COASTLINES LINES VOLUME 23 // ISSUE 4 // Winter 2023
A NEW STRATEGIC PLAN
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arlier this year the Coastal Land Trust Board of Directors adopted a new Strategic Plan that reaffirmed the organization’s core mission: to save the lands we love at the coast. A slight change in the mission statement recognized the work we do benefits not just coastal communities, it benefits the entire state:
The mission of the Coastal Land Trust is to enrich our state through conservation of natural areas and working landscapes, education, and the promotion of good land stewardship in our coastal communities. The Strategic Planning Committee included Board Directors, staff leadership, outside friends, and experts with input from external stakeholders and all staff members. Four major objectives were identified, each with a set of quantifiable goals. The first two Objectives are directly missionrelated and the second two Objectives are focused on ensuring the organization has the capacity to achieve the first Objectives. STRATEGIC, continued on page 4
A
A view of an upcoming conservation project – stay tuned!
PARTNERSHIP ADDS 400 ACRES TO GAME LANDS IN PAMLICO COUNTY The North Carolina Coastal Land Trust recently purchased a spectacular 400+ acre waterfront property in Pamlico County through a partnership with the National Wild Turkey
Federation, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, and North Carolina Division of Coastal Management. The Coastal Land Trust then transferred the land to the State of North Carolina to expand the Goose Creek Game Lands. The property lies along N.C. Highway 304 between Bayboro and Vandemere. It hosts excellent habitat for wild turkey, whitetailed deer, black bear, and other wildlife with extensive forests of mixed pine-hardwoods and pocosin wetlands along with longleaf pine ridges. The property also has more than 4 miles of frontage along the Bay River and Smith and Newton Creeks. Smith Creek is designated as a primary fish nursery area and Newton Creek and the Bay River are considered Shellfish Waters. All these water bodies are classified by the state as High Quality Waters and Nutrient Sensitive Waters.
There are many places to paddle along Bay River, Smith Creek, and Newton Creek.
CoastalLandTrust.org
“This coastal waterfront property was prime for development. We are so appreciative that the seller, Bate Land Company, L.P., was willing to work with us to conserve it for its wildlife, water quality, and scenic values,” said Janice Allen, Director of Land Protection for the Coastal Land Trust. “We also thank the National Wild Turkey Federation, Wildlife Resources Commission, and Division of Coastal Management for partnering with us to conserve this special place on our coast.” PAMLICO, continued on page 4
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VOLUME 23 // ISSUE 4 // Winter 2023
COASTLINES
A NOTE FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT MAIN OFFICE
3 Pine Valley Drive Wilmington, NC 28412 (910) 790-4524
HARRISON MARKS
Executive Director ext. 2060 harrison@CoastalLandTrust.org
JESICA C. BLAKE
Associate Director & Director of Stewardship / Community Conservation ext. 2030 jesica@CoastalLandTrust.org
MARLO BROOKS
Director of Finance and Administration ext. 2040 marlo@CoastalLandTrust.org
MARY ANN BROUGHTON DANIEL Development Associate ext. 2090 maryann@CoastalLandTrust.org
MELLISSA DIONESOTES
Land and Stewardship Manager ext. 2300 mellissa@CoastalLandTrust.org
SYDNEY GARDNER
Office and Events Manager ext. 2080 sydney@CoastalLandTrust.org
KENNETH J. LINGERFELT
GIS Specialist / Stewardship Associate ext. 2070 kenneth@CoastalLandTrust.org
JORDAN PILCHER Environmental Education Coordinator Resilience Corps NC Member resilience@coastallandtrust.org
BRYCE THOLEN
I
am honored to serve as Board President for the Coastal Land Trust during an exciting time. The organization is building on the momentum of the past 31 years and pushing toward a goal of having conserved 100,000 acres across eastern North Carolina by the end of 2025. Guiding this work is a new strategic plan (page 1), the result of several months of work by the organization’s staff, board, and stakeholders. In this issue, you will read about several projects years in the making and get a glimpse into the daily work of the Coastal Land Trust that is essential to successful land conservation. We are excited to have protected the 450-acre Bay River tract in Pamlico County
(page 1). Down the road at NCCLT’s Bern Preserve, thousands of longleaf pine seedlings that were planted two years ago are growing strong (page 5). Just as exciting, we look forward to completing the transfer of the 172-acre Brice’s Creek Preserve to Craven County in the near future to become a new nature park. We are delighted to introduce our newest class of Board Members – Hannah Holt, Brian Rubino, and Pam Watkins – and two additional board members – Lorrie Basnight and Ken Hines – filling existing vacancies. You will also meet two new faces on
NATURE TRIVIA
Answer on page 8
What showy native wetland plant is eaten by Wood Ducks and is the only larval plant for buffalo moths (Parapamea buffaloensis)?
Environmental Education Coordinator and Stewardship Assistant ext. 2020 bryce@CoastalLandTrust.org
A.
Lizard’s tail (Saururus cernuus)
ERIC VREELAND
B.
Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
C.
Southern blue flag (Iris virginica)
Director of Strategic Advancement ext. 2100 eric@CoastalLandTrust.org
the NCCLT team – Jordan and Lauren – who are completing a year as Resilience Corps NC service members, a national service program of AmeriCorps, with the Coastal Land Trust. The coming year has a lot in store for the Coastal Land Trust, including important land protection projects, the completion of Reaves Chapel, and new opportunities for public access to nature. I invite you to join us in the work of saving the lands we all love along the coast.
Hal Kitchin Board President Coastal Land Trust
ACRES PROTECTED The Coastal Land Trust has saved 87,281 acres of land. You can help us reach 100,000 acres protected: CoastalLandTrust.org/donate
LAUREN WAIBEL Stewardship and Volunteer Coordinator Resilience Corps NC Member stewardship@coastallandtrust.org
LAURA WILSON
Development Officer ext. 2010 laura@CoastalLandTrust.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Vice President and Secretary
President
Vice President
Hal Kitchin Wilmington, NC
Merrie Jo Alcoke New Bern, NC
Lorrie Basnight, Greenville, NC
Hannah Holt Wilmington, NC
Chad Pearson Wilmington, NC
Ann Cary Simpson Chapel Hill, NC
Bernest Hewett Bolivia, NC
Laurie McComas King Wilmington, NC
Dr. Stan Riggs Greenville, NC
Mary Tillery Chapel Hill, NC
Ken Hines Wilmington, NC
Yoshi Newman, Ph.D. Greenville, NC
Brian Rubino Kitty Hawk, NC
Pam Watkins Wilmington, NC
MIDCOAST OFFICE
Bob Emory New Bern, NC
Treasurer Nick Parker Wilmington, NC
JANICE L. ALLEN
Director of Land Protection 3301-G Trent Road New Bern, NC 28562 (252) 634-1927 janice@CoastalLandTrust.org
NORTHEAST OFFICE LEE L. LEIDY
Attorney and Northeast Region Director 410 E. Main St., Ste. 204 Elizabeth City, NC 27909 (252) 335-9495 lee@CoastalLandTrust.org
Robert Wells Kitty Hawk, NC
ADDITIONAL CONTACT LENA AUSTIN O’NEAL
Springer’s Point Preserve Steward
WWW.COASTAL LAND TRUST.ORG PAGE 2
CoastalLandTrust.org
VOLUME 23 // ISSUE 4 // Winter 2023
COASTLINES
MEET OUR NEW BOARD MEMBERS
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he work of the Coastal Land Trust is overseen by an engaged and energetic board of directors. The Board is responsible for steering the organization toward a sustainable future by adopting sound, ethical, and legal governance and financial management policies, as well as by making sure the organization has adequate resources to advance its mission. Our board (and subcommittees of the board) meet monthly and quarterly to review and approve upcoming land project proposals as well as financial and management policies. Thanks to our governing body, we’re supported in our work to save the lands you love along the NC coast. Please join us in welcoming our newest members!
New Board Members
Hannah Holt, Wilmington Hannah recently retired from Holt C-Stores, her family business of 33 years. She served as Director of Operations and as Secretary/Treasurer for the company’s three operating entities. Hannah founded and is the driving force behind the Holt C-Store Golf Tournament which has raised over $1 million since 2003 benefiting both the N.C. Coastal Land Trust and UNCW.
Brian Rubino, Kitty Hawk Brian is a principal of Quible & Associates, P.C., where he leads the coastal environmental division. His favorite work involves habitat enhancement and restoration along NC coastlines. In 2023, he received a Pelican award from the NC Coastal Federation for living shoreline design, permitting, and implementation.
Pam Watkins, Wilmington A native of Asheboro, North Carolina, Pam has called Wilmington home for over 45 years. An educator with a degree from Guilford College, she taught for Randolph and New Hanover County Schools. After the passing of her husband, Bruce Watkins, she hopes in some small way to help continue his amazing legacy in preserving North Carolina’s natural areas.
New Board Members filling open positions
Lorrie Basnight, Greenville Lorrie grew up in Chapel Hill and has spent summer days her whole life on the Pamlico River near Washington. Since 1995, Lorrie has been a pediatrician on the faculty at the Brody School of Medicine and currently serves as the Executive Director of Eastern Area Health Education Center, working to assure a strong healthcare workforce for rural and underserved areas.
Ken Hines, Wilmington Ken has a forestry degree from NCSU and served as a Service Forester with the NC Forest Service in Rocky Mount. Ken then earned his MBA in Finance from UNC-CH and became a corporate banker. Ken currently serves as the Vice President of the Harrelson Center and served the Coastal Land Trust on the Strategic Planning and Land Protection Committees.
Visit our website to read their full biographies: www.CoastalLandTrust.org/board-of-directors
NEW FACES AmeriCorps (Resilience Corps NC) 2023 Resilience Corps NC is a service program of AmeriCorps offered through our partner, the Conservation Trust of North Carolina. Coastal Land Trust has been selected to be a host site for service members for the past 8 years. We’re excited to welcome two members this year, Lauren Waibel and Jordan Pilcher.
Lauren Waibel Stewardship and Volunteer Coordinator: Lauren grew up in Baltimore and spent her childhood exploring the Gunpowder River, Assateague Island, and the Outer Banks. She graduated from University of Vermont in May of 2022 with a BA in CoastalLandTrust.org
Sociology and minors in Environmental Studies and Studio Art. Shortly after, she moved to the Wilmington area. In this position, she looks forward to becoming more closely acquainted with the ecosystems of Eastern North Carolina. She loves being in the woods, swimming in all bodies of water, biking, and the fiber arts.
Jordan Pilcher Environmental Education Coordinator: Jordan graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in May of 2023 with a BS in Marine Biology, a BS in Oceanography, and a minor in
Spanish. Throughout her four years at UNCW, she was a Sustainability Peer Educator at UNCW’s Office of Sustainability, where she headed environmental education programs at local schools and coordinated sustainability programs and initiatives for UNCW students. She grew up in Beaufort, North Carolina, exploring the Rachel Carson Reserve and Cape Lookout National Seashore, where she fell in love with coastal North Carolina and marine life. She loves cycling and any excuse to spend time outdoors. In this role, she hopes to share her love and knowledge of coastal North Carolina with kids in the local school systems. PAGE 3
VOLUME 23 // ISSUE 4 // Winter 2023
COASTLINES STRATEGIC, continued from page 1
Mission-focused Objectives Objective 1: Protect lands to provide the maximum conservation benefit for eastern NC, and serve the interests of eastern NC residents and visitors to enjoy and learn from conserved lands. Among the goals under this objective are: •
Protecting an additional 15,000 acres to reach 100,000 acres preserved by the end of 2025;
•
Make at least one more Coastal Land Trust Preserve open to the public, and add three new parks or additions to game lands;
•
Undertake at least one new community-driven project meeting the Coastal Land Trust selection criteria;
•
Adjust project selection criteria to take into account the effect of climate change and other factors.
Objective 2: Be exemplary stewards of our conservation portfolio, fulfilling our obligations to monitor and protect our easements and maintain, restore, and/or enhance all NCCLT preserves. The goals under this objective include: •
Maintain sufficient properly qualified staff to monitor and protect the properties under our supervision as required by the obligations we assume with conservation easements and purchases;
•
Do an even better job of planning for and addressing both short and long-term management needs of Coastal Land Trust-owned preserves.
Capacity-focused Objectives Objective 3: Ensure the Coastal Land Trust has the financial capacity and donor support to meet current and future needs for operations, stewardship, and protection of priority lands. Objective 4: Ensure ongoing organizational capabilities, effectiveness, and impact through outward-looking engagement with communities and superior internal communication, work practices, and culture Goals for these capacity focused Objectives include: •
Growing our base of donors and increasing the size of donations through better communications, outreach, and educational programs;
One of the many beautiful views of the Chowan River from the Chowan Bluffs property protected earlier this year.
•
Ensuring we have a top-notch, effective, and efficient staff with excellent sensitivity and connection to the communities we serve.
In summary, the Coastal Land Trust remains on course to continue identifying and protecting special places along the NC coast. The Board and staff are optimistic about the continued growth of lands protected and are prepared for the future, whatever it may bring. Thank you for being part of this journey!
PAMLICO, continued from page 1
The National Wild Turkey Federation raised $50,000 to help with the conservation of the property. “Our organization believes that the most effective way to benefit wild turkeys on a scale that makes a difference is to contribute to habitat improvements and conservation,” said Luke Gibson of the Neuse Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. He added, “Contributing to the Bay River Tract acquisition made sense to us since it will permanently conserve wild turkey habitat and make the land available to the public for hunting.”
There are many places to paddle along Bay River, Smith Creek, and Newton Creek.
PAGE 4
“We were pleased to partner with the Coastal Land Trust and Wildlife Resources Commission on this coastal conservation effort. When
a funding opportunity through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s National Coastal Zone Management Program became available for coastal habitat protection, we jumped on it. The 400-acre Bay River Tract rang all the bells and whistles of the program, and we were able to secure $500,000 towards its acquisition,” noted Tancred Miller, Policy and Planning Section Chief, of the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management. Additional funding for the purchase of the Bay River Tract was made possible thanks to the North Carolina Land and Water Fund, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Stanback, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. CoastalLandTrust.org
VOLUME 23 // ISSUE 4 // Winter 2023
COASTLINES
SAVING THE LANDS YOU LOVE AT THE COAST
MAKING THE BERN BETTER
O
ne of the most important steps we can take on many of the lands in our care is planting native trees. These trees help reestablish the original ecosystem of the area and create healthier forests, as they are more adapted to local environmental conditions.
At our 923-acre Bern Preserve in Craven County, we are bringing back longleaf pine forest and restoring small ponds to improve habitat for native wildlife. In the decades before we acquired the Bern Preserve in 2020, much of the mixed pine hardwood forest had been “high-graded” – a term used by forestry professionals to describe a timber harvesting method that removes the most valuable timber and leaves the rest. After reviewing local environmental data, we decided to clear about 80-acres of the preserve and re-plant with longleaf pine. After the clearing was completed, we contracted with Woodland Vegetation Management, Inc. to apply herbicides in July 2021 to reduce overall competition and promote seedling establishment. We purchased containerized longleaf pine seedlings from the North Carolina Forest Service’s Claridge Nursery in Goldsboro and from Bodenhamer Nursery in Rowland. We hired Trenton Tree Service to plant the 42,000 seedlings at 500 seedlings per acre. The seedlings are now two years old and look very healthy!
Above: Janice Allen standing proudly among a 2-year-old Longleaf pine seedling.
Preserving Ponds We also plugged some old ditches to recreate a couple of small ponds on the preserve. Dave Allen, a retired wildlife biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, hand-cut trees in and around several other small ponds. Dave explained that opening up these ephemeral ponds to sunlight will promote the growth of aquatic vegetation that is beneficial to many frog species. Dave conducted frog call surveys preand post-pond restoration work and the number and diversity of frogs at the Bern Preserve has already increased! His 2023 surveys found southern cricket frog, pinewoods treefrog, green treefrog, barking treefrog, southern leopard frog, southern toad, and squirrel treefrog. We would like to express our gratitude to Tim Tabak, our consulting forester, for CoastalLandTrust.org
Left: A Barking tree frog tadpole – just one of many species that are now thriving here. Photo credit Jeff Hall
overseeing the longleaf restoration work, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for contributing funds. We also thank Dave Allen for helping us make Bern Preserve better for frogs and other native wildlife.
We congratulate Dave for receiving the 2023 Thomas L. Quay Wildlife Diversity Award, which recognizes individuals who provide leadership in the conservation of our state’s wildlife and diversity!
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VOLUME 23 // ISSUE 4 // Winter 2023
COASTLINES
FUNDING PARTNERS $25,000 – $100,000 +
$10,000 – $24,999
CEDAR HILL WEST BANK HERITAGE FOUNDATION
THE SAXER FAMILY FOUNDATION $2,500 – $9,999
EDDIE AND JO ALLISON SMITH FAMILY FOUNDATION, INC.
LAND ROVER CAPE FEAR
$1,000 – $2,499 CAPE FEAR SECURITIES
DAVEY RESOURCE GROUP
DOWNTOWN EXECUTIVE’’S GROUP
POINT CLAN, LLC
PERRY FARMS OF COLERAIN INC. CLARK PROPERTIES OF OCRACOKE, LLC
AIR-CALL COMMUNICATIONS $500 – $999 • • • • • • •
Armstrong World Industries, Inc Balding Design and Build Bug-N-A-Rug Exterminators Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall Carol Sue Blueberry Farm Cheerwine The Country Club of Landfall
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• • • • • •
Craven Physical Therapy and Spine, Inc. Duke Energy Foundation Duke Energy Corporation PAC Dunn, Pittman, Skinner & Ashton, PLLC EarthShare NC Ebenconcepts, Inc.
• • • • •
Geological Resources, Inc. Hurley Insurance Group Kirkman, Whitford, Brady, Berryman & Gordon, PA Lance Snacks Lazy Weekends Yard Care Services, LLC
• • • • • • •
Charles K. McCotter Attorney at Law Orton Longleaf Republic Brands The Oleander Company, Inc. The Wonderful Company Window Ninjas zenWTR
CoastalLandTrust.org
VOLUME 23 // ISSUE 4 // Winter 2023
COASTLINES
Left: Salt marshes are rich in marine life and help stabilize shorelines from the impacts of storm flooding and erosion. Photo credit: Scott Pohlman
Below: Keel Creek, a tributary of the Chowan River, flows into the Albemarle Sound, contributing to the health of the AlbemarlePamlico Estuary system. Photo credit: Tom Earnhardt
THE IMPORTANCE OF ESTUARIES
E
stuaries are transitional zones where freshwater rivers converge with water from the ocean. They are unique, complex systems that offer critical natural habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna and provide crucial environmental services. Estuarine habitats (like marshes) provide protective buffers between land and ocean. Many marine organisms depend on estuaries at some point during their development for habitat and shelter, feeding, and reproduction. Estuarine habitats also act as a filtration system for sediment and pollutants that flow from inland rivers and drainages, creating cleaner water for both people and marine life. Additionally, estuarine habitats act as a crucial buffer between land and ocean by absorbing flood water and dissipating
storm surges, which protects upland habitat and coastal residential communities. Although estuaries are resilient, the continuous increase in development, impervious surfaces, runoff, and habitat loss are compounding stressors for these ecosystems. As estuaries become more vulnerable, so do all of the communities that benefit from their existence. There are about 2.2 million acres of estuarine habitat along the coast of North Carolina including salt and brackish marsh that are found around the estuary. Estuarian habitat is crucial to the ecological integrity of the NC coast. The Coastal Land Trust has conserved more than 41,000 acres connected to the Albemarle-Pamlico estuary, the largest in our state and
one of the largest estuaries nationwide! In addition to the 400-acre waterfront property in Pamlico County featured in this edition of Coastline (see page 1), and the 1,400 Newport River property in Carteret County described in the last Coastline, the Coastal Land Trust has protected properties along the Pasquotank,
Chowan, Neuse, Tar-Pamlico and Roanoke Rivers and their tributaries, all of which feed into the incredible Albemarle-Pamlico estuary system. With your help, the Coastal Land Trust will continue to seek out properties that will help protect and improve the health of this vital estuary ecosystem.
SAVE THE DATE Volunteer Days Various Locations First Saturdays
Hike with a Veteran Brunswick Nature Park, Brunswick County
22nd Annual Golf Tournament Country Club of Landfall May 6, 2024
December 16, 2023
Open Hiking Day Everett Creek, Onslow County Third Saturdays
Love Your Land Hike Everett Creek, Onslow County
For more information, visit: CoastalLandTrust.org/events
February 10, 2024 CoastalLandTrust.org
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VOLUME 23 // ISSUE 4 // Winter 2023
COASTLINES
SCRAPBOOK
Fall Fun! October was a busy month.
Elon University Service Project | Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden | Wilmington October 2023
ELON STUDENTS IMPROVE FLYTRAP GARDEN Elon University students selected the Stanley Rehder Garden for their fall service project. College students helped replace the pavers throughout the garden all while learning about carnivorous plants and the pocosin habitat.
Happy Holidays from Coastal Land Trust Tis the season to be jolly! If you’re looking for some unique nature-forward holiday gifts this year, the Coastal Land Trust staff have some fun suggestions for those creative at heart.
NATURE TRIVIA ANSWER from page 2o
1. Pinecone Christmas tree or ornament 2. Seashell ornament 3. Pressed flower holiday card 4. A framed photo of your favorite place in nature 5. A donation to the NC Coastal Land Trust in honor of a loved one Not feeling crafty? You can always shop local at holiday markets to get unique and special gifts while supporting local businesses.
What Does Purple Paint Mean? Have you ever seen trees marked with purple paint while travelling or hiking? If so, you are not alone. Many states have their own version of what is commonly referred to as “the Purple Paint Law.” In PAGE 8
A. Lizard’s tail (also known as water dragon) occurs in southern swamps and along stream margins and is valued by Wood Ducks. It is also the only larval host for the buffalo moth (the larvae bore into the roots of the plant). This photo was taken at the Coastal Land Trust’s Brice’s Creek Preserve near New Bern.
North Carolina, the “Purple Paint Law” is the North Carolina Landowner Protection Act. One of the things this Act does is provide landowners with a way to “post” the boundaries of their private land without the need to maintain signs or build a fence. As a conservation landowner, the Coastal
Land Trust regularly utilizes the Purple Paint option because it’s economical (fences are expensive) and efficient (it doesn’t have to be replaced every year). In short: the Purple Paint is the same as a No Trespassing sign, except it doesn’t get torn down. CoastalLandTrust.org
VOLUME 23 // ISSUE 4 // Winter 2023
COASTLINES
Annual Celebration | Goose Landing | Brunswick County | October 7, 2023 Almost 100 members gathered at Goose Landing in Brunswick County for an evening of gorgeous weather and views, live music, and lawn games.
BETH STEELMAN MEMORIAL
CELEBRATING TREES Tree climbing was the highlight for the little ones in attendance, baby dolls and all.
MAP IT OUT Griffin Canady, Bryan Smith, and Suzie Marks enjoy the updated maps of the Coastal Land Trust’s work throughout 31 counties.
A memorial for the late Beth Steelman, Coastal Land Trust staff member, land owner, former board member, and advocate for doing good work in our community.
CELEBRATING TUNES Nick Balding, Erik Hopkins, and Nina Hadley enjoy live music from Masonboro Sound.
SUNSET SIGHTS Laurence and Rebekah Roth take in the views of the Cape Fear River before the sun sets.
Environmental Education | Field Days | New Hanover County | October 2023 FIRE IN THE PINES FIELD DAYS The Stewardship team visited elementary schools across the county for classroom education and Fire in the Pines Field Days. Due to rain postponement, instead of bringing students to Halyburton Park in Wilmington, we brought the field day fun to them! They learned all about prescribed fire and the Longleaf pine ecosystem.
CoastalLandTrust.org
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3 Pine Valley Drive Wilmington, North Carolina 28412
Celebrate 31 years of conservation by making a gift today!
COASTLINES LINES
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 316 Wilmington, NC
VOLUME 23 // ISSUE 4 // Winter 2023
Environmental Education | New Hanover County | October 2023
CoastalLandTrust.org
PAGE 10
CARNIVORUS PLANTS DRAW A CROWD Elementary students gather around our portable carnivorous plant boxes to learn about Pitcher plants and Venus flytraps. The Stewardship team visits elementary schools across the county for classroom education and Fire in the Pines Field Days.
SCRAPBOOK
Restored Pond Bern Preserve | Craven County September 2023 IF YOU BUILD IT...
...They will come! Frog pond restoration work at the Bern Preserve in Craven County is already showing success with healthy vegetation growth and at least 8 different frog species!