Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Jul 19, 2024by: Larry Dorminy No Comments

Summer at the NC Coastal Federation

Work at the coast is never done, but this summer we’ve seen excellent progress in building new living shorelines, restoring wild oyster populations, protecting important salt marsh habitats, and most recently, educating our future coastal stewards. As you’ll read below, engaging with the next generation of students who will carry on our work is critical. Through the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Coastal Plain, we had an opportunity to share the work of the Federation alongside many of our outstanding partners in the fields of marine and coastal science, management, and technology. Nearly 100 local students participated, and their enthusiasm gives us even more energy as we continue working to protect and restore the North Carolina coast. We look forward to seeing you at the coast soon!

Braxton Davis

-Executive Director

Recently the Federation and more than a dozen local partners came together to host 90 middle and high school students for a special Coastal STEM Career Fair. Students from Morehead City, New Bern, Havelock, Washington, Belhaven, and Beaufort had the opportunity to learn about several different STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers that people are doing right in their community.

For event organizer and Coastal Education Coordinator, Rachel Bisesi this event is the epitome of the Federation’s tagline, Working Together for a Healthy Coast. “It is an honor to see the coastal science community come together to support our local students and open their eyes to the different types of careers available.”

Jul'24 Enews STEM Career Fair Graphic.png

The career fair was hosted in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Coastal Plain and was supported by the Bosch Community Grants.

North Carolina Oysters are a key part of the puzzle that makes up the Federation’s work. These mighty bi-values’ ecological and economic contribution to our coast certainly can’t be overstated. With population levels sitting between 15 and 20% of historic numbers, there is much work to be done!

Educating coastal communities about oysters and the oyster farming industry is a critical step in restoring the state’s oyster resources. The center of this effort is our Demonstration Oyster Lease, located in Broad Creek by our Wanchese office. This half-acre lease is home to over 4,000 oysters housed in a variety of farming gear including floating bags, cages, OysterGro ProFlo, and hex cages.

Jul'24 Enews Oyster Lease Graphic.png

Lease operator, Victoria Blakey, visits the lease weekly to inspect gear, make repairs, and clean the oysters. She also uses the opportunity to teach volunteers about what it takes to manage a lease as well as how oysters impact our lives in a hands-on setting.

If you are interested in visiting the lease and diving into all things NC oysters, visit our event calendar below for program updates. You can also contact our Wanchese office by emailing neregion@nccoast.org to schedule a visit!

Recently the North Carolina Press Association announced the results of its annual editorial contest and we are proud to share that once again the Coastal Review.Org team has been awarded several honors.

The seven awards were for work published between March 1, 2023, through March 31, 2024. To see the list of all of the honors the team took home in the online-only division, please visit CoastalReview.Org.

Please join us in congratulating the Coastal Review team for their continued excellence in journalism.

Do you have tickets to the event of the summer yet? There is still time to grab your spot at our Taste of the Coast celebration on August 3 on the Morehead City waterfront. This spectacular event features live music, a silent auction, and incredible local seafood and drink pairings. While you enjoy a night of fun and delicious food, you’ll also support the Federation’s work to protect and restore our invaluable coast.

Get your tickets today!

Jul'24 Enews ToC Graphic.png

There is also still time to reserve your spot for our annual Pelican Awards, where we take a moment to honor and celebrate some amazing coastal stewards. The Federation couldn’t have the impact we do without the many individuals, businesses, and agencies we will be celebrating in a special ceremony before the Taste of the Coast on August 3rd. We hope you’ll join us in applauding this spectacular group! The Pelican Awards will begin at 5:00 pm with a wine and cheese reception and the ceremony will start promptly at 5:30 pm.

Join us at the Pelican Awards!

Jul'24 Enews PA Graphic.png

The summer is heating up and so is our summer membership drive! Now is the perfect time to become a member of the Coastal Federation. Not only will you be supporting our work here at the coast, but you’ll also be entered into our raffle which includes some incredible prizes!

Our summer membership raffle features a two-night stay at the beautiful Beaufort Hotel, a gift card to shop at Kitty Hawk Kites, and round out the perfect Beaufort, N.C. weekend getaway with a gift card to enjoy drinks at Backstreet Pub. Beaufort has been ranked numerous times as one of the best small towns in the country, don’t miss out on an opportunity to visit!

Jul'24 Enews Summer Membership Graphic.png

Already a member? Refer a friend and you’ll also get entered to win this fabulous gift package! Join before September 28th to get your name in the raffle!

Become a Member!

July Enews Sub Header Sponsor.png