Reaves Chapel Restoration Complete
A CELEBRATION OF HISTORY AND COMMUNITY
After years of dedication and hard work, the restoration of Reaves Chapel in Navassa is complete. This remarkable achievement preserves one of southeastern North Carolina’s most culturally significant African American landmarks, ensuring that its history and legacy remain alive for future generations.
The Coastal Land Trust and the Cedar Hill/West Bank Heritage Foundation partnered to restore
the Chapel, a structure built by formerly enslaved individuals just after the Civil War. Originally located along the Cape Fear River, Reaves Chapel was moved to its current site in 1911 by its congregation, using logs and oxen. For decades, it served as a place of worship and community gathering for the descendants of the Gullah Geechee people, whose history is deeply rooted in the rice plantations of the region. However, after years of exposure to the elements, the building had
fallen into disrepair, prompting a community-led effort to save the Chapel. The Coastal Land Trust became involved in 2015, purchased the property and undertook stabilization of the Chapel in 2019, and began major restoration work in 2021.
The restoration, completed in January 2025, included rebuilding the foundation, replacing damaged siding and flooring, installing a new roof, restoring
REAVES, cont’d. on page 6
Photo credit: Cassian Films
Dear Members and Friends,
A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT
As we step into summer, it is a great time to be outside in coastal North Carolina. The Coastal Land Trust has been busy saving more of the places that make this such a wonderful place to live.
At long last, the multi-year Reaves Chapel renovation was completed. The Dedication of the Chapel drew hundreds of people and was joyous.
We closed on the Hoggard’s Millpond land in Bertie County. This ecological gem helps mitigate flooding in the town of Windsor and will soon be opened to the public as a nature park. We protected an additional
585 acres along Newport River and transferred the property to the Coastal Federation as part of a largescale hydrological restoration effort along the river.
Last but certainly not least, we completed the purchase of the South End of Topsail Island, a once in a lifetime opportunity to save this undeveloped and ecologically significant site. This transaction was an all hands-on deck effort by the Coastal Land Trust staff and included raising more than $1.6 million in private funding. This is
truly an amazing piece of property.
During 2025, the Board of Directors is engaged in the development of a new fiveyear Strategic Plan. The effect of federal funding for land protection being in such a state of flux will be a key consideration in our planning.
None of the accomplishments just described would be possible without the financial support provided by our members –Thank You!
Bob Emory President,
Board of Directors
NATALIE HOLSCLAW Duke Stanback Fellow
Natalie is a first year Master of Environmental Management (MEM) student at Duke University concentrating in Coastal and Marine Systems and Environmental Analytics and Modeling. Through her master’s program she hopes to explore the applications of data analytics and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in sustainable fisheries management and coastal resilience monitoring. This summer she will be working as a GIS Analyst for the Coastal Land Trust through the Stanback Fellowship program.
NOTICE THE NEW LAYOUT?
The Coastal Land Trust is excited to be sharing updates on our conservation work in this new format. Aside from the design improvements, this layout allows us to overcome printing challenges and utilize Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper, all at a better rate. Love it as much as we do? Let us know by emailing info@CoastalLandTrust.org!
NATURE TRIVIA
Answer on page 14
True or False: Owls don’t have eyeballs.
UNEARTHING HISTORY, PROTECTING NATURE
Looking Back on a Favorite Conservation Success
What do bald eagles, ancient cypress swamps, and the Lost Colony of Roanoke have in common?
They all converge at a remarkable place which, for a period, was known simply as Site X.
Protected by the Coastal Land Trust in 2017, this nearly 1,000acre property along Salmon Creek in Bertie County was transferred to the State of North Carolina in 2018 to become part of the new Salmon Creek State Natural Area. With its sweeping Chowan River and Albemarle Sound views, rich wildlife habitats, and deep roots in Native American and colonial history, Site X is a place of great significance. Archaeological finds suggest it may hold clues to one of America’s oldest unsolved mysteries — the fate of the Lost Colony.
Site X may hold clues to one of America’s oldest unsolved mysteries.
From a hidden fort symbol on a centuries-old map to rare English artifacts buried in the soil, the story of Site X is as layered as the land itself.
Explore the full story — and the evidence — at www.CoastalLandTrust.org/ SiteX.
History, mystery, and nature converge by the joining of the Chowan River and Salmon Creek, the waterways that border Site X.
THE SOUTH END IS SAVED:
A Victory for Conservation
We are thrilled to announce that the Coastal Land Trust has successfully completed the purchase of the South End of Topsail Island! This remarkable achievement ensures that this pristine piece of coastal habitat is permanently protected, safeguarding the beauty and biodiversity of this beloved landscape. The campaign to save the South End raised nearly $8 million, covering both the purchase and the costs of managing the property until it is officially transferred to the State of North Carolina. Funding came from a mix of generous private donors — who contributed $1.6 million — and approved grants from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the North Carolina Land and Water Fund, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The property was purchased on April 29 and a one-acre parcel that includes the existing parking lot was immediately sold to the Town of Topsail Beach. The Coastal Land Trust will continue to own and manage the remaining 96 acres for a year before transferring it to the state. Staff, volunteers, and partner organizations will work together to protect sensitive nesting areas for birds, remove trash and debris, and lead educational walks. (Contact us at Topsail@CoastalLandTrust.org to learn more about volunteering).
To celebrate this incredible milestone, the Coastal Land Trust hosted a special gathering on May 14 at the Historic Assembly Building on Topsail Island. More than 200 supporters attended to commemorate the success of the campaign. Executive Director Harrison Marks shared heartfelt thanks to the many individuals, donors, and volunteers who made this conservation effort possible. Guests enjoyed live music by the Notorious Clam Slammers and delicious food provided by Fusion Blue Bistro, while Coastal Land Trust staff shared information about past and future conservation efforts.
This victory is a testament to the power of community-driven conservation. The South End will remain a sanctuary for wildlife and a cherished natural space for locals and visitors to enjoy for generations to come. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this vision a reality!
A Wilson’s plover makes itself at home along the dunes of the South End, just one of many creatures that will benefit from this conservation success.
Photo credit: Gavin Shwahla
REAVES, continued from page 1
the bell tower, building a new driveway and external restroom facility. Throughout the process, great care was taken to preserve as much original material as possible. The Chapel’s stainedglass windows were restored, and original structural beams were kept whenever possible, reinforced with new supports. Funding for the project came from generous individuals, businesses, and foundations, with special thanks to Louis Bacon and the Orton Foundation for its vital contributions.
To celebrate this historic milestone, nearly 200 people gathered on March 7 for a special dedication ceremony. The event was a joyful occasion, filled with music, gratitude, and reflection. Attendees were treated to performances by Dockside Strings and the Browns Chapel AME Zion Church Choir. Reverend Steve Hatcher led a blessing of the Chapel, and Reverend Avery McAllister delivered the
Speakers and honored guests share their excitement with the restoration of Reaves Chapel.
From (L to R): Madison Kilgore (representative from Governor Josh Stein’s office), Veronica Carter (Town of Leland Council Member), Michelle Lanier (NC Director of Historic Sites and Commissioner of the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission), Kamili Anderson (Rice Festival Board Member), and Tyanna ParkerWest (Public Historian).
Photo credit: Cassian Films
Standing proud and restored: Reaves Chapel is ready for its next chapter, honoring the enduring legacy of the Gullah Geechee and African American communities in coastal North Carolina.
benediction. Distinguished speakers included a representative from Governor Stein’s office and Michelle Lanier, chair of the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission, who emphasized the importance of preserving African American heritage sites.
One of the most moving moments of the dedication was the ceremonial ringing of the Chapel bell by
former congregation members, a powerful tribute to the generations who worshipped within its walls. The event concluded with a shared sense of joy and accomplishment, marking the successful completion of a project that began more than a decade ago.
Looking ahead, the goal is to transfer ownership of Reaves Chapel to the State so that it can be operated as a museum and community space. The Chapel’s preservation ensures that its rich history will continue to be shared and celebrated, honoring the resilience and contributions of the Gullah Geechee people and the broader African American community in North Carolina.
The completion of Reaves Chapel’s restoration is not just a victory for historic preservation but a testament to the power of community-driven efforts. Six years after its purchase and a decade after the initial planning began, this cherished landmark stands renewed, ready to inspire and educate for generations to come.
Photo credit: Cassian Films
IN MEMORY OF AL BEATTY
Alfonso (Al) Beatty was a pillar of the Phoenix/Navassa community. He participated in numerous organizations, including serving as a board member for the NC Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission, an active Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity member, and a faithful Johnson Chapel AME Zion Church Trustee. Al spent the past decade as President of the Cedar Hill/West Bank Heritage Foundation, an organization he cofounded with the focus of protecting and restoring Reaves Chapel and preserving the community’s history. The Reaves Chapel project became a labor of love for Al, a symbol of his dedication to restoring the community’s heart and building a foundation for its future.
When Al reached out to the NC Coastal Land Trust in 2015, we could not have known how much working with him on the Reaves Chapel restoration project would grow our understanding of the many layers of history in areas in which we work. Al’s sheer determination and tireless efforts kept this decade long project moving, with the restoration completed shortly
before Al’s passing in February. The vision and work in Navassa started by Al and his late brother George Beatty continues on, serving as a legacy of all that Al embodied — community, history, compassion, and determination. His friendship, guidance, and knowledge will be sorely missed but not forgotten.
Members of Al Beatty’s family gather at the recent dedication of Reaves Chapel, honoring his commitment to preserving Gullah Geechee culture and restoring Reaves Chapel.
Photo credit: Cassian Films
The late Al Beatty, Camilla Herlevich, and Jesica Blake are enthusiastic about the re-installation of the bell tower back in 2022.
COASTAL LAND TRUST FUNDING PARTNERS
$25,000 – $100,000 +
$2,500 – $9,999
$1,000 – $2,499
$500
• Alani Nu
CLARK PROPERTIES OF OCRACOKE, LLC
• Armstrong World Industries, Inc
• Carol Sue Blueberry Farm
• Cheerwine
• The Country Club of Landfall
POINT CLAN, LLC
DUKE ENERGY CORPORATION PAC
BRUNSWICK COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
• Davey Resource Group
• Duke Energy Corporation PAC
• Dunn, Pittman, Skinner & Cushman Attorneys at Law
• Hunt Brothers Pizza
• Lunch Box Sandwiches
• PRIME
NATIONAL FOOD EQUIPMENT SERVICES
• Resource Management Systems, LLC
• Quest Transport
• The Oleander Company, Inc.
• Wild Bird and Garden
SCRAPBOOK – EVENING IN EDENTON
The Coxe family opened their home to celebrate coastal land conservation at the lovely Evening in Edenton gathering this past April.
At right, from L to R: Gracious host Reagan Coxe with friends Natalie Foreman and Paula Sewell
From L to R: Billy Rich, John Morehead, Todd Watson, John Leidy, Attoney and Northeast Region Director Lee Leidy, Board Member Bill Rich
From L to R: Executive Director Harrison Marks, Hannah Davey, Ben Mateos, Lucy McMath
VENUS FLYTRAPS
Rare and Remarkable Plants
Did you know that Venus flytraps grow wild in only one place on Earth? These fascinating carnivorous plants are native to a small area within a 100-mile radius of Wilmington, North Carolina — and nowhere else. That rarity alone makes them remarkable, but their snap-trap leaves and taste for insects have made them world-famous.
Flytraps thrive in wet, open, and nutrient-poor habitats like longleaf pine savannas. Because the soil lacks vital nutrients, especially nitrogen, flytraps get a boost by digesting insects. Their famous “traps” are actually modified leaves that close in a fraction of a second — but only if two tiny trigger hairs are touched consecutively within 30 seconds. This selective mechanism helps the plant conserve energy and avoid false alarms. Once closed, the plant releases digestive enzymes to break down its prey and absorb nutrients.
Unfortunately, the specialized habitat flytraps require is becoming increasingly scarce due to development, fire suppression, and other pressures. They’re also threatened by poaching — so much so that in North Carolina, Venus flytraps are listed as a state-threatened species, and it’s a felony to remove them from the wild.
At the Coastal Land Trust, we’re proud to protect habitat for this iconic plant, including the Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden in Wilmington. This unique urban preserve gives visitors a chance to admire flytraps and a variety of other carnivorous plants up close, in nature.
By conserving the landscapes these plants depend on, we’re helping ensure Venus flytraps have places to survive in the wild and remain part of the story of coastal North Carolina — not just a curiosity from the past.
Vibrant, rare, and resilient — the legendary Venus flytrap thrives on the protected lands the Coastal Land Trust is proud to conserve.
Photo credit: Tom Astle
SCRAPBOOK – REAVES CHAPEL DEDICATION
A community standing together for a shared cause.
Mayor
Mayor
SE NC Board
Current and former Coastal Land Trust Directors gather with staff in celebration of this long-awaited achievement.
From L to R: Yoshi Newman, Laurie King, Hannah Holt, Sam Cook, Melanie Allen, Camilla Herlevich, Harrison Marks, Jesica Blake, Bob Emory, Ken Hines.
Photo credit: Cassian Films
Pictured L-R: Town of Belville
Mike Allen, Town of Navassa
Eulis Willis, African American Heritage Foundation
Member Joe Brant, and Brunswick County
Sheriff Brian Chism.
Photo credit: Cassian Films
SCRAPBOOK – POLLINATOR PALOOZA!
Bryce Tholen, Environmental Education Coordinator and Stewardship Assistant, stands proud during April’s Pollinator Palooza! This NC Science Festival partnership event was a success with more than 50 attendees who enjoyed the pollinator plant demonstration and takehome plants.
SCRAPBOOK – EAST ARCADIA
The Coastal Land Trust was invited by the Town of Sandyfield and the Black Family Land Trust to assist with trail maintenance and design at a conservation property in Sandyfield. Earlier this year, 20 volunteers came together to clean up trash and work on early stages of trail design. We’re excited about the future of this partnership!
SCRAPBOOK: MONITORING AT CHOWAN BLUFFS
Associate Director Jesica Blake and Director of Land Protection
Kenneth Lingerfelt get their boots dirty during a full day of conservation land monitoring at a few properties in Bertie County, including the Chowan Bluffs property.
NATURE TRIVIA
Answer: True. Owls do not have eyeballs, they have eye tubes, which are large, tubular in shape, and immobile. These specialized tubes are optimized for low-light conditions, making hunting at night much easier.
Photo credit: A Juvenile great
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President Bob Emory New Bern, NC
Vice President
Merrie Jo Alcoke New Bern, NC
Lorrie Basnight Greenville, NC
Vice President/Secretary
From page 2
Bernest Hewett
Hannah Holt Wilmington, NC
Bolivia, NC
Ken Hines
Treasurer Nick Parker Wilmington, NC
Wilmington, NC
Lorrie Basnight Greenville, NC
Bernest Hewett Bolivia, NC
Ken Hines
Wilmington, NC
Laurie McComas King Wilmington, NC
Hal Kitchin Wilmington, NC
Yoshi Newman, Ph.D. Greenville, NC
Chad Pearson Wilmington, NC
Bill Rich Ocracoke, NC
Dr. Stan Riggs Greenville, NC
Brian Rubino Kitty Hawk, NC
Ann Cary Simpson Chapel Hill, NC
Cheryl Bradley Smith Pine Knoll Shores, NC
Mary Tillery Chapel Hill, NC
horned owl by Clark Wright
www.CoastalLandTrust.org/Events
Masonboro Island Excursion
Masonboro Island
June 21
Open Hike Day
Everett Creek Preserve
June 21
Volunteer Day Location TBD September 6
Annual Golf Tournament Country Club of Landfall September 14
Open Hike Day Everett Creek Preserve September 20
Fire in the Pines Festival Halyburton Park October 4
STAFF
MAIN OFFICE
3 Pine Valley Drive Wilmington, NC 28412 (910) 790-4524
Harrison Marks Executive Director harrison@CoastalLandTrust.org
Lizzie Barkley Office & Event Coordinator lizzie@CoastalLandTrust.org
Jesica C. Blake Associate Director jesica@CoastalLandTrust.org
Mellissa Dionesotes Land and Stewardship Manager mellissa@CoastalLandTrust.org
Kenneth J. Lingerfelt Director of Land Protection kenneth@CoastalLandTrust.org
Floyd Pearsall Environmental and Outreach Associate floyd@CoastalLandTrust.org
Bryce Tholen Environmental Education Coordinator bryce@CoastalLandTrust.org
Eric Vreeland Director of Strategic Advancement eric@CoastalLandTrust.org
Lauren Waibel
Topsail Volunteer Coordinator and Stewardship Associate lauren@CoastalLandTrust.org
Laura Wilson Development and Communications Specialist laura@CoastalLandTrust.org
Annual Celebration & Lawn Party Stern-Anderson Property October 11
Trick or Treat on the Trails Everett Creek Preserve October 25
NORTHEAST OFFICE
Lee L. Leidy Attorney and Northeast Region Director 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
3 Pine Valley Drive Wilmington, North Carolina 28412
This paper is printed on Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper, ensuring environmentally and socially responsible forestry practices.
Scan for ways to connect!
SCRAPBOOK: EV-HENWOOD TREE PLANTING WITH UNCW
Professor Roger Shew of UNCW brings environmental science students to the Coastal Land Trust’s April volunteer day at EvHenwood Preserve to plant longleaf pines – a joint effort in restoring this property to its natural wonder.