting People with the Resources they Need

The Center for Coastal Protection and Restoration is designed to maximize interactive learning opportunities for students, communities, professionals, and coastal leaders both on campus and across the state through virtual learning.

Dedicated Education Spaces
including the Education Classroom and the Education and Event Center
Community Engagement
through volunteerism and community gathering spaces

Expanded Outreach
through the Communications Studio and Coastal Review Newsroom
Experiential Learning and Recreation Opportunities
through Indoor & Outdoor Displays, Nature Trail, and Access to Bogue Sound

Expanding Our Impact

By December, 2030, the interactive learning opportunities at the Center will expand the Coastal Federation’s ability to provide guidance and solutions by:

  • More than four times the annual readership of CoastalReview.org: 3 million readers
  • More than double the virtual outreach through online Communications Studio videos and webinars: 50,000 people
  • More than twenty times the in-person educational programming to students and adults: 110,000 people

The campus will feature:

  • Hands-on student learning
  • Continuing education and training for professionals
  • Volunteer activities
  • Community events, open houses, and guided tours
  • Self-guided use of the Chris B. Smith Nature Trail, library, courtyard, sustainability demonstrations, and boat ramp

New Programming

The Center will allow the federation to expand existing programs and launch new programs to better serve our coastal communities. The Federation is working with partners to develop these programs now, including:

coastal leadership

Community Events and Volunteerism

The Education Center and grounds will provide a gorgeous waterfront setting to host community events and business meetings, while also demonstrating the latest in sustainable approaches and providing volunteer opportunities for scouts, businesses, and more.

Student Education Program

Student Education Program

Student education programs bring the N.C. Essential Science Standards to life through hands-on opportunities in indoor and outdoor classrooms, as well as remote learning opportunities, with a focus on underserved youth and partners like the Boys and Girls Clubs.

campus experiences

On-Campus Recreation and Education Experiences

The Center’s Education Center, library, water access, outdoor classrooms, and two miles of nature trails will engage visitors through guided and self-guided programs from nature hikes to site tours and more.

Marine Science Opportunities for Students of Color

Marine Science Opportunities for Students of Color

This growing new partnership aims to provide marine studies education opportunities to students of color alongside existing coastal facilities for N.C. State University, UNC-Chapel Hill, UNC-Wilmington, and Duke.

Continuing Education Program

Continuing Education Program

Professional training on topics including living shoreline installation, hurricane resilience, sustainable development, watershed planning, and flooding and stormwater management providing solutions to professionals and communities coastwide.

CoastalReview.org

Supported by the News Room and Communications Studio, the federation’s award-winning online news service will continue to deliver the news of the coast to a rapidly-growing readership from Washington, DC to Atlanta.

Learn More

Visitors explore the site on a gorgeous summer day.

You Can Inspire a Brighter Future for Our Coast

Please join us in bringing this Center for Coastal Protection and Restoration to life.