Vegetables: Wilmington VegFest
Plant-Based Foods Recipes
Activism
Earth Day Festivals
Kid's Korner: Fungi
It’s been a challenging year for those impacted by Hurricane Florence, but Spring is here, and most welcome!
Here at Going Green, we’ve noticed that discussions about climate change have become much more mainstream. Whatever your beliefs about human influence on climate change, there are arguments for being mindful about our use of the planet’s resources. In this issue we talk about Greta Thunberg, the student who is spurring students world-wide to action. We also report on Bill McKibben’s visit to UNCW. These articles remind us that one person can make a difference, as evidenced by the success of Ms. Thunberg and Mr. McKibben in building community.
Our monthly environmental book club, described on page 4, has added a new activity: if members identify a particular pursuit they want to follow, we brainstorm to help them connect with like-minded people and organizations. Living lighter on the land can be as simple as eating more plants, and less meat. In this issue we suggest events to learn about the joy of plant-based eating, and offer original recipes you can try at home with local seasonal produce. We list area farmers’ markets so you can seek out fresh food from your local farmer.
We hope to see you at this year’s Earth Day Festivals!
— Valerie L. Robertson Editor3
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Cape Fear’s Going Green is a quarterly publication promoting eco-friendly resources and lifestyles in the Lower Cape Fear River Basin.
Publisher & Editor in Chief: Valerie Robertson
Sister City: Eugene, Oregon (Voted “Greenest City” 2006 by The Green Guide)
Eugene Contributing Editor: Mary Robertson
Advisors & Editorial Contributors: Lisa Andree, Carol Bales, Shannon Bradburn, Isabelle Chan, Melissa Hollander, Jane Horst, Lindsay Lake, Lisa Neill, Casey Nelson, Christie Perry, Daniel Rottenberg, Jackie Dennewitz Watson, and Philip S. Wenz.
Cape Fear’s Going Green Going Green Publications
P. O. Box 3164 • Wilmington, NC 28406 (910) 547-4390 publisher@goinggreenpublications.com www.goinggreenpublications.com
Cape Fear’s Going Green is available by subscription or on our Web site. Print copies are available at more than 140 area eco-friendly businesses and locations, including:
Arboretum/New Hanover County Extension Service, Aunt Kerry’s Pet Stop, Azalea Coin Laundry, Lovey’s Market, Old Books on Front Street, Pomegranate Books, Re-eco Design, Tidal Creek Co-op, UNCW, WHQR, Whole Foods, Shelton Herb Farm, and the YWCA.
Editorial: If you have story ideas or calendar items to suggest, email us at editor@goinggreenpublications.com, or call (910) 547-4390. Advertising information: Email ads@goinggreenpublications.com.
Cape Fear’s Going Green is distributed free through Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, Onslow, and Pender counties. If you have a business and would like to receive multiple copies for the public, please contact us. The views and opinions expressed in articles in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of this publication.
On August 20, 2018, Greta cut school and, carrying a large, homemade sign that read “Strike for Climate,” plunked herself down on the sidewalk across the street from Sweden’s Parliament building.
— Greta Thunberg, 16, Climate Activist and Nobel Prize Nominee
It seems many people some intentionally missed the significance of the global Youth Climate Strike that took place on Friday, March 15, 2019.
The strike was the lightning-fast culmination of a remarkable series of events inspired, initially, by a lone Swedish schoolgirl named Greta Thunberg. Just seven months before the worldwide demonstration there was no movement, no protest just Greta, an Asperger’safflicted teenager who had fallen into a deep depression precipitated by her worry about climate change and her future. She educated herself on the subject, and the more she learned, the more she became convinced that society’s response to this very real crisis was wholly inadequate. Then she pulled herself out of her funk and took action.
Within days, other students joined her. Within weeks, the normally shy adolescent was addressing groups in Stockholm, asking members of her young audiences to record her speeches on their cell phones and send them to their friends. The videos went viral, and seven months later the international strike, coordinated by young volunteers using social media, was joined by about one million children in some 2,000 towns spread across every continent.
Along the way, Greta had an opportunity to harangue the billionaires at the Davos, Switzerland, World Economic Forum saying, “Our house is on fire…I don’t want you to feel hopeful. I want you to panic. I want you to feel the fear I feel every day, then I want you to act.” She concluded with, “Either we choose to go on as a civilization, or we don’t.”
Those dismissive of the strikes, which amount to students playing hooky so they can participate in climate-action rallies
and marches, fall into two camps: the usual suspects who maintain that climate change isn’t real, isn’t caused by humans, costs too much to fix and so on; and those who are sympathetic to the strikers but believe marches and demonstrations are mere feel-good exercises that accomplish nothing in the world of realpolitik.
The first group’s “critiques” have dissed the children themselves. The gist of one online rant I found, paraphrased, was, “What boy wouldn’t want an excuse to cut school, hang out with the girls, and impress them with a couple of clichés about global warming?” In other words, hormonal teenagers are too stupid to understand the implications and warnings of climate science.
Often, variants of this insult are accompanied by the admonition that the kids should be “getting an education” to which Thunberg and those she’s inspired answer, “We think organizing against an existential threat and figuring out how to make our voices heard is teaching us some important lessons.”
But perhaps those who think the protests are a waste of time are, in their own way, more cynical than the climate crisis deniers. What they are missing is that nonviolent mass action marches, strikes, sit-ins are one of the prime instruments of social change. American women weren’t granted the right to vote because one day men had nothing better to do than amend the Constitution. That right was won by years of marches, protests and all manner of social agitation.
The same is true for many, if not most significant advances in the human condition. When asked whom she looked to for inspiration, Thurnberg cited Rosa Parks.
The real significance of the global youth strike is this: soon, Thunberg’s generation will come into power and will, in her words, change “everything” at our ecological house.
© Philip S. Wenz, 2019
Philip
“…[hope] doesn’t work. [What] we need more than hope, is action. Once we start to act, hope is everywhere.S. (Skip) Wenz is the author of the E-book Your Ecological House, available at all major electronic book distributors. photo by Daniel Rottenberg As part of the global movement, 350 Wilmington organized a Youth Climate Strike for Wilmington in solidarity with youth across the U.S. They did so with the help of Cape Fear Sierra Club. Students, families, and community members all gathered outside Thalian Hall for a rally to show our leaders that we need drastic climate action. This rally included a family who drove up from Myrtle Beach for the event and a representative from Women Organizing for Wilmington.
249 No. Front Street • Wilmington
January 8
Braiding Sweetgrass
Robin Wall KimmererFebruary 5
Our Earth, Our Species, Our Selves: How to Thrive While Creating a Sustainable World
Ellen Moyer
March 5
The Water Will Come: Rising Seas, Sinking Cities, and the Remaking of the Civilized World
Jeff GoodellApril 2
Getting to Green: Saving Nature— A Bipartisan Solution
Frederic C. Rich
May 7
The Eternal Frontier: An Ecological History of North America and its Peoples
Tim Flannery
June 4
Eager: The surprising secrets of the lives of beavers and why they matter
Ben Goldfarb
July 2
Descent of Man
Charles Darwin
August 6
Rising: Dispatches from the New American Shore
Elizabeth Rush
September 3
Spying on Whales: The Past, Present, and Future of Earth’s Most Awesome Creatures
Nick Pyenson
October 1
The Tangled Tree: A Radical New History of Life
David Quammen
November 12 (2nd Tuesday)
Being the Change: Live Well and Spark a Climate Revolution
Peter Kalmus
December 3
Origin Story
David Christian
The environmental book discussion group met in December to select the titles the group will discuss throughout 2019. See the listing on this page for the titles of books they look forward to reading and discussing in the coming year.
The book list is also available on the calendar page of Cape Fear’s Going Green’s website (go to the calendar page of www. goinggreenpublications. com and click on any book club meeting in 2019 for a full list of titles). It also appears in the “Notes” section of the Going Green Facebook page.
The Environmental Book Club is organized by Cape Fear’s Going Green and hosted by Old Books on Front Street. They typically meet the first
Sign up for the Going Green newsletter! We’ll send you updates to let you know when a new issue is published. Let us know by email if you’d also like to be on the email list for Environmental Book Club news. Email Publisher@GoingGreenPublications. com or sign up directly on our website: GoingGreenPublications.com. Questions about Book Club? Call (910)547-4390.
January 8, 2019
Underbug: An Obsessive Tale of Termites and Technology
Lisa MargonelliAlso of interest, although we won’t have time to read it this year:
Whitewash: The Story of a Weed Killer, Cancer, and the Corruption of Science
Carey GillamTuesday evening of the month inside the bookstore. Social time is at 5:30; discussion begins at 6:00 and runs approximately 90 minutes.
There’s no long-term commitment: you can come when the book being discussed is a title that interests you! “We do hope you’ll read the book before you come, as it enriches the conversation,” says club leader Valerie Robertson. “Our group welcomes new members and one-time visitors.”
Snacks, beer and wine are available for sale inside the bookstore, for you to enjoy during the gathering. Old Books On Front Street offers a discount on new copies of the book club selections. Call the store for details, or ask at the register. (910)762-6657.
Our Book Club will try something new this year, to reflect member interest in using what we learn to make a difference in our own community.
Using as a starting point the suggested actions listed by Ellen Moyer in her book Our Earth, Our Species, Our Selves, anyone in the group is invited to select one or more actions they think they’d like to pursue. We’ll use the last ten to fifteen minutes of our discussion session to brainstorm and identify local groups and individuals already involved in that arena, to help provide a starting point for getting involved.
Call (910)547-4390 for details.
Noted environmentalist and author Bill McKibben gave a presentation at UNCW in November, invited by the Creative Writing Department and Environmental Sciences Department. He was asked to speak about climate change in the wake of Hurricane Florence, as students think about how their generation will face a changing world.
There was barely room to find a place to stand, as the event attracted so many students and members of the community.
The message: just one person can make a difference. Start now.
McKibben offered his own personal example: The 350.org organization was started by a handful of university students. There were seven of them, so they each agreed to take a continent, and the movement was born. It has now expanded to 188 countries.
A dramatic slide presentation several feet tall behind the speaker offered proportion: groups of tiny individuals in country after country, taking a stand against seemingly overwhelming problems.
McKibben encouraged students in the audience to pick something they’re passionate about, and just go do it. He
emphasized that in order to be most effective, it’s important to band together with other like-minded people. Community is far more effective in implementing social change than a lone individual.
McKibben is a co-founder of 350.org, an international grassroots climate campaign that works in 188 countries around the world. In 1988 he wrote The End of Nature, the first book written to explain the idea of global warming to the general public.
To learn more, visit 350.org.
As a result of Bill McKibben’s presentation in November, 2018, some UNCW students were inspired to take action, and they followed McKibben’s suggestion that change is best effected when people work together. Two new 350.org groups were formed, one focused on UNCW and the UNC system, and one concentrating on climate change goals in the wider community.
350 Wilmington (or 350 ILM) was started by graduate students in UNCW’s Creative Writing Department. A local grassroots chapter of the global climate movement organization, 350.org, it supports broad climate change goals for the community. The chapter organizes environmental events that connect community and the local government, with the ultimate goal of disconnecting from any resource or economic dependence on fossil fuels and the industries harboring them. On March 15, 350 Wilmington organized a local Youth Climate Strike, with the help of the Cape Fear Sierra Club.
350 Wilmington strives to achieve a carbon-free New Hanover County, North Carolina, and beyond, which will require voters and their representatives to work together towards this common goal at all levels of government.
350 UNCW is a student-led club. Started by undergraduate students, the club’s primary goal is urging UNCW and the entire UNC system—to pursue sustainable initiatives and to divest its fossil fuel in-
vestments, as steps towards greater sustainability. 350 UNCW President Isabelle Chan explains there is an organization the NC Reinvest Coalition that has student leaders in multiple UNC schools working together to try to have the entire UNC system divest of fossil fuels. 350 UNCW works closely with the NC Reinvest Coalition and also with 350 Wilmington, the latter of which serves as their community outreach partner. A resolution to support the UNC System’s Divestment of Fossil Fuels recently passed at the Association of Student Governments (ASG) meeting in February. ASG represents the student bodies across the entire UNC system. Subsequently, the UNCW Student Government Association (SGA) unanimously voted to pass a companion resolution, calling for the UNC Management Company, which oversees the $5.4 billion endowment fund from 14 of the UNC System schools, to divest funds from the fossil fuel industry. To learn more, visit 350wilmington.org.
This is the fifth of a series of Cape Fear area native plant articles to appear in Going Green. The articles will include stories about common native plants that would enhance any coastal North Carolina garden or landscape.
Would you like to have an enchanting, dramatic color burst of a flower garden this year? It can be big or small, and will reward you with fragrant aromas, visiting honeybees, butterflies and hummingbirds, and appreciative neighbors. Here is a growing guide on three great native plants that are easy to start from seed and easy to tend. They include Echinacea (purple coneflower), Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan) and Asclepias (milkweed). You can get started with creating this magical project right away, no matter what time of the growing season it is.
Now is a great time to look through garden seed catalogs from which you can select and buy specific cultivars of these three plants. Now is the time to plant seeds, and if you want to skip the seed starting steps, you can order seedlings that will be shipped to you at the right time for planting. It is also a great time to
gather together supplies you will need, such as hand gardening tools, gardening gloves, watering can, seed starting pots or trays, and organic seed starting soil mix. You might want to buy a gardening apron, wide-brimmed hat, and gardener’s soap. These supplies are available locally at garden centers and hardware stores. You have about a month to complete this step, so pace your work slowly and carefully. Start documenting your progress by taking photos as you proceed.
Keeping seeds fresh and viable can be done by putting seed packets in a zip-lock bag in the refrigerator. This will mock the over-wintering that occurs naturally. When you are ready to start planting seeds, remove them from the refrigerator and let them thaw before opening the baggie. Decide on where you will place the seedlings, whether in a sunny window or under a fluorescent growing light. Seedlings, once sprouted, should get 14 to 16 hours of sunlight or artificial light to grow strong. Once you have chosen a location, press the seeds into the top of moist seed starting mix that has been placed in little seed starting pots. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. Water sparingly whenever the soil starts drying out. Using peat pots makes it easy to transplant the seedlings without disturbing their roots. Make sure that the top edge of the pots is covered
with soil to stop wicking of moisture from the root.
While the seeds are sprouting, make a diagram of the garden you want to create. Pay
attention to the instructions on your seed packets, especially how closely to space your plants, amount of sunlight needed, and type of preferred soil. The three plants mentioned above all grow best in full sun, but can tolerate a bit of afternoon shade. Mark your calendar with the date you planted the seeds. These three plants bloom best from June to October, so mark your calendar with the date they are expected to start blooming.
Here is some information about the three plants. All are native to this geographical area, which means they should grow well in spite of our muggy hot summers and sandy soil and occasional drenching rain. They are all brilliantly colored and great for cutting into bouquets. They all are magical magnets for butterflies, bees, and hummers. All will self-seed, although they are also considered to be perennials that will come back year after year, provided the plants are mulched prior to hard freezes.
Echinacea purpurea is otherwise known as Purple Coneflower. It will bloom the first year after germinating (unless you are planting in the fall), and will continue to grow taller, sturdier, and more productive of flowers and seeds each year. Cultivars have been developed by seed companies to provide some variety and freshness to our gardens. The following are some of the cultivars and their characteristics:
E. Wild berry – medium sized brilliant pink flowers
E. White swan – medium sized snow-white flowers
E. Hot papaya – large reddish orange flowers
E. Tomato soup – large red flowers that tend to fade to light orange
True native plants are those that are found in the wild in their original geographical areas and environments. Cultivars are plants that have been cross-bred either naturally without human intervention or those bred to have favorable traits, such as color, form, productiveness, or hardiness. If the cultivars are used for decorative purposes, no harm done. If the cultivars are used for commercial or scientific purposes, it is important to preserve information about the plants used to create the cultivars. Whether you use true natives or cultivars, enjoy the plants and treat them well.
(continued on page 7)
Native Flower Garden Magic – continued
E. Big sky summer sky – medium soft peach and pale pink flowers
E. Fatal attraction – small bright pink flowers with buttons at center
E. Magnus – large shell pink flowers, especially attractive to butterflies
E. Sombrero salsa red – large intense red flowers that are very fragrant
E. Double pink delight – medium vibrant pink pom-pom flowers
Rudbeckia hirta otherwise known as black-eyed Susan, is a plant with large cheerful bright yellow floppy blooms. It looks great paired with any Echinacea or especially with purple amaranth. It is slow growing, and will grace your garden beautifully. It likes well-drained rich soil with mulch protection for the roots. Although the original native is lovely, you might want to use one or more of its cultivars. These include:
R. Prairie Sun – large sunny yellow flowers with green centers
R. Gloriosa daisy – large red and gold blooms, good paired with R. Prairie Sun
R. Cherry Brandy – large dramatic pink and red flowers with black centers
R. Toto rustic colors – large, reddish brown streaked flowers
R. Indian summer – large golden yellow flowers that bloom late in season when others have stopped blooming
Rudbeckia is easy to propagate from seed produced during the blooming season. Once the flower petals have dropped off the plant, cut several stems
with the seed heads still attached. Dry the stems well, then place in a plastic baggie. Crush the seed heads with your hands through the baggie. The small seeds will drop off the seed heads and will collect in the bottom of the baggie. Discard the stems and seed heads once the seed is collected. Store in a sealed baggie in your refrigerator until it is time to start sowing seeds next year.
Asclepias tuberosa (Native milkweed) is a low-growing perennial plant with especially brilliantly-colored orange flower clusters. Migrating Monarch butterflies require milkweeds on which to lay their eggs. Monarchs migrate along the North Carolina coast on their way up to Canada during the spring and then on their way down to Mexico during the late fall. There are several cultivars of this plant and these continue to bloom later into November and even December, when the Monarchs have usually completed their migrations.
So, to be mindful of the Monarchs, try to use the native A. tuberosa as well as the cultivars. Some of the varieties include:
A. Incarnata – otherwise known as swamp milkweed. It has bright pink flower clusters that attract a variety of butterflies, moths, and bees.
A. Syriaca – otherwise known as common milkweed. It has large leaves and light pink flower clusters
A. Curasavica – otherwise known as Mexican milkweed. Tiny, school bus yellow and brilliant orange blooms. Blooms well into late fall until the first freeze.
A. Amplexicaulis – blooms are “eraser pink”
A. Exaltata – blooms are snow-white Seeds and seedling plants of any of the varieties mentioned above are sold by online and other seed vendors and through our Coastal chapter of the Native Plant Society. Local garden centers usually carry only a few or none of these native plants. Seeds and plants may be available during the Arboretum’s annual plant sale or the Native Plant Festival, either from vendors or in the seed swap booth. Planting these three plants together in a flower bed or large container will result in a lively, magical mix of blooms, butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds to add to your landscape.
Carol Bales is an avid gardener and seed saver, and grows several kinds of milkweed in her yard.
Brie Arthur, author of The Foodscape Revolution: Finding a Better Way to Make Space for Food and Beauty in Your Garden, spoke at the New Hanover County Arboretum on February 5. She came bearing some startling news: most of the food we eat has to travel halfway around the world before it ever reaches our grocery store. The transport cost of food alone is over five tons of greenhouse gases annually, which is about 11% of the total greenhouse gases produced for us to eat three meals a day.
What can we do? We have to eat, and ideally we eat three times a day. Well, that is where Brie Arthur comes in. Foodscaping is the practice of planting edible plants with your native plants and ornamentals. This creates a more diverse ecosystem where the plants are less likely to be affected by disease and pests. You also gain more from your garden than just pretty flowers though we cannot overlook the importance of pollinators. But, guess what? Pollinators like edible plant flowers too.
Foodscaping is a concept that can be completed virtually anywhere. If you live in a place with an HOA you typically are not allowed to have a “vegetable garden” in your front yard. This is because most people in the U.S. have a very outdated
idea of what a garden is and how to maintain it. We have all seen the wayward raised beds surrounded by lumber. That is not foodscaping that is really just frustration waiting to happen.
Foodscaping is taking the space you already have and utilizing it. Let’s say you have some shrubs in your front yard with mulch in between. If you remove that unnecessary mulch space and instead plant a nice ground-covering edible—such as strawberries you are not only saving money on mulch, you are adding a very pretty ground cover with a nice flower to your yard. Oh, and let’s not forget the yummy strawberries that you will now have.
Brie Arthur discusses the practicality of utilizing space. She expxlains that the most underutilized space in any yard or garden is the edge. This is your ideal place to help with pest management and contribute to reducing your carbon footprint. Edge plants include garlic, arugula, potatoes, and much more. You can plant these in the space between a walkway and grass no more edging or weed control for your walkway. You can plant these beside your house, garage, or where your garden meets the lawn space. Not only are edge plants easy to grow, they also are deterrents for deer, rabbits, moles, and voles. You will be protecting your other
plants, using less chemical repellents, and providing food for you and your family and neighbors.
Foodscaping not only offers you a way to reduce the transport cost of food, it also provides you with an easy way to teach children about gardening. We, as a society, have reached a point where gardening is no longer a task that is passed down from generation to generation. Most children do not know where their food comes from. Actually, most college students do not know where their food comes from. Nor do they know the first thing about planting. If edible plants are integrated into areas where children and others have readily available access like public parks, schools, churches, government buildings it would be very hard for the next generation not to soak up a little bit of knowledge about growing their own food. But this will only become a reality if we as the general gardening public make foodscaping a social norm.
Learn more about Brie Arthur at www. briegrows.com.
Shannon Bradburn is a senior at UNCW who loves to hike, study plants, and play outside.
We welcome guest contributors. Write for our contributor guidelines. editor@ goinggreenpublications.com.
Some area Farmers’ Markets and where to find them: New
Riverfront Farmers' Market
Saturdays, 8am - 1pm • March 23 - November 23
Intersection of Dock & Water Streets, Wilmington, NC http://riverfrontfarmersmarket.org/
Wrightsville Beach Farmers' Market
Mondays 8am -1pm • May 15- October 30
Seawater Lane - Wrightsville Beach Municipal Grounds https://www.facebook.com/wrightsvillebeachfarmersmarket
910-256-7925
Port City Farmers' Market
Tuesdays 4 - 9pm • Year round
Waterline Brewing Co. 721 Surry St. Wilmington, NC
https://bit.ly/2TxYLrx
910-777-5599
Carolina Beach Farmers' Market
Saturdays 8am - 1pm • May 11 - September 28
400 S Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC https://bit.ly/2FsrzNa
910-458-2999
Kure Beach Farmers' Market
Tuesdays 8am - 1pm • June 13 - August 29
Ocean Front Park 105 Atlantic Ave. Kure Beach https://www.facebook.com/KureBeachMarket
Wilmington Farmers' Market at Tidal Creek
Saturdays 8 am - 1 pm • Year round
Starting May 1, will accept SNAP, EBT & Food Bucks matching 5329 Oleander Dr. Wilmington, NC 28403 https://thewilmingtonfarmersmarket.com/
Shallotte Farmers' Market
Saturdays 9am - 1pm • May 4 - August 3;
Wednesday nights 6pm - 8:30pm • June 5, June 19, July 3, July 17 and July 31
Holiday Market 10am -3pm • Sept. 14, Nov. 23, Dec.14 Mulberry Park - 123 Mulberry St. Shallotte, NC https://bit.ly/2WhkANY
910-754-4032
Southport Waterfront Market
Wednesdays 8 am - 1 pm • May - September 111 S. Davis Street Southport, NC http://nfmd.org/nc/southport/1000968/ 910-279-4616
Poplar Grove Farmers' Market
Wednesdays 8am- 1pm • April 17- September 25
Poplar Grove Plantation, 10200 Hwy.17 N., Wilmington, NC http://poplargrove.org/farmers-market/ 910-686-9518
With the advent of the new Feast Down East Local Motive Mobile Farmers’ Market, fresh produce and eggs are available in ten new locations downtown Wilmington and in food insecure neighborhoods. Look for our article on this innovative food delivery service in the next issue of Going Green.
Welcome to Going Green’s recipe page, where we bring you new ideas for how to enjoy local and seasonal foods. For the purpose of this page, “local” will include North and South Carolina.
—contributed by Jackie Watson
• 1 tsp. olive oil
• 1 large onion (chopped small)
• 3 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 2–3 carrots (grated)
• 2 Tbsp. smoked paprika
• 2 Tbsp. liquid smoke
• 1/2 tsp. dried basil
• 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
• 1 tsp. salt
• Pinch black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• 1 lb. split peas
• 5 cup vegetable broth
• 2 cup water
• 1 finely chopped jalapeño (optional)
Sauté onion, carrots, garlic, and optional jalapeno in oil until onions are translucent (about 2 minutes). Add spices and sauté a few minutes longer.
Rinse peas and put in a large pan. Add broth, water and liquid smoke. Add the onion mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce
Lisa Neill is an active member of the Wilmington Vegan community and the mother of two young children.
Recently retired from her 30-year career as a paralegal, Jackie Dennewitz Watson enjoys volunteering, hiking, camping, traveling, painting, and cooking.
Casey Nelson is an Integrative Health & Wellness Coach and creator of the company Recipe to Thrive.
heat to simmer, cover and cook for about 2 hours or until peas are soft and the soup is thick. If soup is too thick you can add a little more water. You can also add more salt and pepper to taste at this point. Great served with a crusty bread.
—contributed by Lisa Neil Serves many. Prep time 30 minutes. Bake time 1 hour 10 minutes
• 1 1/2 cup cooked black beans (or any type of bean you prefer)
• 1 cup cooked penne pasta
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped very fine
• 2 flax “eggs” [see box, below]
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. pepper
• 1 tsp. garlic seasoning (substitute or add any seasoning you’d like)
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water (omit if you like thicker sauce)
• 3 Tbsp. vinegar
• 3 Tbsp. brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp spicy mustard
For those who don’t wish to use real eggs in the kitchen, a “flax egg” is one popular substitute that works in a variety of recipes. Buy ground flax meal (or grind your own flax seeds it’s easy and quick in a small kitchen mill). For each egg, add 2-1/2 tablespoons of water to one tablespoon ground flax meal, stir, and let sit for up to 15 minutes. (You can speed up the process by using hot water.) Tip: you can put the meal in the bowl and add water rather than the other way around to help avoid having the flax meal clump. The flax will become very gelatinous, which is why it can serve as a substitute for egg in many recipes. You may use golden or brown flax seeds in some recipes you may prefer one color over the other but they work equally well to moisten and hold ingredients together.
• 2 Tbsp. vegan Worcestershire sauce Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix cooked beans, penne and onions together in food processor. Next mix in a bowl with flax eggs, bread crumbs, 1/2 cup tomato sauce and seasonings. Shape in loaf form and put in bread pan or square pan to go in oven. Combine the rest of the tomato sauce, water, vinegar, brown sugar, mustard & Worcestershire sauce together and pour some over the loaf. Bake as directed, basting with the remaining sauce.
Ume Plum Vinegar (also known as umeboshi vinegar) is a pretty pink color that complements the radishes in our radishes recipe. “It is the pickling brine from making umeboshi plums with sea salt and red shiso (beefsteak leaf) that impart its ruby red color. A tart, salty, festive condiment with beneficial organic acids, the vinegar is typically used as a seasoning and as an ingredient in Japanese cooking... Green plum (ume) is used to make Japanese plum wine (umeshu).”
—source: www.justonecookbook.com
—contributed by Casey Nelson
—contributed by Casey Nelson
• 2 small bunches trimmed French Basket radishes – Humble Roots Farm (Wilmington, NC)
• Spring Mix: salanova lettuce with sunflower and pea shoots – Terra Vita Farm (Wilmington, NC)
• 1/2 tsp. ume plum vinegar (optional)
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1 lemon
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 cups chopped mustard greens –Farmage Farms (Castle Hayne, NC)
• 2 cups chopped collard greens –Cottle Farms (Faison, NC)
• 10 pea shoots to garnish – Terra Vita Farm (Wilmington, NC)
• 2 slices watermelon radishes to garnish – Red Beard Farms (Willard, NC)
• 2 1/2 cups organic low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro
• 1/2 onion, finely diced
• 2 diced garlic cloves
• 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
• 2 tsp. coconut aminos
• 2 tsp. chopped peeled fresh ginger
• 1 tsp. salt
• a pinch of pepper
Combine all the ingredients (except the cilantro, pea shoots and watermelon radish slices) in a large pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, until the greens begin to get tender.
Let cool for 3 to 5 minutes. Working in batches, transfer the broth and vegetables to a blender or food processor. Add cilantro between pulses and blend until smooth. Sprinkle with salt and pepper if desired. Serve in a bowl garnished with watermelon radish slices and pea shoots.
• pinch of pepper
• parsley for garnish Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette
• 1 Tbsp. maple syrup
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp. lemon juice
• 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
• 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• minced clove of garlic
• pinch of salt and pepper Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut radishes into halves. Stir olive oil, garlic, and ume plum vinegar together
in a large bowl and toss the radishes in the mixture. Spread coated radishes onto prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast in oven 15–20 minutes until slightly tender. Remove the radishes from the oven, drizzle lemon juice on top of them and toss. Let cool for 10 minutes while you prepare the maple-dijon vinaigrette.
Whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic, and salt and pepper in a bowl. Slowly whisk in olive oil until it thickens.
Serve radishes over a plate of spring mixed greens. Drizzle vinaigrette on top and garnish with parsley and 2 lemon wedges.
Due to the tremendous success of last year’s inaugural event, Wilmington’s VegFest 2019 will span two days. An exciting lineup of speakers and vegan celebrities will be on hand to educate, showcase and inspire with a variety of family-friendly activities that focus on the vegan lifestyle. In addition to demos, speakers and some 50 vendors, attendees can look forward to food trucks, a family-friendly fun zone, and a live performance by Official Grey Music.
Education Day is set for Saturday, March 30 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the venue Events! On Front, which is located at 130 N. Front Street. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn all about the benefits and how-tos of a plant-based lifestyle. The festivities continue on Sunday, March 31 at the Coastline Conference & Event Center, 501 Nutt Street, Wilmington, where vendors and demos will further showcase all things vegan.
2019 was declared the “Year of the Vegan” by several major news outlets. Forbes predicts that 2019 will be the year that more people embrace a plant-based lifestyle and The Economist says that veganism will be this year’s most popular topic. Here’s your chance to discover what all the buzz is about!
Tickets for the two-day festival are $10. Kids under the age of 18 get in for free with a paying adult. Two nonprofits Wilmington Vegan and North Carolina Farmed Animals Save are working directly with Helene Greenberg, the executive director and promoter of Triangle VegFest/NC Vegfests.
For more information, please visit: https://wilmingtonvegfest. com/ or https://www.facebook.com/ncvegfests/
Experts in nutrition, medicine, and behavior change gather at the sixth annual national nonprofit Plant-based Prevention Of Disease (P-POD) conference at McKimmon Conference Center, North Carolina State University in Raleigh May 18-20, 2019.
Plant-based diets consisting primarily of vegetables, fruits, beans and whole grains, have long been associated with improved biomarkers of health, and those following a vegetarian diet have lower rates of nearly every chronic disease. Dietary and lifestyle changes can save millions of lives in addition to billions of dollars in health care. The treatment of heart disease and stroke alone is over $300 billion a year in the U.S.
P-POD’s programming is at the forefront of saving lives by promoting dietary changes, providing evidence-based education on disease prevention and behavior change support. In the belief that “ The FUTURE of Healthcare Begins with NUTRITION,” P-POD brings together 28 distinguished speakers to discuss nutritional research and action against disease.
Presenters include Milton Mills, MD, featured in the film “What the Health,” Kim A. Williams, Sr., MD, immediate past President of the American College of Cardiology, and the Third Annual Denis Burkitt Memorial Lecture, a series on “Women’s Health and Chronic Disease Risk, And Reproductive Health” featuring Reed Mangels, PhD RDN; Linda Carney, MD; and Amanda E. McKinney, MD CPE FACLM FACOG.
A screening of “Code Blue: Redefining the Practice of Medicine” produced by Lifestyle Medicine practitioner Saray Stancic, MD FACN will be followed by a Question & Answer session with the producer. Conference attendees will enjoy gluten-free, plant-based whole food meals. A collaborative nonprofit receiving no commercial funding, P-POD is committed to affordable registration costs for doctors, dietitians, and nurses, with discounted rates available for the general public, healthcare practitioners in partnered groups, and students. Continuing medical education credits are possible for a range of healthcare professionals.
For specifics on costs, continuing education, and to register please visit www.p-pod.org Some volunteering opportunities are still available: inquiries may be emailed to volunteer@p-pod.org.
Follow P-POD programming on Twitter @plantbasedconf, Instagram @ppodconference, and Facebook @ Plantbasedpreventionofdisease.
by Lisa Andree
Atlanta-based rapper, Grey Matter, is bringing his vegan message to the Port City at this year’s VegFest. Many may be surprised to learn that the practices of veganism and animal rights activism are alive & well within the Hip Hop/Rap community. Some of the most well known vegans within these circles are: Beyonce & Jay Z, Waka Floca, will.I.am of the Black Eyed Peas, Common and Andree 3000 of Outkast fame.
A few years ago, Grey was both challenged and influenced by his girlfriend Nikki. According to Grey, she announced that she was going vegan and wanted him to join her. Grey rejected the idea at first and said, “You can do that, but I’m gonna continue to eat the way I want to eat.” Nikki, who had been deeply moved by a PETA documentary, began creating delicious vegan meals and voilà “five plates in” Grey was swayed! In an interview with the British magazine, “VeganLife,”
Grey explained, “Once I started to understand what’s in the food that we eat and the effects it can have on the body, in addition to the obvious animal cruelty behind it, that was enough for me to start a new lifestyle.”
In 2016, Grey gained notoriety with his rap song & accompanying video, “Vegan Thanksgiving.” Partially inspired by a song from gospel legend, Shirley Caesar, with some rhymes about “beans, greens, potatoes and tomatoes,” Grey’s rap went viral with over 20 million views. Today Grey and Chef Nikki travel the country spreading the word about the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle. Along with his music, Grey is known for his apparel brand, “Plant Based Drippin” which the Urban Dictionary explains, “gives a nod to those on a plant-based diet who are overflowing with style and flavor.”
Grey and Chef Nikki will be on hand for Wilmington VegFest 2019. They will both be at Education Day on Saturday, March 30 at the venue Events! On Front which is located at 130 N. Front Street.
Grey will perform on Sunday, March 31 at the Coastline Conference & Event Center where vendors will further showcase all things vegan.
Tickets for the two-day festival are $10. Kids under the age of 18 get in free with a paying adult. Two nonprofits, Wilmington Vegan and North Carolina Farmed Animals Save, are working directly with Helene Greenberg, the executive director and promoter of Triangle VegFest/NC Vegfests.
For more information on Wilmington VegFest, please visit: https://wilmingtonvegfest.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/ncvegfests/. Grey’s video is available on www.youtube.com.
There are many wonderful natural spaces in the Wilmington area. ILoveTrees.net is a photo blog documenting these local treasures. Profiled here are the trees and wildlife of Greenfield Lake.
by Sue CagA great blue heron tiptoes through the marsh grasses along the shore, her tall stiltlike legs bending backwards at the knee. I’ve seen herons several times here and I always stop and stare in awe. I’m enamored by their stealth and grace as they forage in the waters. While watching, I’m distracted by a pileated woodpecker knocking on the wood above my head, but despite craning my neck, I can’t see him. Mallard ducks float gently by on the lake, sometimes splashing water over their faces. I accidentally come upon a goose roosting on her secluded nest. She is unusually quiet despite my proximity as I softly back away. My ears turn toward the sound of large flapping wings as a hawk swoops and glides up to a branch just out of sight. I walk slowly so I don’t miss these things, and I think I could probably spot most of our native birds here, and a lot of our wildlife.
Greenfield Lake contains a natural landscape of trees and wildlife that is richer than anywhere else in the city. Perhaps most striking are the prevalent cypress trees with their unique flared bases. Hundreds stand along the banks of the lake, grow in the water itself, or soar above the soft wet grasses next to the path. Their knees jut up all over the place, from small rock-like mounds to stalagmite-like protrusions almost as tall as a person. Spanish moss drapes from their deciduous branches, gently swaying in the breeze. There are also many other species of grand trees here including oaks, magnolia, and pine. These are mature trees; large old oaks, thick magnolias, and patches of aged longleaf pine. A unique sweet gum tree that grows squat and branches out like a maple always catches my eye. Scores of flowering azalea, often a sea of saturated pink, cover much of the area in between the trees. Lovely white dogwood flowers fill the space between the azaleas and the canopy above.
While standing near the edge of the lake I see an alligator swim swiftly through the water and then hide, barely poking one eye above the surface. There aren’t many alligators in our area so it’s always a thrill to see them. Their appearance makes me
think of dinosaurs, prehistoric life, and danger. I feel some kind of deep connection, like an umbilical cord binding me to the natural world. I’m not alone in my sentiments as several other people point out the alligator’s location to me as I pass by on the path, not wanting anyone to miss out on the remarkable sight. One young woman’s eyes open wide and bright, lit up with excitement, as she eagerly shares everything she knows about the alligators she has seen; when, where, frequency, size, etc. Although I usually like to be alone during my nature walks, this delight from others is contagious and I can’t help but smile about it.
There are a few “wilder” spaces here where nature creates the most remarkable beauty, but the park is by and large very manicured. If I search, I can find some native ferns, wildflowers, and secluded spots, but for the most part it’s all clipped and mowed. The four mile paved path (going clockwise) starts at the water’s edge by a playground and boat rental, then winds around the lake, over a picturesque bridge, through trees by a quieter neighborhood, past a memorial and wedding garden, and eventually close to the noisy road and back to the main parking area. Locals and tourists walk, jog, or bike along, regularly stopping to admire the plants and wildlife. The park is quite popular and it’s easy to see why. Everyone can sense that the age and protection of this park has resulted in plentiful mature trees and beauty that only time can provide. Everyone appreciates getting close to the wildness of the trees, the herons, and the alligators. The experience immediately sparks and ultimately deepens our instinct to connect with nature.
Further Note: Greenfield Lake is polluted by watershed runoff including fertilizers, litter, and waste from businesses, roads, and residents (including dogs). You can help by avoiding the use of fertilizers and chemicals, controlling litter and pet waste, and encouraging city officials to address the ongoing issue.
festivals Come out for a free, fun-filled day of live music, good food, and environmental information and activities for all ages! Discover what issues affect our environment, talk with local groups, and learn how you can get involved. Bring the whole family to celebrate Earth Day 2019 from noon until 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 27 at Hugh MacRae Park. This year’s theme is “Change Your Actions, Change the Planet.” More than 75 environmentally-minded exhibitors and vendors will be on hand for you to learn new ways to participate in the stewardship of our planet.
The festival will be a ZEROWASTE event. New Hanover County Environmental Management and Wilmington Compost Company will collect food scraps from the event (plus any the public wants to bring from home), to compost.
Wilmington’s 2019 Earth Day celebration is a family-friendly event encouraging children of all ages to become more aware of our planet.
Food, beer and other beverages will be for sale from Waterline Brewing Company, Bill’s Front Porch Pub and Brewery, Panacea Brewing Co., Noni Bacca Winery, TREP–Smart Smoothies, Urban Street Eats, Hot Diggity Dog and Granny Niece’s Ice Cream. Culligan will provide drinking water, so bring your reusable water bottle or buy an official Wilmington Earth Day Alliance water bottle at the event!
THURSDAY, APRIL 4
Earth Day Alliance Fundraiser - 5-10p.m.
Bill’s Front Porch is creating a special Earth Day brew in support of Wilmington Earth Day 2019. Help Earth Day Alliance kick off the beer release. Raffle tickets will be available: you might win a Hurricane Kayak or other prize. Bill’s Front Porch Pub & Brewery, 4238 Market St., Wilmington.
SATURDAY, APRIL 6
Cornhole Tournament - 4p.m. Earth Day Alliance Fundraiser to support Wilmington Earth Day celebration April 27. Sign-up starts at 3:30p.m.; tournament at 4p.m. Prizes for the 1st and 2nd place winners. Entry fee $20 per team. Raffle tickets will be available. Capt’n Bill’s Backyard Grill, 4240 Market St., Wilmington.
TUESDAY, April 23?
Tentative: Environmental Movie Night at Waterline Brewing Company. Check WilmingtonEarthDay.com or https://www.facebook.com/ WilmingtonEarthDayAlliance/ or email wilmingtonearthday@gmail.com for most recent information on all events.
Perry Smith will lead a hand drumming circle along with members of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNCW from 1:45 p.m.–2 p.m. in front of the stage. Be sure to check out the tiny home developed and displayed by the Cape Fear Community College Sustainability Program. Don’t miss the marine educator trailer from the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries, and the many other exhibitors coming to the park for this year’s epic celebration. There will also have a Red Tent provided by SheWolf Alchemy. This will be a space for women to meet, breastfeed babies, and take care of personal needs.
There will be exciting activities for any member of the family, including yoga on the lawn. Enter to win a brand new Hurricane Kayak or any of the other prizes in this year’s raffle. Raffle prizes include local artwork, yoga sessions, restaurant gift certificates and many more. There will be an ATM machine on site. (Beer purchases are cash ONLY.)
Kids’ EcoZone Area will provide handson activities of all sorts.
We are happy to announce the return of the children’s Nature Brigade Parade to the Earth Day activities again this year.
This nature-inspired walking parade will be led by Mark Herbert’s Rapping Red Oak (Futureshine Entertainment). The parade will start at the Kids’ Zone tent at 3:45 p.m. and walk a short path around the perimeter of the Earth Day festivities. The parade will end up in front of the main stage for a short ECO jam with the Rapping Red Oak and the “Nature Brigaders” (including members of Cosmic Groove Lizards). Parade participants are encouraged to dress up as their favorite flora or fauna creature. Kids can bring their own costumes or come early to make costumes from recycled materials in the Kids’ EcoZone! Multiple bands and live entertainment will be featured throughout the day. All entertainment is FREE to the public!
12 to 1:45 p.m.: Entangled Dreams
1:45 to 2 p.m.: Drum Circle (all welcome)
2 to 3:45 p.m.: DRISKILL
3:45 to 4 p.m.: Rapping Red Oak leads children’s Nature Brigade Parade
4 to 5:45 p.m.: Tumbleweed Band
Free parking: Free shuttles will run hourly from the New Hanover County Government Center parking lot (230 Government Center Drive) and from DREAMS of Wilmington (901 Fanning Street). For schedules and details, visit www.wilmingtonearthday.com.
Please be aware that dogs are allowed at the event, but not allowed in the Kids Zone or under the exhibitor tent. Dogs should be kept on a leash at all times.
The financial support of local sponsors makes this annual event possible. They are: City of Wilmington, NC Government Stormwater Services • Heal Our Waterways
• Bill’s Front Porch • Waterline Brewing Company • Clean Energy Events • Great Outdoor Provision Co. • Hurricane Kayaks
• New Hanover County Parks & Gardens • Wave Transit ILM • Natural Awakenings • Cape Fear’s Going Green
Come join the fun: this year’s Earth Day Festival will certainly pique your curiosity about many environmental issues and give you some ideas on how your actions can change the planet!
Green Wall
Fall in love with your home again!
• Affordable interior design services
• Through-the-trade discounts on décor and furniture, including eco-friendly and hypo-allergenic options for better health
Thinking of selling your home?
• Our home staging techniques lead to a quicker sale and a higher purchase price
Can’t attend in person? The popular lunchtime discovery series held in Raleigh at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences can now be enjoyed from home. Their lectures, held at the SECU Daily Planet Theater, are now streamed and archived for future viewing on demand. The series is brought to you by NC DEQ’s Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs and the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences
from the City of Wilmington Tree Commission for Outstanding Function Design at the New Hanover Regional Medical Center Betty Cameron Women’s and Children’s Center (a rooftop garden that can be visited by patients and their families).
What was it about this project that pulled Mott out of retirement for what was obviously going to involve a lot of time and effort?
For one thing, the sheer complexity of the project was enticing. It was new and different and challenging. “I had to learn an awful lot. I mean I’d done this kind of work forever, but still this is a new system I haven’t used... Also just the logistics of it, you know. Building something inside here is like building a ship in a bottle. It was complex enough to be interesting.”
ing Tidal Creek Co-operative Market and Clean Juice. They also take custom orders. Learn more at thecashewguru.com or email thecashewguru@gmail.com.
space. One of the tenants will be the Wilmington-based software company Untappd, creator of the popular beer app.
It’s Mott’s hope that, through the success of this green wall, they will grow in popularity in our area. And that way, more building occupants will enjoy the health and aesthetic benefits of systems like these in the near future.
Although Steve Mott has once again proclaimed himself to be retired, you may be able to reach him through his website, www. mottlandscaping.com.
Recent presentations have included Dr. Paul Hosier, on Seacoast Plants of the Carolinas; Dr. Lee Phillips, UNC–Greensboro, on Carolina Bays of Southeastern North Carolina; Urban Beekeeping, presented by Ben Dictus, Lead Beekeeper of Bee Downtown; and Appalachian High: Breeding Birds of the NC Southern Appalachian Mountains, by John A. Gerwin, Research Curator of Ornithology at the NC Museum of Natual Sciences.
You can find these entertaining presentations and more at https://livestream. com/naturalsciences/DailyPlanet or “tweet” along with them on Twitter: @ NorthCarolinaEE #LunchTimeDiscovery https://twitter.com/NorthCarolinaEE.
Amber Crucian has started The Cashew Guru, a company making vegan cheeze -
Even more important, though, this project was an opportunity for him to prove that such a complicated project could be very successful. And he was concerned that if a green wall were attempted but were not a success, that might be the end of using green wall technology in Wilmington. But he was confident he could make it work. “If it’s successful and it gets some of the notoriety I think it’s going to get, you’ll see a lot of them, maybe not this big. This is a major undertaking in anybody’s book.” He believes that the success of his green wall will encourage others.
Mott plans to put together information on the newly com pleted green wall, enough so that people will have documenta tion on how it was created. What he’d really like is to put together a class to teach what he’s learned to people who are eager to learn.
Who will get to visit the wall every day? As floors of the building are finished, the building will be rented out as office
Cravings the health fix: Charlotte Evans has started a new Wilmington company specializing in fresh baked snacks made with wholesome ingredients and no preservatives. Gluten-free and vegan options are available. Products are available at Kale Me Crazy, Tama Cafe and other retail stores, and at Poplar Grove Farmers Market. Visit her website for more information and links to the Facebook page: https://cravingsthehealthyfix.ecwid.com.
Save the date for the Coastal Federation’s biggest annual celebration, the Pelican Awards and Taste of the Coast. Please make plans to attend this summer to celebrate our coast and honor the special people who do so much to protect it.
Enjoy live music, a silent auction, and delectable tastings from gourmet seafood restaurants and oyster growers from up and down the coast. Try them all and pick your favorite!
This casual celebration will take place on Saturday, August 3, on the banks of Bogue Sound at the Crystal Coast Civic Center, Morehead City, from 5:30–9:30p.m.
Tickets are $50 for federation members and $60 for nonmembers. For more information, visit nccoast.org/celebrate. cakes. Her products are available at area retail stores, includ-
Marine CSI: Coastal Science Investigations has now partnered with Ashley High School to provide fun, interactive, and informative STEAM lessons to their Marine Science Academy and marine science cohort classes. “STEAM” stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics and lessons are presented in a way that incorporates these components into them so that students have a better understanding of the natural world.
The “Watershed Walkabout: Cape Fear” program brought science out of the textbooks and into student hands this fall with an experiment on ocean currents. “Going Up?” is a lesson that provides a visual adaptation of cold and warm water currents, where the students were able to demonstrate an upwelling event off the coast of North Carolina. As with all experiments, the students had to perfect their technique of adding cold water to the warm water to get the best results. This lesson showed the students how to work together as a team, how to use the scientific method, and how to interpret the results of the experiment.
Watershed Walkabout: Cape Fear is being offered to all K–12 schools. Teachers are encouraged to check out the website, www.teachmarinecsi.com, for more information on pricing and to schedule lessons. Kimberly Belfer can be emailed directly at: education@teachmarinecsi.com.
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contributed photo Kimberly Belfer is Director of Education for Marine CSI: Coastal Science Investigations.
Marine CSI: Coastal Science Investigations has been run and operated by Kimberly Belfer since 2014 and has provided resources for K-12 educators throughout the country. Just recently she moved back to Wilmington after a nine-year hiatus and is bringing this new outreach program into schools. These lessons are correlated to the Next Generation Science Standards, as well as the NC Essential Standards for Science.
Sat., May 22:
Painted Bunting
Workshop 9:15-10:30 a.m.
Native Plant Sale 2:30–4:30
Wild Bird & Garden
Sat., May 22:
Hanover Center
Painted Bunting
3501 Oleander Drive
Wilmington NC 28403
Workshop
9:15-10:30 a.m.
910-343-6001
www.wildbirdgardeninc.com
Native Plant Sale 2:30–4:30
Wild Bird Garden
Wild Bird & Garden
Hanover Center 3501 Oleander Drive
Wilmington NC 28403 910-343-6001
www.wildbirdgardeninc.com
Wild Bird Garden
Bird migration starts soon and it’s time to think about enjoying the beach this summer and watching the beautiful American Oystercatchers, Black Skimmers, Common Terns and Least Terns on Wrightsville Beach raise their young. Thousands of birds depend on our beaches for safe places to raise their young.
Audubon North Carolina is recruiting volunteers to educate beachgoers about beach-nesting birds on the south end of Wrightsville Beach. These beach bird stewards show visitors newborn chicks in spotting scopes, and explain how even brief disturbances cause parent birds to flush, exposing eggs and young to heat stress and predators. The stewards take this responsibility seriously while also having fun fostering an excitement and appreciation for bird conservation among local residents and visitors.
Educational and unforgettable, Cape Fear Garden Club’s annual Birds Islands Cruise is not to be missed. Tickets for this popular event are now available at both Wild Bird & Garden Locations. Tickets are $50 each (cash or check only) and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Audubon North Carolina.
The cruise is an educational experience and viewing is narrated by three experts who will share their knowledge:
• Dr. James Parnell, Professor Emeritus of UNCW and North Carolina’s top ornithologist.
• Walker Golder, National Audubon Society’s Director of the Eastern Flyway Coast Initiative, which includes the North Carolina program as well as programs in eight states along the Atlantic Coast.
• Lindsay Addison, Audubon North Carolina’s Coastal Biologist will describe her work monitoring the nesting colonies on the six bird islands the Cape Fear River including Battery Island.
• Free evaluation of your yard through the “Bird-Friendly Habitat Award Program,” which supports migratory birds through native planting and thoughtful landscaping.
• Free evaluation of your yard through the “Bird-Friendly Habitat Award Program,” which supports migratory birds through native planting and thoughtful landscaping.
Come join this fun training of new and experienced beach bird stewards on Saturday, April 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Training will be held at the Northeast Branch of the New Hanover County Public Library, Pine Room meeting room, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd, Wilmington.
The cruise will include islands in the lower Cape Fear River where the birds have chosen their nesting sites. They are all North Carolina Audubon Bird Sanctuaries.
• Monthly meetings, plus field trips and guided birdwalks, open to members and non-members.
For more information email Marlene Eader, Volunteer Coordinator for Audubon North Carolina, at marlene.eader@gmail. com.
• Monthly meetings, plus field trips and guided birdwalks, open to members and non-members.
• Free evaluation of your yard through the “Bird-Friendly Habitat Award Program,” which supports migratory birds through native planting and thoughtful landscaping.
• Speakers available for your group
www.capefearaudubon.org
• Speakers available for your group
www.capefearaudubon.org
• Monthly meetings, plus field trips and guided birdwalks, open to members and non-members.
info@capefearaudubon.org
info@capefearaudubon.org
• Speakers available for your group
“It is now within the power of individual gardeners to do something that we all dream of doing: to “make a difference”... to the future of biodiversity, to the native plants and animals of North America and the ecosystems that sustain them.”
“It is now within the power of individual gardeners to do something that we all dream of doing: to “make a difference”... to the future of biodiversity, to the native plants and animals of North America and the ecosystems that sustain them.”
Every Monday morning from May 6 through mid-August, Wrightsville Beach bird walks are held by Audubon NC and lead by members of the Wrightsville Beach bird steward program.
“It is now within the power of individual gardeners to do something that we all dream of doing: to “make a difference”... to the future of biodiversity, to the native plants and animals of North America and the ecosystems that sustain them.”
Bring your camera and binoculars to view nesting areas of many coastal water birds including pelicans, white ibis, great egrets and herons. Each ticket includes a complimentary box lunch from Jason’s deli. A cash bar will be provided by the Henrietta crew. Complete details are included with the ticket.
The cruise will depart from the Wilmington waterfront at Dock Street on the new Henrietta. Passengers will board at 11:30 a.m. and depart at noon; cruise returns at 6:30 p.m.
—Douglas Tallamy
—Douglas Tallamy
Bringing Nature Home
Bringing Nature Home
—Douglas TallamyThe group assembles at Beach Access 43. The walk involves walking about one mile, on mostly packed sand. Narration is provided by Bird Stewards equipped with with spotting scope optics for everyone to share. Binoculars are suggested. Children are encouraged! Email marlene.eader@ gmail.com for more information or with any questions.
Bringing Nature Home
Additional information is available by emailing birdislandscruise@capefeargardenclub.org.
Fungus is very special. It is not a plant nor animal. Instead, fungus is part of a group of living creatures called fungi. These creatures eat dead smelly things found in or on the soil. Without fungus, the earth would be one stinky gross place.
Mushrooms
Spiders
Yeast
Sponges
Mold
Algae
A lot of foods are made with the help of fungus. Some of these include: blue cheese, yogurt, sour cream, and bread.
Can you think of any others?
Fungus can grow to be larger than a blue whale? Because fungus grows mainly underground or inside of something like a dead log we can’t always see how big the entire fungus creature is. Mold spores can travel from one end of a loaf of bread all the way through to the other side very quickly.
1) All fungus is safe to eat.
2) Mushrooms are plants.
3) Fungus can grow on people.
4) Fungus is very important for the planet.
Fungus is a very important part of our environment. But, every year people and pets get sick from various fungal diseases. Here are some ways for you to stay safe:
1) When outside playing make sure you look with your eyes and not with your hands. Some fungus has powder that can make you very sick if you get it on you. Remind your friends to not touch.
2) Go visit the State and local parks to learn more about fungi native to Wilmington.
3) See what books our local library has on fungus so you can learn more.
4) If you see any kind of fungus on your food make sure you tell a grownup before eating it. Remember, some are safe. Some are not.
4) True Fungus helps break down dead and dying creatures and puts good stuff back into the soil.
3) True People can get fungal infections, especially on their feet.
2) False Mushrooms are fungi they are not plants nor animals.
1) False Some can make you very very sick.
Mushrooms, Yeast, and Mold are all fungus.
East Carolina University’s Integrated Coastal Programs (ECU ICP) and the Coastal Studies Institute (CSI) are hosting an Open House from 1:00–4:00 p.m. on April 13, 2019 at the ECU Outer Banks Campus location in Wanchese, North Carolina. The public is welcomed and encouraged to attend this free event. Attendees will be able to tour the campus, grounds and facilities, learn about current research and education programs, take part in family-friendly activities and interact with faculty and staff from ECU, CSI and partners including North Carolina Sea Grant, NOAA’s Monitor National Marine Sanctuary and the Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research. The LEED gold certified ECU Outer Banks Campus is located at 850 NC 345 Highway, approximately one mile from the highway 64 and NC 345 intersection.
Located on the ECU Outer Banks Campus, ECU’s Integrated Coastal Programs is a leader in coastal and marine research, education, and engagement. The program uses an interdisciplinary approach and scientific advances to provide
effective solutions to complex problems while helping coastal communities, ecosystems, and economies thrive. ECU ICP includes the newly formed transdisciplinary Department of Coastal Studies, a PhD program in Integrated Coastal Sciences, and the Coastal Studies institute.
The Coastal Studies Institute is a multi-institutional research partnership led by East Carolina University, in association with NC State, UNC–Chapel Hill, UNC–Wilmington and Elizabeth City State University. CSI focuses on integrated coastal research and education programming centered on responding to the needs, issues and topics of concern of the residents of eastern North Carolina.
ECU ICP and CSI research and education initiatives span a variety of coastal topics from nearshore coastal estuaries to the offshore waters along continental shelf. Visitors to the 2019 Open House will learn about research initiatives first hand from faculty and staff stationed throughout the facility.
Coastal geoscientists are researching the processes that drive coastal change,
their effect on our communities and ways we can become more resilient in the face of increasing hazards that threaten our coast.
Ecologists are studying our estuarine systems, their inputs and how we can ensure healthy coastal ecosystems for the future.
Oceanographers and coastal engineers are exploring ways to harness the power of the Gulf Stream, waves and other renewable ocean energy sources, using new technologies to broaden North Carolina’s energy portfolio.
Social scientists are working with coastal residents, visitors and relevant social statistics to better understand the impacts coastal change has on communities, while working to develop new and prosperous economies for the future.
Maritime archaeologists are researching and discovering new shipwrecks using advanced technologies while celebrating the maritime heritage of eastern North Carolina.
Faculty and staff are engaging the local community and the next generation of scientists and decision-makers in education programming that fosters student interest in the fields of technology, engineering, art, math and science.
For more information, visit www. coastalstudiesinstitute.org or contact John McCord, Assistant Director of Engagement & Outreach, Coastal Studies Institute at (252)475-5450 (office) or (252)475-5412 (lab).