At Hardee Hunt and Williams, we deeply appreciate what a truly special place the Cape Fear Coast is. This time of year, as we all hustle and bustle to parties and frantic searches for that “perfect” gift, we may lose sight of what is really important. That is why we encourage you to take a moment and consider how vital it is that we work year round to preserve our beaches, creeks, inlets, rivers, lakes, ponds, sounds and salt-water marshes. Not only are these areas the natural habitats of our local wildlife and treasured plant life, they are also what make New Hanover County special in the first place!
We would like to spotlight four organizations this month and encourage you to learn more about the vital work they do. Each of them have frequent volunteer opportunities and getting involved is not only easy, it’s fun! And…please browse each of their websites-you may luck into one of the “perfect” gifts, which will allow you to both give and give back!
The Wrightsville Beach Sea Turtle Project – This group strives to protect nesting sea turtles along Wrightsville Beach. See their amazing photo gallery and learn more about their mission here:
http://turtles.wrightsville-beach.info/
Plastic Ocean Project, Inc. – This organization has recently launched a very effective partnership with UNC-Wilmington, Surfrider-Cape Fear Chapter and Wrightsville Beach Keep it Clean. In addition to educating undergraduates and the public about plastic marine debris and their devastating impact, there is also a local initiative to promote curbing the use of single-use plastics such as drinking straws and eating utensils. Read more about what they do here and see which local businesses are doing their part: http://www.plasticoceanproject.org/#/
(there are also some awesome gift ideas available that fund their work and help spread the word)
The N.C. Coastal Federation – If you have not stopped by their new headquarters that is adjacent to the Wrightsville Beach Museum, please do! That way, you can learn about the extensive work they do, not just here but throughout the state to protect coastal interests, promote conservation and preserve our coastline. Please read more here: http://www.nccoast.org/
Surfrider Foundation – Founded in 1984 to protect and preserve the world’s oceans, waves and beaches, our local Cape Fear chapter works hand-in-hand with this nonprofit. From annual beach sweeps to community partnerships and education programs, there are scores of ways to get involved. Read more and check out their great merchandise, including Surfrider’s 2016 calendar here: http://www.surfrider.org/