VOLUME 10 ISSUE 4 News covering August 1, 2010 through October 31, 2010
EXPLORE
THE NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL LAND TRUST VIA WATER the Coastal Land Trust has made an impact. For example, in the southeast, the Adventure Company of Southport offers blackwater kayaking tours on Town Creek, Rice's Creek, the Lockwood Folly River, the Shallotte River, and the
Conservation along waterways also improves the boating experience by preserving greenery, clean water and fisheries; and since many of our protected lands are located along scenic rivers some are best experienced from the water. Sometimes the Coastal Land Trust Scenic overlook along Town Creek, Brunswick County Nature Park. purchases land outright with the goal of creating a public park, but more often we work with private landowners who wish to conserve Black River. Many of our southeastern their land; and doing so does not require that landowners grant public access. rivers are “blackwater” - which means But, it is important to realize that when private lands are conserved the public the water is stained a unique dark benefits from the enhanced reddish color from tannins that leach from dissolved organic matter and ecosystem, beautiful scenery cypress trees growing in abundance along the banks. The Coastal Land Trust and open space that can often has protected land along many of these blackwater creeks, preserving a rare be viewed from roads or ecosystem from development. Hardy recommends the Adventure Company’s waterways. Paddlers can find Rice’s Creek paddle especially. places to experience the quiet beauty of scenic rivers bordered A great new local kayaking put-in spot is located at the 900-acre Brunswick by ancient cypress swamps. County Nature Park on Town Creek. The Coastal Land Trust has protected Boaters can anchor next to thousands of acres on Town Creek; and in partnership with the NC Clean Masonboro for a swim in the Water Management Trust Fund we donated the property for this new park to ocean off the undisturbed Brunswick County. If you venture out to explore Town Creek, keep your island. Birders can photograph camera ready because alligators have been sighted near the kayak launch! Bill rare species that are present Raney, one of the founders of the Coastal Land Trust and an avid paddler, is
Many of our southeastern rivers are “blackwater” – which means the water is stained a unique dark reddish color from tannins that leach from dissolved organic matter and cypress trees growing in abundance along the banks. The Coastal Land Trust has protected land along many of these blackwater creeks, preserving a rare ecosystem from development.
especially proud of our Town Creek land protection efforts; “I treasure the waters of Town Creek where Coastal Land Trust and its partners have put together a combination of protective measures assuring preservation of the environment while enhancing public opportunity to appropriately enjoy the wonderful natural resources.”
because we have protected their nesting habitat, nature photographers may capture photos of alligators and dolphins, and hikers can stretch their legs on scenic nature trails. “My husband and I enjoy the quiet peacefulness of the water and being in the company of the birds and the fish; we become very aware of our connection to all of nature” says Virginia Hardy, a Coastal Land Trust volunteer, of her experience paddling in southeast North Carolina.
Planning efforts are underway in Brunswick County to create a North Brunswick County Blueway that would identify a paddling trail highlighting conservation properties like the Brunswick County Nature Park and adding more public water access points. A blueway or blue trail is a marked trail mapped out with signage for boaters to follow that shows access points and/or camping sites and other special features like parks and nature trails along the way. “All of the Brunswick County municipalities, the Coastal Land Trust and many other organizations have signed on to a resolution in support of the North Brunswick County Blueway – the Blueway is there, we just need to make it accessible.” says Travis Barnes, Town of Navassa Planner.
Local outfitting companies run tours of many of the pristine waterways where
West of Wilmington, the Coastal Land Trust has done some land protection on Continued on page 3
Staff Photo
Coastal North Carolina offers a multitude of water sport options like fishing, boating, water skiing, paddle-boarding, sailing, surfing and scuba diving – these opportunities draw tourists to the area and help make the area a great place to live. Land conservation along waterways plays an important role in preserving our clean waters and beautiful vistas. Since the Coastal Land Trust covers the entire eastern third of North Carolina, we have no lack of waterways and shores to protect! And we are working hard to do just that - the Coastal Land Trust has conserved thousands of acres along coastal North Carolina rivers, streams, and shores, thereby preserving riparian buffers that protect water quality, provide habitat for wildlife and offer recreational opportunities in beautiful natural surroundings.