COASTLINES
I met John thomas, Jr. in High Point in 1999. He wanted to place a conservation easement on the beautiful 1200-acre tract of land that he’d bought along the northeast Cape Fear river in Pender County—Five Eagle Partners Farm—so that it would stay the way it was, forever. I was very grateful to him and his family for their vision and for their generosity to our newly fledged land trust.
today, almost twenty years later, I’m grateful to John thomas for so very much more.
I’m grateful for his joyfulness.
John (or “Mr. t” as we began to call him at the Land trust) was a man who reveled in being outdoors. He thrived when he was hiking, camping, canoeing, or hunting. His excitement when spotting an eagle overhead, or flushing a covey of quail from a thicket, was equal to that of a 12-year old.
I’m grateful for his generosity.
Lots of us have enthusiasms. But what made John so special was that he invited the rest of us in – to share his land, his discoveries, and the joy he found in nature.
I’m grateful for his wisdom.
John’s approach to life was curious, observant, and deeply thoughtful. In fact, I witnessed this myself, when John “modeled” a family ethic of land
“Top 40” Conservation Projects
By Camilla M. Herlevich
Looking back over the last 25 years, there’s much to celebrate—hundreds of miles of waterfront protected, tens of thousands acres of forest saved, a dozen new nature parks and gardens opened, and thousands of people welcomed to the land!
At the same time, there is an urgent need for the Coastal Land trust to dramatically “scale up” its efforts. north Carolina’s population growth continues to outpace the national rate making it the 9th most populous state in the nation according to the U.S. Census Bureau. And we know that our beautiful coast attracts both tourists and new residents. As new roads are being constructed and development pressure heats up, the Coastal Land trust wants to help ensure that the unique beauty of our coast endures by conserving the most special places now.
three years ago, the Coastal Land trust identified the Top 40 of the coast’s most significant conservation lands still in pristine condition—the best of our remaining coastal forests, wildlife corridors, beaches, waterways, and other extraordinary natural areas. Our biologists came up with an exciting priority list of fabulous conservation properties.
Inspired by this compelling list, the Coastal Land trust’s Board set an audacious goal:
Save 75% of the Top 40 conservation projects on the North Carolina coast by 2025.
to reach this goal will require broadening of our reach, and bringing new resources on board. Because “business as usual” at the Coastal Land trust just isn’t going to be enough to save the top 40! Here’s why:
1. the top 40 projects are larger in size, and will cost us more to protect.
2. Already, 3 of the top 40 projects have been sold, listed for sale or permitted for development. Even landowners who might consider a conservation purchase are no longer willing to wait out the 1-2 year process for state and federal grants to be awarded.
3. State grants for land conservation have been decreased, and the state conservation tax credit has been repealed.
More than ever before, private dollars will be needed to “close the deal” for the top 40.
Are the projects on the top 40 worth such ambitious efforts?? You bet they are!! Our health and vitality, as individuals and as communities, depend upon a healthy, vibrant coast—clean waters, verdant forests, natural shorelines, unobstructed wildlife corridors, and local nature preserves. And you ask, why now? We answer, why not? Why wait? Stay tuned— the best is yet to come!
PAGE 1 www.CoastalLandTrust.org VOLUME 17 // ISSUE 4 W I nt E r 2017
NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL LAND TRUST
John W. Thomas, Jr. 1927 – 2017
Tribute from Executive Director Camilla Herlevich
John Thomas, continued on page 3
LOOkINg AhE Ad TO A NE w COASTAL L ANd TruST
Salters Creek pond and pines, Carteret County
BOArd Of dIrECTOrS
Board members serve three, three-year staggered terms. Board members are elected each year by the membership during the annual meeting.
Pr ESIDEn t
Ann Cary Simpson Chapel Hill, nC
V ICE Pr ESIDEn t Melanie Allen Durham, nC
SECr E tArY An D VICE
Pr ESIDEn t Paul E. Hosier Wilmington, nC
A SSIS tAnt SECr E tArY
Lee L. Leidy Elizabeth City, nC
t r EASU r Er Maggie Ashburn Wilmington, nC
Randy Beardsworth Wilmington, nC
Nancy J. Bray Grifton, nC
John Fussell Morehead City, nC
Hannah Holt Wilmington, nC
Jason L. Kesler Carolina Beach, nC
Hannah McOwen Manteo, nC
Linda Murchison Wilmington, nC
Linda Pearsall raleigh, nC
Robert Perry raleigh, nC
Kris Pickler Davidson, nC
Will Purvis Wilmington, nC
Cheryl Bradley Smith
Pine Knoll Shores, nC
Lovay WallaceSingleton new Bern, nC
George Wood Kill Devil Hills, nC
Linda recently retired after more than two decades as director of the NC Natural Heritage Program for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the program that identifies ecologically significant natural areas in the state and facilitates their protection. She advised numerous state boards on matters related to conservation legislation, policy and practice.
She serves on the Board of Audubon North Carolina, and received numerous awards for her contributions to conservation. She and her husband Sam were among the first members to join the Coastal Land Trust in 1993. Linda currently serves on the Coastal Land Trust’s Land Committee, and has been a party host.
Cheryl Bradley Smith Pine Knoll Shores
Cheryl is Regional Application Design Manager at Armstrong World Industries. Her business career has included stints as Vice President for Strategic Planning at Hatteras Yachts and Director for Client and Market Development at NCSU’s Industry Expansion Partnership.
She serves on the Parks and Recreation Committee of the Town of Pine Knoll Shores, and has served on the Board of the Craven Community College Foundation. Cheryl has served two previous terms on the Board of the Coastal Land Trust, founded the “Cycle for the Coast”
bike
Hannah McOwen Manteo
Hannah is the marketing sales manager for Outer Banks This Week and OneBoat, Inc.
Hannah has served as an informal advisor to the Coastal Land Trust on marketing issues for several years, and has been a party host for the Roast for the Coast fundraisers. She graduated in 2010 with a degree in Religion and History from Wake Forest University.
George Wood Kill Devil Hills
George is principal and owner of Environmental Professionals, Inc., a consulting group specializing in coastal environmental and planning issues. He is certified as an Environmental Professional and Professional Wetland Scientist.
Previously, he has served the Division of Coastal Management as Field Representative in Northeastern North Carolina, and as permit and consistency coordinator in Raleigh.
George also freelances as a nature photographer. George currently serves on the Coastal Land Trust’s Campaign Steering Committee and has been a party host. George is returning to the board after serving a term from 2012 – 2014. His undergraduate and master’s degrees, in Biology and Marine Biology respectively, are from East Carolina University.
www.CoastalLandTrust.org PAGE 2 COASTLINES
Linda Pearsall
Raleigh
ride, and has served as a party host as well. She graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in marketing and accounting, and received her MBA from Wake Forest.
NE wLy ELECTE d BOArd MEMBE rS
Camilla Herlevich, right, presents the north Carolina Land trust Conservation Partner of the Year Award to Hannah Holt, an active owner in Holt C-Stores.
H OLT C STORE RECE iv ES AWAR d
Danielle Devonport, a senior at UNC Wilmington, is studying environmental science with a concentration in environmental conservation. She grew up in the mountains of Santa Cruz, California where she would explore the woods for hours as a kid and developed a passion for outdoor activities such backpacking, hiking, and camping.
Danielle realized her career path after learning about the reintroduction of the California Condor in her first conservation
of
Blake, Coastal Land trust
and and
Conservation, with tamara Van ryan,
Director of the Land
rally: the national Land Conservation Conference. the Coastal Land trust received national recognition at rally, held this fall in Denver, Colorado, for renewing its accreditation status.
“It is exciting to recognize the Coastal Land trust with this distinction,” said Van ryn. “Accredited land trusts are united behind strong ethical standards ensuring the places people love will be conserved forever. Accreditation recognizes that the Coastal Land trust has demonstrated sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship.”
Jesica also received some outstanding
feedback from commission member, Greg Good, who identified the Coastal Land trust as an extraordinary organization. He said that our application was thorough, and “like going on a vacation.” He also said that we should be commended on both our projects and our organization.
www.CoastalLandTrust.org
Protected: 69,409
Acres
COASTAL L ANd TruST INTE rNS
Danielle Devonport –Fall Intern
April 21, 2018 Flytrap Frolic Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden, Wilmington Save the Date: Coastal Land Trust Events May 7, 2018 Holt CStore Golf Tournament Landfall Country Club Wilmington June 2, 2018 Land Trust Day National Trails Day Location TBD Fall, 2018 Annual Celebration Lawn Party Wilmington December 22, 2017 –January 1, 2018 NCCLT Closed for the Holidays
NATURE TR ivi A ANSWER
From above Answer: (b) Eastern woodrat (neotoma floridana) is a medium-sized pack rat (average length of 38 cm) native to the central and Eastern U.S. Eastern woodrats nest in hollow trees, logs and man-made structures but will also build extensive stick nests that occasionally will have trinkets or trash included. this is the first record of Eastern woodrat in Jones County.
Jesica
Director
Stewardship
Community
Executive
trust Accreditation Commission, at
January 2018 Trail Building Day Brunswick Nature Park Date TBA
COASTAL L ANd TruST E ArNS rENE wE d ACCrE dITATION
www.CoastalLandTrust.org PAGE 4 $500 - $999 $1000 - $2,499 $2,500 – $9,999 $10,000 - $24,999 Foundation and Corporate Sponsors LOCALLY DISTRIBUTED BY R.A. JEFFREYS The Murchison Group of Wells farGo advisors $25,000 - $100,000 eddie and Jo allison sMiTh faMily foundaTion, inc. Merck fa Mi ly f u nd slick fa Mi ly f oundaT i on • Ace Transport LLC • Air-Call Communications • Atlantic Marine Inc. • BB&T • Biberstein & Nunalee, Attorneys at Law • Bunn Brantley Enterprises LLC • Carolina Colours • Carol Sue Blueberry Farm • Copiers Plus, Inc. • Cothran Harris Architecture • Davis Hartman & Wright PLLC • ECS Southeast, LLP • The Gang Group Inc. • HVW Legacy Holdings FLP • Liberty Petroleum • McKim & Creed • RSM McGladrey • Sanctuary Vineyards • Jim Teachey Realtor • TierneyScreenPrinting.com • Unique Places LLC • Waste Management
COASTLINES
The Transplan T ed Garden
SCRAPbOOk
Show Me Day attendees started at the trail head with Jesica Blake, Director of Stewardship and Community Conservation, and hiked to the pollinator meadow and longleaf restoration area.
Left: Show Me volunteer Deborah Sells Blake staffs an educational booth focusing on pollinators.
Above: Juliet and Charlie Cushman explore the pollinator meadow.
Let’s talk about Longleaf! Lake Waccamaw State Park ranger Andy Buchanan offered Board members a one-mile hike around Lake Waccamaw State Park to explore the hiking trails and the area around the Visitors Center. this area and the trails are being managed for longleaf pine restoration and carnivorous plant habit.
rober t Perry, board member, marvels at the regrowth after a prescribed burn at Lake Waccamaw State Park.
COASTLINES COASTLINES
fAr Left: Where did that come from?
Magician Michael rosander of no Sleeves Magic takes Maggie, Mary and Kate Bradley by surprise.
Left: Who won the pollinator plant?
Linda Wert, left, or Melissa Wilson?
beLow: Happy Birthday Coastal Land trust
A NNUAL C ELEBRAT i ON L AWN PART y, Poplar Grove Plantation, Wilmington, September 23, 2017
Carol Mattocks, tom Braaten and Lindy Emory
SHOW ME dAy, Everett Creek Preserve, Sneads Ferry, Onslow County, October 21, 2017
B OAR d OF di RECTORS F i EL d H i KE, Lake Waccamaw State Park, Columbus County, September 7, 2017
25TH A NN iv ERSARy CELEBRAT i ON, Tryon Palace, New Bern, September 30, 2017
meadow at Everett Creek.
planted wiregrass, little bluestem and
and Americorps Member Jade, who
Stewardship staff t a tum, Jesica, Chris
in bloom reflect great effort from
caterpillars and cardinal flowers
other grasses in our pollinator P O LLI n A t O r P L A n t I n G A t E V E r E t t Cr E EK Pr E SE r VE , Sneads Ferry, September 20, 2017
COAST LINES
As the saying goes, “all good things must come to an end”— and so it is with Len Skinner’s tenure as the Coastal Land trust’s Springer’s Point Preserve Steward extraordinaire. Len has devoted his time and extensive talents as a master craftsman at Springer’s Point since the Preserve opened in 2004. In the first few years the Preserve was open, Len volunteered as the Preserve Steward. Since that time, Len worked under contract with the Coastal Land trust.
“ the Coastal Land trust has been incredibly fortunate that Len chose Springer’s Point Preserve as a focal point of his time, energy, and artistic vision through the years,” said Coastal Land trust’s
northeast region Director Lee Leidy. “Len’s handiwork is evident and in high demand throughout Ocracoke, but nowhere is it more evident than at Springer’s Point Preserve. beauty of Len’s work is that it is perfect and harmonious; it ties in beautifully and naturally with the surroundings at Springer’s Point.
“I am not sure how you can improve on the beauty of Springer’s Point, but Len does it flawlessly,” said Leidy. From a hand-hewn raccoon standing guard at a sentinel live oak to driftwood fences adorned with shells, Len takes the ordinary and makes it extraordinary.
As a next chapter, Len is turning his attention and talents to restoring a lovely farm house
AMErICOrPS MEMBEr JAdE wOLL
CoastalLand t rust .org/donate
this Holiday Season!
Remember the Coastal Land Trust
robin Payne and Len Skinner at their Martin County farm.
that he found it. Join us in extending a huge thank you and a warm farewell to Len. We wish him well, and we will miss him!
At the Coastal Land trust she is working on a variety of projects, including creating curriculum that will be used in local schools, helping to organize and implement volunteer programs, and connecting with our community members.
www.CoastalLandTrust.org PAGE 6
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 316 Wilmington, NC 131 Racine Drive, Suite 202 Wilmington, North Carolina 28403 n O rt H CA r OLI n A COAS t AL LA n D tr US t
t he phot os of butterflies,
Photo by Janice Allen
Farewell to Len Skinner
and former tobacco farm in Martin County. As the ideal steward, we know that Len will leave this property in much better condition
Jade is from northern VA, went to school at Lynchburg College, and received a BS in Environmental Science. She is planning on going to grad school after her AmeriCorps Service, most likely in a marine-related field.
