What’s New
The Center for Coastal Protection and Restoration
WE’RE MOVING
Construction of the new Center is almost complete, and we are getting ready to move in this summer! Before we do, we need your help. Please check out our Wish List of items needed – your gift toward any of these items will help outfit the Center and get us up and running!
Major Accomplishments:
were secured in partnership with Carteret County in March 2020
raised through a capital campaign as of 12/31/25
of nature trails were blazed in 2021
of living shoreline were installed along the waterfront wetlands in 2021
Key Milestones
2019
Completed visioning process, preliminary designs, and cost estimates for the Center
2020
Launched a capital campaign to raise the funding needed
March, 2020
Purchased the 77-acre property in partnership with Carteret County. The Federation paid for 10 acres and helped raise funds to secure the remaining 67 acres as a county park.
2021
Installed a living shoreline and nature trails
December 2021 – reached the halfway point of the capital campaign
2022
Completed final designs and selected general contractor
December 2022
Raised more than 70% of the funds needed through the capital campaign
2023
Completed civil engineering plans, site plans and construction documents, submitted permit applications, and solicited bids from subcontractors
2024
October 2024 – Began site work
2024
Raised more than 86% of the funds needed through the capital campaign
2025
February 2025 – Began Building Construction
2026
Spring: Began native landscaping | Grand Opening planned for the fall!
View Our Final Designs
visitors with coastal displays, a gift shop, and information on self-guided
tours and special events.
Coming Soon at the Center
- Additional features on the two-mile Chris B. Smith Nature Trail are planned, including loops around two wetland ponds, new trailhead accesses, and trail signs and maps.
- Final designs of the main entry road from Highway 24 and the boat ramp are underway under the leadership of Carteret County. Stay tuned for more updates and ground-breaking announcements later this year!
- Plans for comprehensive native landscaping are underway to guide our portfolio of work and long-term plans for native plant conservation, stormwater management, and habitat transition. Selective thinning of weak and storm-damaged trees will give native pine and hardwood trees room to grow. The Coastal Federation will supplement existing trees with native, storm-resilient species such as live oak trees and longleaf pines.
- Construction is anticipated to occur for 18 months in 2025-2026, with a grand opening tentatively planned for the fall of 2026!
Thank you to all our supporters and volunteers, including teams from Conservation Corps NC, local businesses, and scouts, for their help in bringing the Center to life!
Learn More
You Can Inspire a Brighter Future for Our Coast
Please join us in bringing this Center for Coastal Protection and Restoration to life.