COASTLINES
PRESERVING PARADISE
TCAMPAIGN LAUNCHES TO SAVE THE SOUTH END
he southern portion of Topsail Beach, affectionately known as “The South End” or “The Point,” stands as a testament to the beauty of North Carolina’s coastline. This pristine 149+ acre property boasts over 1.6 miles of shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean, New Topsail Inlet, and Banks Channel. Here, amidst dunes, estuarine wetlands, and maritime shrub forests, an array of coastal wildlife finds refuge, from Loggerhead sea turtles to Wilson’s Plovers. Residents and visitors alike enjoy long walks along the undeveloped beach. The South End is unparalleled in coastal conservation values
and is currently unprotected from future residential development.
The urgency to conserve this natural treasure led the Coastal Land Trust to embark on an ambitious campaign. The Coastal Land Trust negotiated and signed a contract to purchase The South End, marking a pivotal step towards its permanent preservation. However, this endeavor comes with a daunting challenge –raising nearly $8 million by March 2025 through grant applications to state and federal funding programs, and a significant private fundraising campaign (see page 4 for information on how to contribute to this project).
The South End of Topsail Beach represents one of the last vestiges of undeveloped, privately-owned land on North Carolina’s barrier islands. Its protection depends on community support and, together with the support of the many individuals who love the South End, the Coastal Land Trust will ensure this ecological haven remains intact for generations to come.
Once the purchase is complete, the Coastal Land Trust plans to transfer the property to the State of North Carolina to be managed by the
TOPSAIL, continued on page 4
COASTAL LAND TRUST SURPASSES 90,000 ACRES PROTECTED
The Coastal Land Trust is thrilled to have protected a breathtaking 2,921-acre property in Hyde County, North Carolina. This significant achievement, completed in March, marks a momentous step forward in conservation efforts in coastal North Carolina. The property boasts an impressive 50 miles of waterfront spanning Abel, Spencer, and Rose Bays. Its diverse ecosystems include pristine coastal marshlands, pond pine woodlands, oak hammocks, and a 215-acre waterfowl impoundment, making it a haven for a wide array of wildlife species.
“We are excited to have protected this spectacular property, which serves as a vital habitat for coastal wildlife,” said Harrison Marks, Executive Director of the Coastal Land Trust.
Recognized by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program as one of the state’s premier areas for biodiversity and wildlife habitat, the property is home to numerous species of waterfowl and shorebirds, including the American Black Duck and a variety of sandpipers. It may also provide refuge for imperiled wildlife
Photo Credit: Wilton Wescott
An aerial view of the 2,921-acre Spencer Bay property looking out toward the Pamlico Sound.
Photo Credit: Mossy Oak Properites
MAIN OFFICE
3 Pine Valley Drive Wilmington, NC 28412 (910) 790-4524
HARRISON MARKS
Executive Director ext. 2060 harrison@CoastalLandTrust.org
LIZZIE BARKLEY Office & Event Coordinator ext. 2080 lizzie@CoastalLandTrust.org
JESICA C. BLAKE
Associate Director & Director of Stewardship / Community Conservation ext. 2030 jesica@CoastalLandTrust.org
MARY ANN BROUGHTON DANIEL Development Associate ext. 2090 maryann@CoastalLandTrust.org
MELLISSA DIONESOTES Land and Stewardship Manager ext. 2300 mellissa@CoastalLandTrust.org
KENNETH J. LINGERFELT Director of Land Protection ext. 2070 kenneth@CoastalLandTrust.org
JORDAN PILCHER
Environmental Education Coordinator Resilience Corps NC Member resilience@CoastalLandTrust.org
BRYCE THOLEN
Environmental Education Coordinator and Stewardship Assistant ext. 2020 bryce@CoastalLandTrust.org
ERIC VREELAND Director of Strategic Advancement ext. 2100 eric@CoastalLandTrust.org
LAUREN WAIBEL Stewardship and Volunteer Coordinator Resilience Corps NC Member stewardship@CoastalLandTrust.org
LAURA WILSON Development Officer ext. 2010 laura@CoastalLandTrust.org
MIDCOAST OFFICE
JANICE L. ALLEN Senior Advisor for Land Protection ext. 2040 janice@CoastalLandTrust.org
NORTHEAST OFFICE
LEE L. LEIDY Northeast Region 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
Dear Members and Friends,
Perhaps there have been more memorable times at the Coastal Land Trust, but current activities and accomplishments are among the most exciting in our history. This newsletter highlights the ongoing efforts to advance our mission, including the preservation of more than 2,900 acres of marsh and uplands in Hyde County and the announcement of the Save the South End campaign, our effort to permanently protect the 149+ acres at the bottom of Topsail Beach. That’s not all! We recently took an important step forward in a multiyear conservation partnership with the North Carolina Coastal Federation. This joint effort will protect and restore thousands of acres adjacent to the Croatan National Forest along the Newport River.
Some of the environmental outreach activities are also summarized, but it is hard to communicate the excitement felt by students, in the classroom or on field trips, who benefit from these programs.
Our staff and ResilienceCorps NC Members have had the joy of seeing eyes light up and minds expand as young people see firsthand the wonders of nature and the interconnectedness of life.
The land management activities on our preserves often go unheralded, yet the restorative work underway at places like our Bern Preserve (Craven County) and Island Creek Preserve (Jones County) helps return these lands to
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Hal Kitchin Wilmington, NC
Lorrie Basnight Greenville, NC
Bernest Hewett Bolivia, NC
Ken Hines Wilmington, NC
Hannah Holt Wilmington, NC
Jo Alcoke New Bern, NC
Laurie McComas King Wilmington, NC
Yoshi Newman, Ph.D. Greenville, NC
Chad Pearson Wilmington, NC
their natural condition, supporting a wider variety of native plants and wildlife.
And behind the scenes, staff continue to improve, strengthen, and expand our capacity. Existing staff have taken on new assignments, most notably Kenneth Lingerfelt assuming the role of Director of Land Protection, and we have welcomed a new Office and Event Coordinator, Lizzie Barkley. We have made important investments in technology and strengthened our financial management capabilities as well.
None of these accomplishments would have been possible without your continued financial support. Thank you for being part of this great mission: to enrich our state through conservation of natural areas and working landscapes, education, and the promotion of good land stewardship in our coastal communities.
In gratitude,
Harrison Marks Executive Director
Emory New Bern, NC
Dr. Stan Riggs Greenville, NC
Brian Rubino Kitty Hawk, NC
Ann Cary Simpson Chapel Hill, NC
Treasurer Nick Parker Wilmington, NC
Mary Tillery Chapel Hill, NC
Pam Watkins Wilmington, NC
Robert Wells Kitty Hawk, NC
Photo credit: Maddy Gray
NEW FACES
LIZZIE BARKLEY OFFICE & EVENT COORDINATOR
Lizzie Barkley was born and raised in Raleigh and grew up exploring all that North Carolina has to offer, including the mountains, the city, and the coast. She graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in Recreation Management and a Concentration in Outdoor Experiential Education.
Lizzie recently moved to Wilmington and is enthusiastic about all the city has to offer.
Prior to joining the Coastal Land Trust, Lizzie worked as the Operations Manager for High Gravity Adventures in Boone, NC. After many years in the outdoor recreation industry, she is excited to focus her passion for the outdoors towards saving the lands we love along the coast! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading fiction books, and kayaking in the marsh. Lizzie is excited to join the Coastal Land Trust team as the Office & Event Coordinator.
WELCOMING THIS SUMMER’S DUKE STANBACK FELLOW
LINGERFELT NAMED NEW DIRECTOR OF LAND PROTECTION
OWe are excited to have Meg Manning joining our team for the summer through the Duke University Stanback Fellowship Program. Originally from Seattle, WA, Meg moved to North Carolina to pursue a Master of Environmental Management at Duke University. Meg will graduate in the spring of 2025 with a concentration in Coastal and Marine Systems and Environmental Analytics and Modeling. Her undergraduate years were spent studying geoscience at Hamilton College. She is passionate about mitigating the effects of climate change through community engagement, promoting environmental stewardship, and building coastal resilience. When she’s not in school, Meg enjoys playing ultimate frisbee as part of the professional women’s team, Raleigh Radiance.
This summer Meg will be working on a project that will assess the climate change resiliency of select NCCLT preserves. Meg will also be joining members of the stewardship team in the field.
The Duke Stanback Fellowship Program is a partnership between the Nichols School of the Environment and non-profit environmental organizations that provides students with project-based learning experiences, made possible by the generous support of Fred and Alice Stanback. The Coastal Land Trust is honored to be a recipient organization since 2003.
n April 1st, Kenneth Lingerfelt, the Coastal Land Trust’s GIS Specialist and Land Stewardship Associate, began his new role as the Director of Land Protection. Kenneth’s knowledge of landscape scale issues of the NC coastal plain, his understanding of the opportunities and threats to land conservation in the region, and his known qualities of teamwork, integrity, leadership, and diligence made him the top choice to fill this critical position.
Since January 2022, Kenneth has worked closely with NCCLT’s longtime, highly respected outgoing Director of Land Protection, Janice Allen, helping prepare land protection plans and grant proposals. Janice has now assumed the role of Senior Advisor for Land Protection and will continue with the Coastal Land Trust at least through the end of the year. This extended transitory period provides time for Janice to share more of the knowledge and wisdom gained over her 26-year career at the Coastal Land Trust, providing assurance the organization’s ongoing land protection work will continue unabated.
Kenneth grew up exploring many of the wild spaces that North Carolina has to offer, from high elevation streams in the mountain region to the beaches and estuaries of the coastal plain. Those early moments of exploration were the foundation that would lead to a career dedicated to conservation. Prior to joining the Coastal Land Trust, Kenneth gained experience at several conservation organizations including Trout Unlimited, the National Park Service, and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC). During his time with the NCWRC, he was recognized as NCWRC Technician of the Year in 2018 for his work leading a field research team assessing the health of major cold-water drainages in western North Carolina. Kenneth grew up in Asheville and attended UNCA where he received his B.S. degree in Ecology and Field Biology in 2014.
Congratulations to Kenneth and welcome to this new role!
TOPSAIL continued from page 1
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management. The goal is to permanently protect the property and manage it in a way that balances conservation values and public use.
Tancred Miller, Director of the Division of Coastal Management has said, “We recognize the invaluable significance of conserving South Topsail Beach for its ecological importance and as a cherished community asset. We are committed to partnering with the Coastal Land Trust and other stakeholders to ensure the public benefits of preserving this pristine coastal gem.”
Learn more or donate in support of our campaign to Save The South End by scanning the QR code or visit CoastalLandTrust.org/topsailbeach.
THE CRUCIAL ROLE OF NATIVE PLANTS
Planting native flora is a crucial aspect of land conservation and, in doing so, we are contributing to the ecological health and resiliency of the coastal plain’s natural communities. Throughout April, the Coastal Land Trust’s environmental educators taught students throughout southeastern North Carolina about the vital role of native plants and pollinators in the coastal ecosystem through the Pollinator Palooza! program, part of the NC Science Festival. Native flora have evolved specifically for coastal North Carolina’s unique climate and soil conditions. When native flora are planted in the correct area and under the right conditions, they require less maintenance compared to non-native alternatives. These indigenous plants play a crucial role in attracting local pollinators and sustaining their populations. Furthermore, longleaf pines, live oaks, magnolias,
river birches, and other native tree species provide crucial habitat for a diverse array of wildlife in eastern North Carolina. Did you know that different native flowering plants attract specific pollinators? For example, coral honeysuckle vines are enticing to hummingbirds while Coastal Joe Pye weed produces a nectar that is preferred by butterflies. Swamp milkweed is another butterfly-friendly native, serving as a host for monarch butterfly larvae. If you are interested in supporting the ecosystem of coastal North Carolina, continue to research and explore the native plants that will be best suited for you and your yard!
and the
The beautiful Coral honeysuckle is a great native plant you can place in your garden to attract hummingbirds
Spring Azure butterfly.
Photo Credit: Tom Earnhardt
Together, we can preserve this view for future generations.
Topsail Photos Credit: Gavin Shwahla
LEFT: A Green anole shows off its dewlap (throat fan) in the maritime shrub forest, just one of the many coastal habitats at the South End.
RIGHT: An Atlantic ghost crab burrows in the sand to hide from predators.
THE HIDDEN EFFORTS BEHIND HOSTING A PARTY ON THE LAND
We love seeing our supporters out on the land and have heard from many of you that it is one of your favorite things. Being able to invite you to some of the places we’ve protected relies heavily on the advanced preparation our generous hosts and conservation landowners undertake. These special places are not typical event venues, and there are challenges to hosting a pop-up party in the outdoors where our supporters can experience the beauty of nature and the comfort of a party.
The ability to invite you out to conserved properties relies heavily on advanced preparation.
Landowners take a variety of steps to promote safety, prepare their space for holding event tents, provide electricity and lighting where no electricity usually exists, and contact neighbors to ensure they aren’t surprised by 100+ guests. Many of these properties need some road maintenance and field mowing as well. Additionally, our hosts often spend time coordinating deliveries and working with contractors.
Road work can be a big chore as many of our conservation properties have soil or dirt roads that are not always passable by passenger cars. An extensive amount of road work was needed last year for our Annual Celebration at Goose Landing, which is owned by the Davis Family. To access this beautiful property along the Cape Fear River, the road needed leveling and holes filled, the medians and sides of the road were heavily mowed, and in extreme instances, there was even road relocation.
SPENCER BAY , continued from page 1
such as the Eastern Black Rail and Northern Big-eared Bat, both federally listed as threatened species. Situated within the Swanquarter/Gull Rock Wetlands
Significant Natural Heritage Area, its expansive coastal marsh plays a crucial role in protecting inland areas from storms and helps sustain local fisheries that are important for the local economy.
After completing the purchase, the Coastal Land Trust transferred the property to the State of North Carolina to be managed by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission as part of the Gull Rock Game Land.
All of this just to bring people to the heart of the property!
Extra effort goes into providing meaningful experiences at our events such as the hayride and nature talk provided at the recent Mid-Coast Lawn Party at Foscue Plantation. Mr. Foscue and staff arranged for a new wagon and hay as well as the installation of a different hitch in order to pull folks around to see the property and learn more about its conservation values. Considerable time and money also went into eradicating fire ants on the portion of the property used for the Mid-Coast event, ensuring guests did not experience an unpleasant side of nature.
These are just a few examples of the extra expenses, energy, time, and resources landowners take on to get their land ready for your visit. We’re grateful these conservation
landowners continue to share their passion for the land by opening their properties for the Coastal Land Trust.
A conservation property’s access road that needs extra TLC before it is passable for event guests.
Former Board President and conservation landowner, the late John Thomas, prepares to take guests on a hayride adventure around Foscue.
The Spencer Bay property is a haven for waterfowl such as the Lesser Scaup.
Photo Credit: Walker Golder
FUNDING PARTNERS
$10,000 – $24,999
$2,500 – $9,999
$25,000 – $100,000 + $500 – $999
• Alani Nu
• Armstrong World Industries, Inc
• Balding Design and Build
• Dunn, Pittman, Skinner & Ashton, PLLC
• EarthShare NC
• Carol Sue Blueberry Farm
• Cheerwine
• The Country Club of Landfall
• Duke Energy Corporation PAC
• Ebenconcepts, Inc.
• Hunt Brothers Pizza
• Kirkman, Whitford, Brady, Berryman & Gordon, PA
• Lazy Weekends Yard Care Services, LLC
• Lunch Box Sandwiches
• Charles K. McCotter Attorney at Law
• Murchison, Taylor & Gibson, PLLC
$1,000 – $2,499 EDDIE AND JO ALLISON SMITH FAMILY FOUNDATION, INC. • Orton Longleaf • PRIME • Quest Transport
• The Oleander Company, Inc.
• Wild Bird and Garden
CELEBRATING A NATURAL CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP
In May of 2023, the Coastal Land Trust completed the first step in a multiyear conservation initiative with the purchase of 1,436 acres along the Newport River. This tract is adjacent to the Croatan National Forest and includes estuarine marsh, managed loblolly pine forest, coastal fringe evergreen forest, and bottomland hardwoods along four miles of the Newport River and Little Creek Swamp.
The Newport River is recognized as one of the most economically significant yet environmentally threatened oyster-growing estuaries in North Carolina. Given this, it was natural for our efforts to go beyond land protection and create a partnership focused on restoration. In April, the Coastal Land Trust transferred the property to the North Carolina Coastal Federation. The Coastal Federation will develop and implement a restoration plan for the property that will enhance water quality and shellfish habitat and reduce flooding in the Newport River Estuary. “We are enthusiastic about our partnership with Coastal Land Trust to secure, conserve, and restore this property along the Newport River,” said Braxton Davis, Executive Director of the Coastal Federation.
Work is just beginning on this multiyear initiative. The Coastal Land Trust is actively working with the Coastal Federation to acquire
additional tracts along the Newport River will further our joint conservation goals.
NATURE TRIVIA ANSWER
Answer: B. Seabeach amaranth (Amaranthus pumilus) is a federally threatened plant species native to Atlantic coast beaches in the United States (and occasionally found at Hutaff Island and The South End). This annual plant is often referred to as a “fugitive” plant species due to its seed dispersal strategy of releasing seeds that are carried by wind and water (tides) as if they were “on the run”. The presence of Seabeach amaranth is an indication of a healthy beach ecosystem and contributes to coastal resiliency by helping to bind the sand.
See the Fall 2023 issue of Coastlines for more about the Newport River project.
Photo of Seabeach amaranth by Dale Suiter, courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Photo Credit: Scott Pohlman
SCRAPBOOK
Pollinator Palooza! | Onslow, Pender, New Hanover, and Brunswick Counties | April 2024
POLLINATOR PALOOZA! PROGRAMMING
April’s month-long Pollinator Palooza! environmental education programming reached more than 236 students across 4 counties by way of classroom visits and field days. Here, students from Nature Connect enjoy a pollinator-themed field day at Abbey Nature Preserve.
Field
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN THE FIELD (AND FOREST)
This spring the Coastal Land Trust led classroom activities and many field trips to visit conservation properties, giving students an opportunity to get outside and learn about nature. One lesson we teach covers Longleaf pine ecosystems and the benefits of prescribed fire. “It was a wonderful experience for the teachers and students. We look forward to coming back next year,” said Ms. Frink, a teacher at a Brunswick County Elementary School.
Trips Galore | Brunswick Nature Park | Brunswick County | March 2024
Photos Credit: Nature Connect
Mid-Coast Lawn Party | Jones County | April 2024
Members of the Coastal Land Trust enjoyed great food, music, sunshine, lawn games, and hayrides during the Mid-Coast Lawn Party held at Foscue Plantation.
SPRING AT FOSCUE PLANTATION
ABOVE: Jim Foscue with Cheryl and Ronald Gerhardt enjoying the spring breeze just outside Foscue House.
LEFT: Steve Long, Foscue Plantation Board Member, fills the first hayride of the evening and shares his extensive knowledge of the property.
TOP LEFT: The suspense builds as Betsy Jutras takes her turn at Jenga.
WORK ON WILMINGTON
The 2024 class of Leadership Wilmington organized another successful Work on Wilmington, New Hanover County’s largest single day of volunteer service each year.
Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden | New Hanover County | April 2024
Photo
Credit: Gavin Shwahla
The early bird gets the worm, or in this case, the Willet catches the fish. See more photos of Topsail Beach on page 4.
SCRAPBOOK
LAWN FESTIVITIES
Members of the Coastal Land Trust enjoyed great food, music, sunshine, and hayrides during the Mid-Coast Lawn Party held at Foscue.
Carol and Todd Atwood, Hannah (NCCLT Board Member) and Stephanie Holt, and Executive Director Harrison Marks enjoy the suspense as the lawn games commence.
See more photos of the Mid-Coast Lawn Party on page 9.
Mid-Coast Lawn Party | Jones County April 2024
