An Investment in the Future
The Center for Coastal Protection and Restoration
Education, Outreach, and Public Engagement
Connecting People with the Resources they Need
The Center for Coastal Protection and Restoration is designed to maximize interactive learning opportunities for students, communities, professionals, and coastal leaders both on campus and across the state through virtual learning.
including the Education Classroom and the Education and Event Center
through volunteerism and community gathering spaces
through the Communications Studio and Coastal Review Newsroom
through Indoor & Outdoor Displays, Nature Trail, and Access to Bogue Sound
Expanding Our Impact
By December, 2030, the interactive learning opportunities at the Center will expand the Coastal Federation’s ability to provide guidance and solutions by:
- More than four times the annual readership of CoastalReview.org: 3 million readers
- More than double the virtual outreach through online Communications Studio videos and webinars: 50,000 people
- More than twenty times the in-person educational programming to students and adults: 110,000 people
The campus will feature:
- Hands-on student learning
- Continuing education and training for professionals
- Volunteer activities
- Community events, open houses, and guided tours
- Self-guided use of the Chris B. Smith Nature Trail, library, courtyard, sustainability demonstrations, and boat ramp
New Programming
The Center will allow the federation to expand existing programs and launch new programs to better serve our coastal communities. The Federation is working with partners to develop these programs now, including:
Community Events and Volunteerism
The Education Center and grounds will provide a gorgeous waterfront setting to host community events and business meetings, while also demonstrating the latest in sustainable approaches and providing volunteer opportunities for scouts, businesses, and more.
Student Education Program
Student education programs bring the N.C. Essential Science Standards to life through hands-on opportunities in indoor and outdoor classrooms, as well as remote learning opportunities, with a focus on underserved youth and partners like the Boys and Girls Clubs.
On-Campus Recreation and Education Experiences
The Center’s Education Center, library, water access, outdoor classrooms, and two miles of nature trails will engage visitors through guided and self-guided programs from nature hikes to site tours and more.
Marine Science Opportunities for Students of Color
This growing new partnership aims to provide marine studies education opportunities to students of color alongside existing coastal facilities for N.C. State University, UNC-Chapel Hill, UNC-Wilmington, and Duke.
Continuing Education Program
Professional training on topics including living shoreline installation, hurricane resilience, sustainable development, watershed planning, and flooding and stormwater management providing solutions to professionals and communities coastwide.
CoastalReview.org
Supported by the News Room and Communications Studio, the federation’s award-winning online news service will continue to deliver the news of the coast to a rapidly-growing readership from Washington, DC to Atlanta.
Learn More
You Can Inspire a Brighter Future for Our Coast
Please join us in bringing this Center for Coastal Protection and Restoration to life.