ELEVATING ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
The next generation of coastal conservation champions has a powerful ally. Bryce Tholen, our Environmental Education Coordinator and Stewardship Assistant, recently earned his Environmental Education Certification from the NC Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs - a distinguished credential that marks a new chapter in our educational outreach.
This certification represents more than just passing a test. To earn it, Bryce completed 200 hours of specialized training, covering everything from local ecology and ecosystem processes to innovative teaching methods for diverse learners. “Understanding different teaching methods was a wonderful aspect of this training,” Bryce shared, highlighting how
the program has enhanced his ability to connect with students of all learning styles.
Bryce’s journey with the Coastal Land Trust began in 2021 when he joined us as an AmeriCorps NC Resilience Corps Member, fresh from earning his Environmental Science degree at UNC Wilmington. His passion for education was evident from day one - he immediately began pursuing his certification while serving with AmeriCorps. After two successful years of service, we were thrilled to bring him on as our first full-time Environmental Education Coordinator.
The impact has been remarkable. Under Bryce’s leadership, our education program has expanded significantly over EDUCATION, continued on page 6
GETTING CLOSER TO SAVING THE SOUTH END OF TOPSAIL ISLAND
We are excited to share a major update on our efforts to permanently protect the South End of Topsail Island, one of the last undeveloped coastal treasures in North Carolina. As of early November, we have secured an incredible $4.5 million in grant funding to help make this project a reality! We are awaiting the outcome of one final grant, with a decision expected in early December.
In addition to these generous grants, more than $1.2 million has been raised from over 650 private donors, all of whom are passionate about preserving this unique and unspoiled habitat. However, there is still work to be done. We need additional private contributions by the end of the year to meet our $1.6 million fundraising goal to purchase the South End.
continued on page 5
Whether guiding 800 curious visitors at Flytrap Frolic or inspiring a classroom of 15 young students, Bryce Tholen pours his heart into every moment of the Coastal Land Trust’s environmental education program.
Beachcombing, birdwatching, fishing...no matter how you connect to the South End, our campaign to permanently protect this special place for generations to come is gaining momentum.
Photo credit: Gavin Shwahla
TOPSAIL,
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 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
FLOYD PEARSALL
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 and Communications Specialist 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 VICE PRESIDENT
Dear Members and Friends,
It is an honor to serve as Vice President of the Board of the Coastal Land Trust. As a long-time supporter of conservation and environmental stewardship, I am excited to be part of this incredible organization at such a pivotal time. Since joining the Board in 2020, I have witnessed firsthand the passion and dedication of our team, members, and partners. Together, we’ve made significant strides in protecting North Carolina’s coast, and I look forward to building on that momentum.
Our current projects, like the “Save the South End” campaign and the restoration of historic Reaves
Chapel, are wonderful examples of what we can achieve together. I’m also thrilled to welcome new Board
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Merrie Jo Alcoke New Bern, NC
Lorrie Basnight Greenville, NC
Lorrie Basnight Greenville, NC
Bob Emory Wilmington, NC
Bernest Hewett Bolivia, NC
Ken Hines Wilmington, NC
Hannah Holt New Bern, NC
Laurie McComas King Wilmington, NC
Nick Parker Wilmington, NC
Chad Pearson Wilmington, NC
Bill Rich Ocracoke, NC
members who bring fresh energy and ideas to our mission.
In this issue, you’ll read about Bryce’s achievement of earning his Environmental Education Certification, a spotlight on the endangered Red-Cockaded Woodpecker, and some of the exciting ways you can continue to support our work. I’m optimistic about the future and all we can accomplish in the coming year!
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Bob Emory Vice President, Coastal Land Trust Board of Directors
Ann Cary Simpson Chapel Hill, NC
Cheryl Bradley Smith Pine Knoll Shores, NC
Mary Tillery Chapel Hill, NC
Ken Hines Wilmington, NC
Bernest Hewett Bolivia, NC
Hal Kitchin Wilmington, NC
Yoshi Newman, Ph.D. Greenville, NC
Dr. Stan Riggs Greenville, NC
Brian Rubino Kitty Hawk, NC
SAVE THE DATE
Volunteer Day Reaves Chapel December 7
Open Hike Day
Everett Creek Preserve December 21
CLT offices closed Dec. 24 through Jan. 1, 2025
Volunteer Day East Arcadia January 4, 2025
Open Hike Day
Everett Creek Preserve January 18, 2025
Volunteer Day
Pam Watkins Wilmington, NC
Brunswick Nature Park February 1, 2025
Red Beans and Bluegrass
Wrightsville Beach Brewery February 2, 2025
Open Hike Day
Everett Creek Preserve February 15, 2025
Volunteer Day Reaves Chapel March 1, 2025
THE COASTAL LAND TRUST WELCOMES NEW DIRECTORS TO THE BOARD
Bill Rich Ocracoke, NC
Bill was born in Bethlehem PA and moved with his family to Hyde County, NC when he was 12. His family farmed considerable acreage of black organic soil, eventually starting a small chain of fast-food restaurants called Farm Boys.
Bill completed his undergraduate degree at UNC-CH in 1972 and helped his brothers open The Rich Company real estate firm in Washington, NC which specialized in selling and managing farmland in northeastern NC. Among their extensive partnerships, Bill and his brothers took on the management of the 35,000-acre Mattamuskeet Farms for John Hancock Insurance.
Cheryl Bradley Smith Pine Knoll Shores, NC
Cheryl is returning to the Coastal Land Trust Board after a one-year hiatus. She is National Accounts Manager at Armstrong World Industries. Her business career includes stints as Vice President for Strategic Planning at Hatteras Yachts and Director for Client and Market Development at NCSU’s Industry Expansion Partnership.
Bill has been involved in many ventures in northeastern NC and has also served as the Hyde County manager for five years. Bill and his wife Jennifer have been residents of Ocracoke Island for the last 18 years, are longtime supporters of the Coastal Land Trust, and love eastern North Carolina, especially Hyde County.
NATURE
TRIVIA
Answer on page 8
Which freshwater turtle species is highly prized by poachers for the pet trade? A. Snapping turtle B. Spotted turtle C. Yellow-bellied slider
UPCOMING EVENTS
Scan the QR code for the most up-to-date land trust events
She is Chairperson of the Parks and Recreation Committee for the Town of Pine Knoll Shores and is active in the National Charity League having served as its President. She is a member of the state-wide Youth & Government Advisory Board, also serves on the Parent Advisory Committee, and is President of the Academic Booster Club at West Carteret High School. Cheryl has served two previous stints on the Board of Directors of the Coastal Land Trust. She graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in marketing and accounting and received her MBA from Wake Forest.
NEW FACES AT THE COASTAL LAND TRUST
2024-2025 Resilience Corps Members
Floyd Pearsall
Environmental Education Coordinator
Resilience Corps NC Member
A Wilmington local, Floyd grew up wandering around the Cape Fear. They are known to enjoy a low country boil, playing music with their family and friends, and climbing the oak trees at Fort Fisher. In December of 2023, Floyd graduated from Warren Wilson College with a History and Political Science major and minor in Childhood Development. After 5 years in the mountains, Floyd has returned to Wilmington with a passion for education and community, and eager to work once again with the Coastal Land Trust as an AmeriCorps member to pursue their passion for education and community.
Lauren Waibel
Stewardship and Volunteer Coordinator
Resilience Corps NC Member
Lauren is returning to the Coastal Land Trust for a second service term this year! During her first service year, she managed a wide variety of volunteer events, the most attended being the Reaves Chapel Cemetery Cleanup Day. Lauren is looking forward to the completion of Reaves Chapel’s restoration and its dedication in 2025, the conclusion of a project she feels lucky to have been a part of. This year, she hopes to connect more people to this special place during upcoming volunteer opportunities at Reaves Chapel.
FUNDING PARTNERS
$25,000 – $100,000 +
THE SAXER FAMILY FOUNDATION
$10,000 – $24,999
CEDAR HILL WEST BANK HERITAGE FOUNDATION
$2,500 – $9,999
$1,000 – $2,499
CLARK PROPERTIES OF OCRACOKE, LLC
$500 – $999
• Alani Nu
• Armstrong World Industries, Inc
• Carol Sue Blueberry Farm
• Cheerwine
• The Country Club of Landfall
• Duke Energy Corporation PAC
• Dunn, Pittman, Skinner & Ashton, PLLC
• EarthShare NC
• Hunt Brothers Pizza
• Lunch Box Sandwiches
• Wild Bird and Garden POINT CLAN, LLC
• Charles K. McCotter Attorney at Law
• Murchison, Taylor & Gibson, PLLC
• Orton Longleaf
• PRIME
• Resource Management Systems, LLC
• Quest Transport
• The Oleander Company, Inc.
EDDIE AND JO ALLISON SMITH FAMILY FOUNDATION, INC.
THE FINAL PHASE OF REAVES CHAPEL RESTORATION UNDERWAY
The final phase of the Reaves Chapel restoration is officially underway! After five years of dedication and hard work, this historic chapel in Navassa, built between 1860 and 1880 by formerly enslaved Gullah Geechee laborers, is on track to be fully restored in the coming months.
Launched in September, the final phase includes completion of the building’s interior, construction of an external restroom facility, installation of a pervious driveway and parking spaces, and thoughtful landscaping. The landscaping plan features native plants and the cherished lilies that have been nurtured in a greenhouse since the project began in 2019. The Coastal Land Trust is still fundraising for this project to get it across the finish line.
This project holds deep significance for the local community and for all who have supported the Coastal Land Trust’s efforts to preserve this important piece of African American heritage. We are looking forward to hosting the dedication and ribbon cutting in early 2025.
We are excited to see Reaves Chapel remain a cherished landmark and educational resource for generations to come.
This stretch of land—home to sea turtles, shorebirds, and rare coastal plants—is truly irreplaceable and we are on the cusp of saving it for future generations. With your continued support we can secure this precious coastal land forever.
To learn more or to make a donation, scan the QR code to the right.
You can help us reach 100,000 acres protected.
FOOD FOR THE ROAD
Monarch butterflies enjoy feeding on some native Rice button aster (Symphyotrichum durmosum) before making their way to Mexico for the winter.
Photo credit: Eric Hoffman
TOPSAIL continued from page 1
After 5 years of dedicated work, the restoration of Reaves Chapel is nearing completion.
RARE AND REMARKABLE: A SPECIAL BIRD OF THE SOUTHERN COASTAL PINE FOREST
Take a walk through North Carolina’s coastal forests, and you might hear a distinctive tap-tap-tap echoing through the pines. While our coast is famous for its shorebirds and waterfowl, one of our most fascinating residents is actually a woodpeckerthe federally endangered red-cockaded woodpecker (Dryobates borealis), a species that calls our mature pine forests home.
Despite their name suggesting a flashy appearance, red-cockaded woodpeckers (RCWs) are mostly black and white, with only males sporting a small red streak on each side of their head. This “cockade” is quite challenging to see in the field which makes identifying them difficult. About the size of a familiar backyard robin, these woodpeckers are often mistaken for their cousins, the downy or hairy woodpeckers. Looks aside, there’s so much more to these feathered friends. RCWs tend to live in groups consisting of a breeding pair and up to four of their offspring that act as “helpers” for raising the next generation. This cooperative breeding system is so rare that scientists estimate less than 10% of bird species worldwide practice it (Cockburn 2006).
What is truly remarkable about RCWs is that they only nest in mature (60 - 100-year-old) longleaf pines. They are also the only North American woodpecker to excavate their cavities in live pine trees (vs. dead ones). Mature longleaf pine trees, and often those with red heart disease - a fungus that softens the inner core of a mature
longleaf pine tree - are preferred because the softer inner wood of the tree is much easier to excavate for a nesting cavity. These trees are also preferred because of their fire resistance and the sticky pine resin that drips out the cavity, keeping predators like snakes away.
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it takes a family about 1-3 years to dig out a pine tree cavity in longleaf pines.
The story of the red-cockaded woodpecker is intimately tied to the fate of our longleaf pine forests. While these magnificent forests once covered approximately 90 million acres across the Southeast, today only 5% remains. But there’s hope! Conservation organizations like NCCLT, The Nature Conservancy, the U.S. Forest Service, and the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, are working not only to protect these forests but also to restore and manage these forests with thinning and/or prescribed fire. In addition, some organizations are constructing artificial cavities designed specifically for RCW nests and installing them in live, mature longleaf pines to support successful colonization of RCW groups to new areas.
Want to discover more about these fascinating birds and their natural habitat? Grab your phone and scan the QR code to the right. You’ll learn how fire-maintained longleaf pine forests create the perfect home for these remarkable woodpeckers, and how our conservation work is helping secure their future.
EDUCATION, continued from page 1
the past three years, reaching more schools and communities across our service area. From leading engaging classroom sessions to conducting field trips and organizing community events like Flytrap Frolic, Bryce brings conservation education to life for young learners.
Students at a New Hanover County elementary school learned all about pollinators and had some good ole’ fashion fun in the dirt by making their own native plant garden.
Above: John Carpenter of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission helps red-cockaded woodpeckers by installing a nesting box into a longleaf pine at Gales Creek Preserve.
Left: An endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.
Photo credit: Don Mullaney
Above: Growing the Croatan StoryMap
’TIS THE SEASON: SMART WAYS TO SUPPORT COASTAL CONSERVATION
Looking to make a lasting impact on coastal conservation while being financially savvy? As year-end approaches, many of our supporters ask about the different ways they can help advance our mission while maximizing their charitable giving.
Whether you’re considering a simple donation or exploring more strategic giving options, we’ve compiled this guide to help you make an informed decision.
The Simplest Path to Impact:
• Write a check or donate online: coastallandtrust.org/donate
• Set up monthly recurring donations to spread your impact throughout the year
For those considering larger gifts, several tax-advantaged options can help you make an even bigger difference:
Appreciated Stock
Giving appreciated stock is an effective way to make charitable donations. Publicly traded stock that has been owned by the donor for more than a year can be transferred directly from an individual’s personal account to the Coastal Land Trust, and the donor generally will not have to pay capital gains tax on the amount the stock has appreciated. The donation can be deductible if the donor itemizes deductions when filing their income tax.
Qualified Charitable Distribution from an IRA
Many donors have money in an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Once an individual reaches age 70.5, the IRA account holder is eligible to use money from their IRA to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) each year. A QCD is made by having the IRA custodian send funds directly to an eligible charity. Since the account holder is not receiving the money, the QCD is not included in an individual’s adjusted gross income (AGI) and no taxes are due on the distribution.
Individuals who have reached the age where they are required to take a minimum distribution from their IRA each year find QCD’s can be a tax-smart way to make their required distributions, especially if they do not find it advantageous to itemize deductions.
Donor Advised Funds
Finally, individuals who are in their highest earning years may want to consider creating a donor advised charitable fund (DAF) with a community foundation or other financial institution. Typically, donations to a donor advised fund allow a person to take a tax deduction on the money going into the fund as a charitable gift now and the money can be given to various charities in years to come. DAFs provide donors with a flexible and tax-savvy method to support causes they care about.
However you give…
Your support of the Coastal Land Trust makes an immediate impact on our shared conservation mission. No matter how you give to the Coastal Land Trust, we thank you!
Please note, the Coastal Land Trust cannot provide specific advice on tax matters. Consult with a tax professional for further information.
COASTAL LAND TRUST STEWARDSHIP CORNER
A PARTNER IN THE FIELD
We have the best partners. When you meet John Rudolf in the field, you might see him as just one of our trusted surveyors. But as the owner of K2 Design Group, John has become an indispensable partner in our conservation mission. While his official role involves completing land surveys for our projects, his commitment to conservation extends far beyond the dotted lines on a map.
Time and again, John and his team volunteer their expertise beyond the basic survey work - marking boundary lines, guiding our stewardship staff through complex properties, and contributing to our Baseline Documentation. They offer these additional services without seeking extra compensation, simply because they believe in our mission.
When asked about his generous support, John typically deflects with a modest “happy to help.” But his actions speak volumes about his deep commitment to coastal conservation. Through his partnership, John isn’t just surveying land - he’s helping us preserve our coastal heritage for future generations.
John Rudolph is in his element with surveying equipment in hand and immersed in the natural beauty of North Carolina’s coastal plain. The only thing missing is a pair of waders!
SCRAPBOOK
Fire in the Pines Festival | Halyburton Park | Wilmington | October 2024
HANDS-ON LEARNING
NATURE TRIVIA ANSWER
Answer: B. The spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata) is declining in North Carolina and across its range for several reasons including habitat loss and degradation as well as poaching for the pet trade. Their docile nature and attractive markings make them sought after by collectors. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission includes the spotted turtle as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in the North Carolina Wildlife Action Plan.
from page 3
FIRE AND FUN
Two photos above: More than 1,200 visitors were captivated by the live fire demonstration, hayrides, crafts, and animals at this year’s festival. A joint effort between the Coastal Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy, NC Forest Service, and City of Wilmington, this year’s event was a big success!
Photo credit: Aris Harding
Two photos at right:
The Coastal Land Trust hosted field day activities leading up to Fire in the Pines Festival. Here, 5th graders gained handson experience learning about fire-dependent ecosystems and the process of prescribed burning.
Save The South End Fundraising Events | Pender
County | September and October 2024
OYSTERS AND BREWS FOR THE SOUTH END
From L to R: Brian and Kristy Hemenway (Surf City Brewing Company) gather with Cary and Myra Chappell (Ghost Fleet Oyster Co.) and Rachel and Cody Faison (Ghost Fleet Oyster Co.) at the Oyster Roast for the Coast fundraiser for the South End. They are joined by their love of local craft beer, oysters and passion for this special place.
VOLUNTEERS RAISE FUNDS FOR THE SOUTH END
Volunteers at October’s Autumn with Topsail Festival raised more than $10,000 for The Save the South End Campaign! From L to R: Suzie Marks, Nancy Patton, Roy Costa, Hope Longest, Michelle Rivest, John Alderson, and Harrison Marks.
4-STAR GENERAL SPEAKS TO A CROWD
A Conversation with Retired US Army 4-Star General Mike Scaparrotti attracted more than 100 engaged listeners at The Assembly Building in Topsail Beach. All were eager to learn about global security challenges the U.S. and its partners face while sharing the passion for saving the South End.
Photo credit: Penny Burrell
Rallying for Conservation | Providence, Rhode Island | September 2024
CONFERENCE INSPIRATION
Lizzie Barkley, Jesica Blake, and Harrison Marks gain new inspiration and knowledge after connecting with fellow land trust colleagues and experts at the national Land Trust Alliance conference.
Jesica also assumed a faculty role by facilitating the Conservation Easement Stewardship Round Table.
Photo credit: Nancy Patton
SCRAPBOOK
If you have ever wondered if Prickly pear cactus ( Opuntia sp.) was edible, just ask this Eastern box turtle who is enjoying a nice lunch at Topsail Beach. TOPSAIL COMMITTEE IS TOPS We are thankful to the Save the South End Volunteer Committee for their passion and dedication in seeing this beautiful place protected. Their organization of these benefits and on-theground grassroots fundraising has been invaluable to the success of this campaign. From L to R: Dick Burrell, Penny Burrell, William Snyder, Nancy Thomason, Hope Longest, Roy Costa, and Nancy Patton. Save The South End Fundraising Events Pender County | September and October 2024
