North Carolina Sea Grant

09/04/2026

For Labor Day weekend, we're resharing an important on the connection between alcohol and boating deaths.

Many people use the long weekend to spend fun, quality time with friends, family, and pets on the water, so let’s stay safe out there!

Read the full article: https://ncseagrant.ncsu.edu/hooklinescience/boating-under-the-influence-can-be-lethal/

09/03/2026

Don’t miss your chance!

Join the Park Institute of America on September 17th and 18th at the Duke University Marine Lab in Beaufort, NC to learn more about "Conservation, Communities, and Coastal Futures."

Our very own Coastal Resilience Specialist Sarah Spiegler will be speaking on a "Living Along the Coast" panel with Jon Altman and Anne Mitchell Whisnant to explore how we think about ecotourism, stewardship, and development in our focus on sustainable living in coastal areas.

Learn more about the Symposium and register by September 9:
https://www.parkinstituteofamerica.org/coastal-symposium-2026

Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke | National Parks Conservation Association

09/01/2026

Register for our free webinar!

Beyond the Mowed Pond Edge: Using Native Plants to Improve Stormwater Pond Function and Appearance

Thursday, September 24, 2026 | 12:00 - 1:15 PM

Stormwater ponds are more than places that collect runoff—they play an important role in managing water and protecting coastal resources. Proper management keeps ponds functioning as intended and lowers maintenance costs, but common practices like mowing directly to the water's edge can contribute to structural issues and be unattractive.

In this webinar, Amy Mead, Director of the NC Cooperative Extension - New Hanover County Center and Arboretum, will discuss how stormwater ponds function and share practical guidance for thoughtful management, including adding native vegetation to pond edges. Amy will cover top native plant recommendations, techniques for successful planting, and real-world examples of well-landscaped community stormwater ponds. The information provided will be especially useful for HOAs, municipalities, stormwater engineers, and landscapers.

Professional Development Credits:
> NC Environmental Education Certification Program Criteria III or Continuing Education (Approved)
> NC Master Gardener (check with local Cooperative Extension County Offices)
> NC Landscape Contractor License Landscape/Technical Credit (pending, check webinar registration page for updates)

Registration is now open for the September webinar. Register here: https://go.ncsu.edu/landscapes-that-last

08/31/2026

Have you heard of this hidden gem in the Outer Banks?

Avian Ecologist Dr. Lauren Pharr lays out why Nags Head Woods Preserve is a unique place for birding and what you can expect in each season.

Check out the full article:
https://ncseagrant.ncsu.edu/coastwatch/summer-2026-birding-on-the-outer-banks/

The Nature Conservancy in North Carolina

08/26/2026

Can fishing improve well-being as we age? A recent explores researchers' findings on the benefits of fishing.

Researchers offer a look at the benefits fishing could bring later in life.

08/25/2026

Reminder: this Thursday! Plus, approved CEs for NC Landscape Contractor License Landscape/Technical Credit.

Landscapes That Last: Let's Talk About Lawns and Lawn Alternatives
Register Here: https://go.ncsu.edu/landscapes-that-last

Traditional turfgrass lawns are a prevalent feature of our modern landscaping practices, but keeping them "perfect" requires a lot of routine maintenance and requires the use of water, fertilizers and pesticides that can pollute our air and water. Lawns often cover much more space than we actually use and offer little habitat for pollinators and wildlife.

In this talk, Emilee Morrison, Extension Agent in Consumer Horticulture with N.C. Cooperative Extension - Onslow County Center, will explore alternative lawns and landscaping choices that are beautiful, practical, and support local ecosystems while also meeting our everyday needs.
https://onslow.ces.ncsu.edu/

Professional Development Credits:
- NC Environmental Education Certification Program Criteria III or Continuing Education (Approved)
- NC Master Gardener (check with local Cooperative Extension County Offices)
- NC Landscape Contractor License Landscape/Technical Credit (pending, check webinar registration page for updates)

08/24/2026

We are now accepting proposals for the Community Collaborative Research Grant (CCRG) program! Supported by North Carolina Sea Grant and WRRI - Water Resources Research Institute of the UNC System, in partnership with the Kenan Institute for Engineering, Technology & Science, the CCRG program requires a two-person team with a local knowledge expert and a scientific expert.

Projects can address a range of water resource and coastal challenges, but are encouraged to address at least one of the focus areas listed in the RFP. Funding is available for one-year projects starting in May 2027, and awards will range between $5,000-$25,000.

Learn more about eligibility, focus areas, and more in the full Request for Proposals: https://wrri.ncsu.edu/funding/community-collaborative-research-grants-ccrg/

Apply by 5:00pm on October 26.

08/19/2026

Input Needed from Oyster Growers in Pender and Onslow Counties!

North Carolina Sea Grant and the North Carolina Coastal Federation are inviting oyster growers in Pender and Onslow counties to share their experiences and perspectives on the use of public trust waters. The information gathered through a survey and focus groups will support policy recommendations ensuring future siting decisions are informed by both stakeholder input and real-world experience on the water.

Take the Survey: https://go.ncsu.edu/penderonslowsurvey

For additional information, please visit https://ncseagrant.ncsu.edu/input-needed-from-oyster-growers-in-pender-and-onslow-counties/

08/17/2026

Our friends at North Carolina Sea Grant, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and United States Lifesaving Association share with us on RIP CURRENT Safety - Know your options.

Rip currents are powerful and can sweep the strongest swimmer away from shore. Swim near a lifeguard and know your flag colors!
💚 = Minimal hazard, care and caution
💛 = Medium hazard, enhanced care and caution
❤️ = High hazard, swimmers are discouraged from entering the water
❤️❤️ = Water is closed to the public
💜= Marine life present, such as jellyfish, stingrays which may cause injury
❤️🤍Quartered = Emergency evacuation

08/17/2026