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blue planet and diamondbacks:
Aquarium celebrates and teaches about habitats and wildlife The Dr. Seuss-themed World Oceans Day events also include a special film, crafts and face painting for children of all ages. Learn more about World Oceans Day at worldoceansday.org/ and the World Oceans Day Aquarium event at www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher.
Taking Nature’s Course Local programs, events and people celebrating and protecting our coastal environment by Kass Fincher www.capefearnative.com
Coming up soon:
Eco-Tips for Water Conservation Celebrate World Oceans Day at the Aquarium Have you thanked the ocean today? Wherever you live, it gives you a lot: the ocean covers approximately 70 percent of Earth’s surface and produces nearly the same portion of our oxygen. Our little blue planet teems with life because of its water. We rely on the ocean to regulate the world’s temperatures, provide us with food and medicine, as well to support our economy with a variety of jobs. Just as the seas support us, we protect them by responsibly managing marine resources, from our global fisheries to our coastal tourist hotspots. Join the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher as we celebrate the world’s greatest resource on World Oceans Day 2012. On Friday, June 8 the Aquarium will feature special programs and informational exhibits emphasizing the ocean’s effect on us, and how we affect the ocean. Visitors have a chance to learn about protecting sea turtles and other marine animals, reducing marine debris, identifying sea shells and exciting new exhibits coming to the Aquarium.
Animal Spotlight – diamondback terrapin The diamondback terrapin can be identified by the diamond pattern on the shell and a spotted head, neck and legs. They have webbed feet and large hind legs which make them excellent swimmers. Terrapins live in saltwater and brackish water (mixture of freshwater and saltwater) and are found behind tidal flats, on barrier islands, salt marshes and in estuaries.Their diet consists of crustaceans, mollusks, fish and insects. The diamondback terrapin habitat is found all over the Eastern and Southern coasts of North America and can live well over 40 years. While excavating burial sites, diamondback terrapin shells were found in medicine kits for North Carolina Indian shamans. Archaeologists suspect they might have been considered a sacred object.
“May the holes in your net be no larger than the fish in it.” ... Irish blessing
Only 3% of the earth’s water is freshwater, so protecting this resource is critical. There are many ways to conserve water usage at home including: -Install low-flow toilets and showerheads. -Always do full loads of dishes and laundry. -Water plants at night to minimize evaporation. -Double-check that faucets aren’t leaking and toilets aren’t running. -Install a rain barrel.
Sat June 2 - Sun June 3 Coastal Water Garden Tour NHC Arboretum 9 AM - 4 PM Various water gardens, $13 Benefits Ability Garden Sat June 2 Run for Hope 5K Walk/Run 8 AM, TrySports at Mayfaire Center Benefits Women of Hope www.gotime.com Thur June 14 Newbridge Bank Bridge to Bridge 4.0 mile run/ 1.0 mile walk 6:30 PM, ends at Schwartz Center Benefits CFCC student scholarships
More Than 200 Wilmington Doctors
Oppose Titan Cement...
Listen to your Doctors. Go to
Trawler at Sunrise, photograph, Richard Pape
Locally made art and gifts 114 Princess Street, downtown Wilmington www.capefearnative.com
stoptitan.org
and see why health professionals are concerned about the Titan project.
encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 45