Reaves Chapel Restoration - Summer 2023

REAVES CHAPEL RESTORATION

When the Coastal Land Trust purchased Reaves Chapel in Navassa in 2019, we embarked on a project unlike any we had done before. The protection of this historic, 1,100 square-foot church in Brunswick County expanded how we conserve special places and who benefits from our conservation work. It is one of the Cape Fear region’s most culturally and historically significant African American structures, with deep ties to the Gullah Geechee peoples. Over the last 4 years, we’ve stopped holding our breath during each passing hurricane and now gaze in awe at the beautiful Chapel.

Restoration Progress

After the Coastal Land Trust purchased the Chapel from the A.M.E. Church, a tarp was installed on the roof to prevent further damage and fencing

was installed to deter vandalism. Staff from the Coastal Land Trust, Cedar Hill/West Bank Heritage Foundation, and the Historic Wilmington Foundation then partnered to research and document the history of the site, both to spread its story and to guide future restoration work.

Restoration began in November 2021 as community members gathered to acknowledge, celebrate, and bless the work. Soon after, the bell tower was removed, the building lifted, the foundation rebuilt, walls opened and structural components added, and rotting siding replaced. Original elements were kept wherever possible and new items, such as windows and exterior siding, were custom-made to match the original design of the building. The roof was restored and the adjacent cemetery was spruced up.

REAVES continued on page 4

Above: Careful attention to detail, such as custom-made siding, is an important part of honoring the history of Reaves Chapel.

NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT COASTAL LAND TRUST

The Coastal Land Trust Board of Directors is excited to announce Harrison Marks as Executive Director. Harrison served as Interim Executive Director since September 2022. A committed supporter of the organization, he brings a wealth of experience from a career in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors.

Harrison has a strong connection to the North Carolina coast going back to his youth. “My earliest memories are from family vacations at Nags Head and Kitty Hawk, and being awestruck by the performance of the Lost Colony. I inherited my Dad’s endless pleasure of driving backroads through the pine forests of the coastal plain, and my wife and I are most at home when we have a view of the marsh or the water,” said Harrison.

Harrison attended Dartmouth College, earning a degree in Biogeography and served as co-chair of the newly formed Environmental Studies Division of the Dartmouth Outing Club. He had a long and successful career as a senior executive for Wachovia Bank, leading multiple groups

Photo courtesy Steven Cox

Left: An early step in the restoration process was lifting the building and replacing the foundation.

Staff Photo

Harrison Marks was selected as the new Executive Director of the Coastal Land Trust.

Staff Photo DIRECTOR continued on page 4

MAIN OFFICE

3 Pine Valley Drive Wilmington, NC 28412 (910) 790-4524

HARRISON MARKS

Executive Director ext. 2060 harrison@CoastalLandTrust.org

JESICA C. BLAKE

Associate Director and Director of Stewardship and Community Conservation ext. 2030 jesica@CoastalLandTrust.org

STEPHANIE BORRETT

Director of Donor Relations ext. 2090 stephanie@CoastalLandTrust.org

MARLO BROOKS

Director of Finance and Administration ext. 2040 marlo@CoastalLandTrust.org

MELLISSA DIONESOTES Land and Stewardship Manager ext. 2300 mellissa@CoastalLandTrust.org

SYDNEY GARDNER Office Manager ext. 2080 sydney@CoastalLandTrust.org

KENNETH J. LINGERFELT GIS Specialist/Stewardship Associate ext. 2070 kenneth@CoastalLandTrust.org

ERIC VREELAND

Director of Strategic Advancement ext. 2100 eric@CoastalLandTrust.org

LAURA WILSON Development Officer ext. 2010 laura@CoastalLandTrust.org

BRYCE THOLEN Resilience Corps NC Member Environmental Educator and Volunteer Coordinator ext. 2020 resiliencecorps@CoastalLandTrust.org

MADDIE WOODARD

Resilience Corps NC Member Stewardship and Community Conservation Coordinator ext. 2020 maddie@CoastalLandTrust.org

MIDCOAST OFFICE

JANICE L. ALLEN Director of Land Protection 3301-G Trent Road New Bern, NC 28562 (252) 634-1927 janice@CoastalLandTrust.org

NORTHEAST OFFICE

LEE L. LEIDY Northeast Regional Director Attorney at Law 410 E. Main St., Ste. 204 Elizabeth City, NC 27909 (252) 335-9495 lee@CoastalLandTrust.org

ADDITIONAL CONTACT

LENA AUSTIN O’NEAL Springer’s Point Preserve Steward Lena.ONeal@nccat.org

A NOTE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Exciting journeys sometimes lead to unexpected destinations! When the need arose to have an interim leader at the Coastal Land Trust in September 2022, I was happy to step in thinking of it as a little adventure, a brief interlude in a happy and enjoyable life of retirement. In fact, it was my wife Suzie who encouraged me to raise my hand for that temporary role. What happened over the next five months was a rediscovery of the satisfaction and pleasure that comes from accomplishing important goals and working with a great group of people including the Coastal Land Trust staff, you, our donors, landowners, and other supporters.

I am blessed to have a partner who recognized how much fun I was having. With her encouragement, I approached the Coastal Land Trust Board explaining my change of heart and I am so gratified by the Board’s decision to offer me the position of Executive Director.

Last year ended with several exciting additions to the lands we have conserved and several additional projects are in the works. Our Environmental Educational outreach program expanded significantly this year, and the final phase of the Reaves Chapel restoration is underway. None of which

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President

Hal Kitchin Wilmington, NC

Merrie Jo Alcoke New Bern, NC

Bernest Hewett Bolivia, NC

Yoshi Newman, Ph.D. Greenville, NC

would be possible without your support.

There are few things in life one can do to make a permanent difference in the world, and conserving land is one of them.

Vice President

Laurie McComas King Wilmington, NC

Linda Pearsall Raleigh, NC

Chad Pearson Wilmington, NC

Dr. Stan Riggs Greenville, NC

Your gifts and contributions help make land conservation possible throughout the coastal plain. Thank you for your support, and please spread the word about the importance of the work we do.

Vice President and Secretary

Bob Emory New Bern, NC

Ann Cary Simpson Chapel Hill, NC

Cheryl Bradley Smith Pine Knoll Shores, NC

Mary Tillery Chapel Hill, NC

Treasurer

Nick Parker

Wilmington, NC

Robert Wells

Kitty Hawk, NC

George Wood Kill Devil Hills, NC

Harrison and Suzie Marks spending time in their favorite environment – in sight of the coast.

Contributed Photo

IN REMEMBRANCE: BETH STEELMAN

Beth Steelman, Development Officer for the Coastal Land Trust, passed away in March.

A trusted colleague, dear friend, and invaluable mentor, Beth is sorely missed.

Beth was a lifelong Girl Scout (having earned the Gold Award without ever camping in the woods!) She lived her life staying true to the Girl Scout Promise in everything she did. She lived a life of service, with a large side of adventure.

Beth became involved with the Coastal Land Trust 21 years ago when she and her family protected their Pender County land with a conservation agreement. A true conservationist at heart, Beth knew if she didn’t take action, their land would be lost to development. Because of her and her family’s efforts, those 140 acres are protected forever. But that was just the beginning.

Beth served the Coastal Land Trust as a board member from 2004 - 2010, providing leadership and guidance to the organization stemming from her long career in journalism and the nonprofit sector. After stepping down from the Board, Beth continued to serve the

Coastal Land Trust by joining the development staff in 2010. She served in this role until her death this Spring.

This wise, witty woman taught our team a great deal about communication, nonprofit fundraising, and donor stewardship. She was good at it because she was good with people. Her vast experience, which she shared generously, has been essential to the Coastal Land

Trust’s success. And Beth produced the best darn newsletter the Coastal Land Trust has ever had.

She had an adventurous spirit and traveled the world – in fact, she and her husband Ben visited all seven continents. Whether in Antarctica or Henry’s Restaurant for Sunday Brunch, Beth could make anything a joyous occasion and her laugh would light up the room.

Beth valued relationships and never met a person she wouldn’t talk to. She cared deeply about her friends and family and about her community. She was a fierce spirit with a gentle kindness that never wavered. She never missed an opportunity to share stories about her children and grandchildren and show pictures from her most recent trips with Ben.

Beth made the world a better place through her kindness, curiosity, service, and commitment to people and to conservation. Beth always said this was the perfect “almost retirement” job for her. It might have been the perfect job for her; we know she was the perfect team member for us. We are deeply saddened to lose her.

RESILIENCE CORPS SNEAK PEEK

By Maddie Woodard

After graduating from UNCW, I was in search of a unique experience that could add to my resume. I discovered AmeriCorps and drove out to Montana to serve with the Montana Conservation Corps. Having enjoyed my six-month service term focused on invasive species removal, I applied to be a part of Resilience Corps NC, managed by Conservation Trust for North Carolina, and have enjoyed every part of the journey.

Resilience Corps members serve in fields like environmental education, eco-literacy, community conservation, and environmental stewardship. My work with the Coastal Land Trust has enabled me to become involved in community conservation projects such as the restoration of Reaves Chapel and spend time in the field monitoring conservation easements.

In addition to the experience I am gaining at the Coastal Land Trust, Resilience Corps provides

professional and personal development opportunities. I have been working towards an Environmental Educators certificate, a program through the North Carolina Office of Environmental Education. This process entails lectures, instructional workshops, and in-person teaching. Recently, I attended a class called “Community Science After Dark,” with fellow Resilience Corps member Bryce Tholen, where we learned about different species of bats and frogs, and later explored the grounds of Carolina Beach State Park surveying for them.

Using an Echo Meter (a device used for detecting bat echolocation and frog calls), we spent the night getting to experience how biologists use this technique for surveying and monitoring in the real world.

Experiences like this are just part of what it means to be a Resilience Corps member. If you are looking to gain experience and establish a strong professional network while meeting cool people, I encourage you to join!

A conservationist, landowner, former board member, colleague, and dear friend, Beth will be deeply missed.

Photo by Shelagh Clancy

Maddie uses an Echo Meter to survey for wildlife calls.

Contributed Photo

REAVES continued from page 1

The bell tower has been repaired and placed back atop the Chapel. The original stained-glass windows were restored and are now reinstalled, with protective plexiglass, on the front of the Chapel. The exterior is complete.

What’s Next for Reaves Chapel

The project is entering the final phase including completion of the interior. A restroom facility, consisting of two ADA-accessible, climate-controlled stalls will be located separately from the main Chapel. A U-shaped gravel drive will be installed to facilitate one-way traffic around the building. It will provide access to nine paved parking spaces, two of which will be ADA-accessible spaces with access to a ramp and the pathway to the restrooms.

Native plants will be featured throughout the property, especially in the front to create a natural barrier from the road and create a pleasant experience for future

DIRECTOR, continued from page 1

in several divisions of the company. He went on to serve as Executive Director of Sound Rivers, overseeing the merger of the Pamlico-Tar River Foundation and Neuse River Foundation.

Harrison was an active member of the Coastal Land Trust’s Finance Committee for many years before joining the board of directors in 2021. He took a leave of absence from the board when he stepped into the Interim role. These past several months, he led the organization through the completion of a new Strategic Plan and built strong relationships with the staff, board, partners, and key supporters of the organization.

“Harrison did an outstanding job serving as Interim Executive Director,” said Hal Kitchin, President of the Board of Directors. “He possesses a unique combination of leadership, management, and personal skills that will serve him well as Executive Director. He is the right person to lead the organization as we celebrate 30 years of protecting the lands we all love.”

“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working with Harrison for many years. He has a deep appreciation for the region, a love of the land and nature, and all of the skills needed to help the organization succeed now and into the future,” said Camilla Herlevich, founder and retired Executive Director of the Coastal Land Trust. “Harrison is one of the kindest and most insightful persons I’ve ever met. I’m confident everyone connected with the Coastal Land Trust will be inspired by his leadership.”

NATURE TRIVIA

visitors. Lilies that were growing in front of the Chapel prior to the restoration process have been kept in a greenhouse and will be replanted in the flower beds at the conclusion of the project, preserving one more element of the Chapel’s history. We intend to transfer the property to the NC Department of Cultural and Natural Resources to be managed as a State Historic Site. The chapel may one day be open for visitors to learn the previously untold stories of the local community and experience an important piece of history. The Town of Navassa also has plans for a seven-mile greenway connecting important Gullah Geechee historical sites, with Reaves Chapel as the northern anchor site and running to the proposed Moze Cultural Heritage Center.

We estimate the final phase of the project will be complete in 2023, with the exact date dependent on the length of the permit process and the success of current fundraising efforts. To learn more or support the completion of this project, visit www.CoastalLandTrust.org/Reaves

The Good Vine

If you happen upon a vine in the woods with a showy and elaborate purplish/white flower, it is likely a passionflower (Passiflora incarnata). This flower can be found on the Everett Creek Preserve in Onslow County and often has Gulf fritillary butterflies feeding on it. Please consider planting passionflower in your garden, a good native vine and pollinator plant that attracts not only butterflies but bees, bats, and hummingbirds!

Answer on page 7

Approximately how many acres has the Coastal Land Trust conserved and transferred to local or state governments that are open for public access?

A. Almost 5,000 acres

B. About 10,500 acres

C. Nearly 19,000 acres

A view of the restored stained-glass windows from inside the chapel.

Staff Photo

Staff Photo

SAVING THE LANDS YOU LOVE AT THE COAST

UNPLUG, GO OUTSIDE, BREATHE!

By Laura Wilson, CLT staff

The benefits of being outdoors in nature are infinite, no matter your age, what you do for work, or where you live. It’s well known that health and well-being improve by getting outside. Being outside offers the chance to unplug from screens, to-do lists, and daily distractions and encourages us to slow down, breathe, and experience a sense of peace.

These benefits start with the ability to access natural spaces of the world around us. That is why expanding public access is a key part of the Coastal Land Trust’s new strategic plan. We aim to provide a variety of recreational opportunities in the coastal plain. You may enjoy hiking or kayaking or maybe you just like to sit quietly and observe from a bench in the shade of an oak tree. But one thing we might all agree upon is how you feel when you smell the fresh air, feel the warm sun on your skin, and hear the leaves rustling in the wind.

Visiting places the Coastal Land Trust has protected, such as Springer’s Point Preserve on Ocracoke Island, is sure to bring about renewed health and spirit. Someone told me when I moved here that you can’t learn about the area until you see it by way of water. To that end, places such as Salter’s Creek in Carteret County or Keel

Creek in Bertie County may be just what you need.

Or if historic preservation piques your interest, you can visit the Currituck Lighthouse in Corolla or Island Farm in Manteo. Don’t forget to visit Navassa to see updates on the restoration of Reaves Chapel as well – it’s come so far.

As much as the solitude of nature is beneficial, we are innately social beings. Going

for a walk, paddle, or picnic with family or friends are also great ways to experience the benefits of public access to nature. You can do all of these activities at Brunswick Nature Park and Latham Whitehurst Nature Park in Craven County.

The Coastal Land Trust has saved a lot of incredible natural areas over the past 30 years to create opportunities for people to get out and explore the land, and we are excited about opportunities to come.

Brunswick Nature Park offers lots to do, including hiking and biking trails and paddling on Town Creek.

Staff Photo

The trails at Springer’s Point Preserve offer unparalleled views of Pamlico Sound.

Staff Photo

FUNDING PARTNERS

$25,000 – $100,000 +

$10,000 – $24,999

CEDAR HILL WEST BANK HERITAGE FOUNDATION

$2,500 – $9,999

THE SAXER FAMILY FOUNDATION

‘SUPPORT FROM THE RICHARD CHAPMAN CLEVE FUND A component of the North Carolina Community Foundation

EDDIE AND JO ALLISON SMITH FAMILY FOUNDATION, INC.

$1,000 – $2,499

CLARK PROPERTIES OF OCRACOKE, LLC

$500 – $999

• Bug-N-A-Rug Exterminators

• Carol Sue Blueberry Farm

• Carolina Colours

• Cheerwine

• Cothran Harris Architecture

• Craven Physical Therapy and Spine, Inc.

POINT CLAN, LLC

• Duke Energy Corporation PAC

• Dunn, Pittman, Skinner & Ashton, PLLC

• EarthShare NC

• Ebenconcepts, Inc.

• First Benefits Insurance Mutual

• Geological Resources, Inc.

CAPE FEAR SECURITIES

PERRY FARMS OF COLERAIN INC.

• Kennedy Office Supplies

• Kirkman, Whitford, Brady, Berryman & Gordon, PA

• Lance Snacks

• Lazy Weekends Yard Care Services, LLC

• Liberty Petroleum

• Orton Longleaf

AIR-CALL COMMUNICATIONS

• Republic Brands

• The Oleander Company, Inc.

• The Wonderful Company

• Think Tech Advisors

• Thomas, Judy & Tucker PA

• Window Ninjas

• zenWTR

HANDS-ON ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

It was a busy spring for the Coastal Land Trust’s environmental education programs. In March and April, our AmeriCorps member Bryce Tholen worked with 720 students from 12 schools across New Hanover, Brunswick, and Onslow counties. The educational programs cover pollination and flower structure, carnivorous plants and habitat adaptations, and longleaf pine ecology and history. Each lesson utilizes live examples and hands-on activities to create a memorable learning experience.

During a recent visit to Town Creek Elementary in Winnabow, Coastal Land Trust staff taught 3rd-grade students about the process of pollination. Students learned to identify flower structures and their purpose, the role of pollinators in different ecosystems, and the threats faced by pollinators. This learning is accomplished through activities, group discussions, and observing live examples. At the end of the lesson, students received small biodegradable seed pots and planted flower seeds, allowing students to observe the germination process at home and help support their local pollinators.

In mid-April, the Coastal Land Trust held Pollinator Palooza, with workshops for more than 200 students. Similar to the program at Town Creek described above, these workshops aim to help students make the connection between pollination and the food we all enjoy. Students decorated their own clay pots and planted seeds inside. Students then received their

choice of basil or pink charmer tomato seedling that would be planted in a separate peat pot. We also give students pollinator journals to encourage them to continue learning while at home!

NATURE TRIVIA ANSWER

from page 4 o

Answer: C. Coastal Land Trust has conserved nearly 19,000 acres that were transferred to local or state governments to be managed as public nature parks, game lands, or natural areas.

In the coming months, the Coastal Land Trust will transfer property along Brice’s Creek to Craven County to become a public nature park.

Fall 2023

Volunteer Days

First Saturdays

Details and sign up online and through eNews

Fall 2023

Annual Celebration

Location and date TBD

Check CoastalLandTrust.org/events for the most up-to-date details and events!

ACRES PROTECTED

With Your Help, the Coastal Land Trust has saved 85,289.30 acres of land.

CoastalLandTrust.org/donate

Above: Elementary school students in Onslow County study a pitcher plant.

Staff Photo

Right: Students planted flower seeds and tomatoes as part of a lesson on pollinators.

Staff Photo

Staff Photo

SCRAPBOOK

Work on Wilmington | Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden | Wilmington | April 22, 2023

A DAY IN THE GARDEN

Volunteers take a quick break from laying new pavers to pose for a group photo. They had to work quickly because a downpour was imminent!

Staff Photo

Land Stewardship

Piney Ridge Nature Preserve Wilmington | April 2023

LONG LEAF FOREVER

A recently planted longleaf pine seedling takes root. It will stay in the grass-stage for several years while its root system develops underground.

Love Your Land Hike | Everett Creek Preserve | Onslow County | February 11, 2023

A NICE DAY FOR A HIKE

Board member

Laurie McComas

King and her daughter were among the terrific turnout for the Love Your Land hike in February.

Staff Photo

Environmental Education | Onslow County | April 2023

PLANT PERFECT

A student shows off her decorated flower pot and pink charmer tomato plant.

Staff Photo

DIG DEEP

A student fills his newly decorated pot with soil in preparation to plant pollinatorfriendly flowers.

Staff Photo

Staff Photo

SCRAPBOOK

21st Annual PMG Holt C-Store Golf Tournament | Country Club of Landfall | April 3, 2023

TEE TIME

Left: Employees from PMG/Holt C-Stores – Casey, Anoush, Tricia, Bill, Becky, Adnan, and Nicole – were a key part of another successful golf tournament. This year’s tournament raised more than $86,000. We are so grateful for their continuing support of this annual tradition!

Below: Teams enjoy a beautiful day on the golf course.

Staff Photos

Northeast Cape Fear River | Pender County | April 2023

CYPRESS

SILENCE

GIS

Specialist Kenneth Lingerfelt snapped this photo while monitoring a conservation property along the Northeast Cape Fear River.

The dark, tea-colored water is a unique feature of the slow-moving waters that meander through cypress trees, soaking up tannins from leaves and other organic matter.

Sarah Brazil, Coastal Land Trust Stewardship Associate, poses for a photo with Michelle Ly from the Nature Conservancy. Sarah, a certified Wildland Fire Fighter, assisted with a prescribed burn on a partner conservation property in Brunswick County.

Photo courtesy The Nature Conservancy