Tides of Change and Celebrating Coastal Progress – NC Coastal Federation
Fall at the coast is always busy and as we work to protect and restore it, we are also planning events and activities for the new year. We are gearing up for the 11th annual Lost Fishing Gear Recovery Project and Wine & Brine, both are set to take place in early 2025.
More recently, we are thrilled to highlight the achievements of our board member, Tom Earnhardt, who has been honored with the prestigious North Carolina Award.
Dive in below to learn more about our work and discover meaningful ways to support the coast this holiday season!
– Your Friends at the Coastal Federation
We are excited to share that we have officially broken ground on our new Center for Coastal Protection and Restoration in Carteret County. The center will serve as a dynamic community education facility and future headquarters of the Coastal Federation.
Recently a small group from our Board of Directors, Campaign Cabinet Members, and Federation staff held a groundbreaking ceremony at the site. Construction is expected to take about 18 months to complete, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to our new campus in the fall of 2026.
The Center will include a suite of indoor and outdoor education opportunities, including outdoor coastal resilience demonstrations, a nature trail, an education classroom for youth programming, and an Event Center for workshops, celebrations, and other community events.
Learn More!
We are so proud to share that our very own board member and lifelong Federation supporter Tom Earnhardt was recently awarded the North Carolina Award.The award is the highest civilian honor recognizing significant contributions to North Carolina in the fields of fine art, literature, public service and science. Tom’s award is for the science category as he has dedicated his life to preserving and promoting North Carolina’s rich natural and cultural heritage. At the coast, Tom served a key role in helping to preserve the southernmost Outer Banks, Cape Lookout National Seashore. He is best known as the writer, host, and co-producer of “Exploring North Carolina,” the long-running PBS series.
Congratulations Tom on this well-deserved recognition!
Tickets are now on sale for the fourth annual Wine & Brine event hosted by the North Carolina Seafood Festival and the Federation.
This year’s event will take place on January 17, at Southern Salt Seafood Company on the waterfront in downtown Morehead City. This event offers guests the chance to connect with local oyster growers and savor their harvests paired with wines curated by MF Chappell Wine Merchant. Alongside the shellfish tastings, Southern Salt Seafood Company will serve fresh local southern and seafood fare, further establishing North Carolina’s reputation as the “Napa Valley of Oysters.”
Get Your Tickets Today!
Are you looking for the perfect Holiday gift this year? Be sure to check out our Gift Shop, where your friends and loved ones can unwrap something meaningful. Each purchase will help support our work to protect North Carolina’s stunning coast.Coastal-inspired holiday gifts, sweatshirts, and beanies are just some of the items we have to offer.
This year you can also give the gift of a Federation membership. The year-long membership offers many benefits including discounts, event announcements, and a set of felt oyster coasters.
Do you have a vehicle you no longer need and are willing to donate? The Coastal Federation needs two commuter vehicles. The ideal car would have less than 100,000 miles and be a Toyota Camry or similar.All donations are tax-deductible, and your gift would greatly help the Federation’s team. Please complete this information form if you have a vehicle that is a fit!
Donate Today!
As we reflect on the many things we are thankful for this holiday season, we hope you know that our members and supporters are always at the top of our list. Your support makes our work possible and keeps our coast healthy and vibrant for future generations. Thank you!As you plan your year-end giving, you may want to consider gifts from an IRA (for those of us aged 70½ or older) or gifts of stock or mutual funds. Please consult your financial advisor to see what might be best for you, and contact Sarah King at sarahk@nccoast.org to complete a gift.
3609 N.C. 24 (Ocean), Newport, NC 28570
Tel: 252-393-8185
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