Connecting, Conserving, Inspiring
The Center for Coastal Protection and Restoration
“Today, we have an opportunity to provide a center for learning and collaboration that will support a healthy future for our coast and inspire the next generation of coastal stewards.”
– Charles Meeker, Campaign Cabinet Chair
The North Carolina Coastal Federation brings together people from all walks of life to protect and restore our amazing coast for future generations.
Now more than ever, our coast faces serious challenges: population growth, powerful hurricanes, and economic engines that depend on healthy coastal resources.
The new Center for Coastal Protection and Restoration will address the needs of the coast by showcasing the leading ideas in sustainable design and coastal resilience, while using cutting-edge technology to provide solutions and educational opportunities to people across our state.
“This Center will be a model for the future of our coast: connecting our coastal communities, conserving our coastal resources and way of life, and inspiring the next generation of coastal stewards.”
– Todd Miller, Coastal Federation Executive Director
Providing Leadership Solutions to Coastal Challenges
The Center will provide innovative solutions for our coast, such as our Nature-Based Stormwater Strategies, developed with The Pew Charitable Trusts, which use natural topography to address stormwater and flooding.
The Center will showcase and support our oyster restoration and living shoreline programs, which restore habitat, recycle oyster shells, and support our local oyster mariculture industry.
The Center will support efforts to clean up tons of marine debris, both through hurricane relief and by removing abandoned vessels.
A Sense of Place
Located in the heart of the Crystal Coast, the Center for Coastal Protection and Restoration will be a focal point for environmental sustainability in the region, welcoming visitors to four gathering spaces in the heart of the campus and providing access to coastal habitats and Bogue Sound. Originally slated to become a housing development, more than half of the area will now remain natural, including more than 24 acres of conservation easement that will never be developed.
Highlights
- The centerpiece of a 77-acre master project in partnership with Carteret County including nature trails and a public boat ramp
- Environmental demonstrations, including rain gardens, stormwater management, and a living shoreline
- Recreation and learning opportunities include nature trails, access to Bogue Sound, and programs for students and adults.
- A conservation approach to development focused on preservation of habitat and water quality, and sustainable design, including a Dept. of the Navy easement that restricts further development on all 77 acres, and a conservation easement on more than 24 acres that conserves those areas in perpetuity.
- An education and event center hosting community events, hands-on student learning, and continuing education opportunities for adults.
- A communications studio supporting multi-media content for Coastal Review as well as virtual engagement opportunities for students and adults.
A Community Resource
The Center for Coastal Protection and Restoration will include four public spaces nestled within the landscape: The Coastal Resource Center, the Education and Event Center, the Community Courtyard, and the Coastal Terrace. Together, these core components will provide indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, opportunities to explore habitat and resilience demonstrations, and collaborative workspace for coastal experts and community leaders.
A Sense of Harmony
The Center for Coastal Protection and Restoration will feature environmentally-friendly and resource-efficient design and building strategies providing a model for responsible and resilient growth for the future.
Vision
- Become a living classroom for continuing education and experiential learning
- Demonstrate energy and water conservation strategies
- Showcase hurricane-resilient construction techniques
- Integrate energy efficiency, green design, Low Impact Development, and habitat restoration
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You Can Inspire a Brighter Future for Our Coast
Please join us in bringing this Center for Coastal Protection and Restoration to life.