Cape Fear River Watch

FREE Walking Ecotour along Burnt Mill Creek!
2025-04-11 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | 2101 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28401, 2101 Market St., Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Register here!!!

Friday, April 11th 10 to 11 a.m.
Cape Fear River Watch was awarded a three-year Environmental Enhancement Grant from the State’s office of the attorney general to help improve water quality, reduce litter, and engage the community in the Burnt Mill Creek Watershed. To learn more about Burnt Mill Creek and this ongoing project, join us for a leisurely, one-hour walking tour along Burnt Mill Creek!

Burnt Mill Creek is an urban waterway in the heart of Wilmington. During the walk, as we search for wildlife, you will learn about the ecosystem, environmental issues, and ongoing restoration work in Burnt Mill Creek. Burnt Mill Creek harbors a surprising amount of wildlife, including turtles, birds, crabs, fish, and more.

This tour is free and open to all ages. Donations will be accepted. Please consider bringing: sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), water, and comfortable walking shoes.

Please meet at the parking lot located at 2101 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28401 (next to Port City Java and Bridge Church).

April First Saturday Seminar
2025-04-05 08:00 - 10:00 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Saturday, April 5th, 617 Surry St. (the CFRW office). There will be free pancakes and coffee starting at 8am followed by the seminar at 9am.

Title: Comprehensive Planning and the Wilmington Community

Description: The City of Wilmington’s Planning and Development Department will discuss the ways residents shape planning initiatives and their impact on local development and infrastructure. The community is a key stakeholder in determining ideals and goals for the future of growth and development in Wilmington. Planning initiatives such as the Wilmington Greater Downtown Plan (WGDP) have focused heavily on community needs and concerns to drive program and policy recommendations. These recommendations impact development regulations and program opportunities that can make a difference in the everyday lives of residents. This presentation will draw the lines between each step and highlight where residents can get involved.

Speaker bios: Travis Henley, AICP, CFM serves as Comprehensive Planning and Urban Design Manager for the City of Wilmington. Throughout his career, he has been committed to ensuring that broad recommendations developed from community engagement and planning processes are translated into direct, measurable action. Travis holds degrees in Political Science and Public Policy from James Madison University and a Masters in Public Administration from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and is also currently serving as an Adjunct Professor at UNCW, teaching a Land Use Planning course in the MPA Program.

Hillary Taylor is a Long-Range Planner on the Comprehensive Planning and Urban Design team at the City of Wilmington. With prior work experience in the urban policy, climate change, and international development nexus, she is passionate about ensuring a sustainable and inclusive urban future for generations to come. She is proud to be a part of a City, a team and a community that shares her values and vision.

Haley Hopkins is a Long-Range Planner I on the Comprehensive Planning and Urban Design team at the City of Wilmington. With prior work in climate action research and comprehensive plan development, she is excited to contribute to community-driven, sustainable community development in Wilmington. Haley holds a degree in Sustainability Science from Furman University and certificates in qualitative research.

FREE Burnt Mill Creek Eco & Bird Walk!
2025-03-17 09:00 - 10:30 | 2101 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28401, 2101 Market St., Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Register here!

Cape Fear River Watch and Cape Fear Bird Observatory are celebrating Cape Fear Creek Week by providing a free walking tour in Burnt Mill Creek!
Registration is required to secure a set of binoculars.
During the walk you will learn about the ecosystem, environmental issues, and ongoing restoration work in Burnt Mill Creek. As well as get a chance to see some of the 190 documented bird species in the Burnt Mill Creek watershed.
This tour is free and open to all ages. Donations will be accepted. Please consider bringing: sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), water and comfortable walking shoes.
Please meet at the parking lot located at 2101 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28401 (next to Port City Java and Bridge Church).

No 2025 March Paddle!
2025-03-15

Oyster Roast & Beer Pop-Up Event
2025-03-09 16:00 - 19:00 | The Alley, 1605 Queen St., Wilmington, NC, 28401
Register here!!!
We are hosting an Oyster & Beer Pop-Up THIS SUNDAY 4-7pm!
CFRW has kindly been gifted 1000 oysters raised with love by the UNCW Shellfish Hatchery at the Center for Marine Science!! Many thanks to them, and Crafted Outpost and The Alley for making this event possible.
Tickets are LIMITED, so reserve your spot at the oyster shucking table today!! Each $40 ticket gets you a baker’s dozen of oysters and 2 beers — donated by The Alley (in the Cargo District) and provided by Waterline! Live music by The Noseeums! Salita Pizza and some awesome shops located right in The Alley and courtyard will be open for shopping and dinner!
Location: The Alley, in the Cargo District, 1605 Queen St, Wilmington, NC

March Second Saturday Cleanup
2025-03-08 09:00 - 11:00 | 811 Martin St. Wilmington, NC 28401, 811 Martin St., Wilmington, North Carolina, 28401
Register Here!!

ALL VOLUNTEERS NOW MUST READ AND SIGN THE CFRW VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT VIA THIS GOOGLE FORM BEFORE PARTICIPATING IN A CLEANUP.
Cape Fear River Watch is excited to partner with Keep New Hanover Beautiful for our Second Saturday Cleanup on March 8th! The cleanup will take place in an area that flows into Greenfield Lake! We will be focusing our efforts on the railroad tracks that run behind the Good Shepherd Center. There is a strong possibility that the cleanup will intersect with our local unhoused community. Please review the attached flyer when you register. The cleanup will take place from 9:00am-11:00am. We will be meeting at the intersection of 8th and Martin. An address that will get you close is 811 Martin St. Wilmington, NC 28401. Please do not park in the Good Shepherd parking lot. Just look for the cleanup signs! CFRW will provide pickers, bags, gloves and safety vests. As always remember to dress appropriately and bring water. We hope to see you out there!

PFAS 101 Conversation with Dana Sargent and GenX Exposure Study Research Team
2025-03-01 10:00 - 12:00 | 620 Nixon St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Join us on Saturday, March 1st to learn more about PFAS and PFAS levels in the blood of our community members with the GenX Exposure Study research team. CFRW Executive Director Dana Sargent will be on the panel!

March First Saturday Seminar
2025-03-01 08:00 - 10:00 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Saturday, March 1st, 617 Surry St. (the CFRW office). There will be free pancakes and coffee starting at 8am followed by the seminar at 9am.
Title: Regenerative Agriculture as Community Resiliency
Description: Exploring the ways that growing food can foster healthy communities through improved ecological health and diversity, individual physical health, social connection, and resiliency in times of disaster.
Speaker bio: Elly Colwell serves as the Executive Director of Rise Up Community Farm. She first came to the Wilmington area in 2013 and has been involved in community agriculture since 2020. She earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from UNCW, studying English, French and Creative Writing. She is passionate about creating a more equitable community in Wilmington where all people have access to healthy foods and the resources to provide for themselves and their neighbors.

FREE Walking Ecotour along Burnt Mill Creek!
2025-02-28 10:00 - 11:00 | 2101 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28401, 2101 Market St., Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Friday, February 28 10 to 11 a.m. Click here to register!
Cape Fear River Watch was awarded a three-year Environmental Enhancement Grant from the State’s office of the attorney general to help improve water quality, reduce litter, and engage the community in the Burnt Mill Creek Watershed. To learn more about Burnt Mill Creek and this ongoing project, join us for a leisurely, one-hour walking tour along Burnt Mill Creek!\n
Burnt Mill Creek is an urban waterway in the heart of Wilmington. During the walk, as we search for wildlife, you will learn about the ecosystem, environmental issues, and ongoing restoration work in Burnt Mill Creek. Burnt Mill Creek harbors a surprising amount of wildlife, including turtles, birds, crabs, fish, and more.

This tour is free and open to all ages. Donations will be accepted. Please consider bringing: sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), water, and comfortable walking shoes.

Please meet at the parking lot located at 2101 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28401 (next to Port City Java and Bridge Church).

BMC Special Events: Cleanup and Tree Planting
2025-02-08 09:00 - 11:00 | Multiple Locations
Register Here!!

ALL VOLUNTEERS NOW MUST READ AND SIGN THE CFRW VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT VIA THIS GOOGLE FORM BEFORE PARTICIPATING IN A CFRW EVENT.

Cape Fear River watch is hosting a tree planting and cleanup event in the Burnt Mill Creek watershed on Saturday, February 8th! During the registration you will be asked to select which event you will want to attend. These events have separate meeting locations so please make sure you arrive at the correct location for your event!

As always remember to dress appropriately and bring water. We hope to see you out there!

February First Saturday Seminar
2025-02-01 08:00 - 10:00 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Saturday, February 1st, 617 Surry St. (the CFRW office). There will be free pancakes and coffee starting at 8am followed by the seminar at 9am.
Title: The Importance of Native Plants for Birds
Description: Co-chair of the SE Coastal Chapter of the NC Native Plant Society Charley Winterbauer will present on the significant relationship between native plants and birds with an emphasis on the importance of planting natives.
Speaker bio: Charley Winterbauer is past president of the Cape Fear Audubon Society and co-chair of the SE Coastal Chapter of the NC Native Plant Society. Charley has lived most of his life in San Diego, California. He has a BS degree in Physics (Electronics) from San Diego State College in the 60s. His interest in nature began with camping trips to the nearby California desert where he would find the Kit Fox, BigHorn Sheep, Golden Eagles, coyotes, Cactus Wrens, Roadrunners, Phainopeplas, and his favorite, the Burrowing Owl. Many of his trips coincided with the blooming of the plants in the desert. He spent several years in the Washington DC area where he was a Congressional Liaison for the National Reconnaissance Office, part of the CIA, noting the “wildlife” occupying Capitol Hill. Now residing in Wilmington for the last 24 years, he has expanded his interest into native plants and their relationships with the environment and the necessity to have those natives to have a bird-friendly habitat. Of all of the crises we hear about in the world, the crisis regarding the decline of our migratory bird population is an issue we all can do something about. Charley, being involved with Audubon and the Native Plant Society is in the position to help educate folks on how to help our birds using native plants to make your yard into a bird-friendly habitat.
more info on Sledge Forest here.

January Second Saturday Cleanup 2025
2025-01-11 09:00 - 11:00 | 110 Greenfield St #100, Wilmington, NC 28401
Register Here!!

ALL VOLUNTEERS NOW MUST READ AND SIGN THE CFRW VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT VIA THIS GOOGLE FORM BEFORE PARTICIPATING IN A CLEANUP.
Cape Fear River Watch is excited to partner with Keep New Hanover Beautiful for our Second Saturday Cleanup on January 11th! The cleanup will take place in an area that drains directly into the Cape Fear River! We will be meeting on Greenfield St. Parking can be found at 110 Greenfield St. #100 Wilmington, NC 28401. Just look for the cleanup signs! The cleanup will take place from 9:00am-11:00am. Waders and waterproof boots are a great idea for this location as we will be working in the stormwater ditches as well as the adjacent wetlands. So please bring some if you have them! We will provide pickers, bags, safety vests, gloves, and a good time. As always remember to dress appropriately, bring sunscreen, and water. We hope to see you out there!

January First Saturday Seminar
2025-01-04 08:00 - 10:00 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Registration is required – please register here!
Saturday, January 4th, 617 Surry St. (the CFRW office). There will be free pancakes and coffee starting at 8am followed by the seminar at 9am.

Title: Saving Sledge Forest

For our first seminar of 2025, Community Activist Kayne Darell and Director of the Coastal Plains Conservation Group Andy Wood will be joining us to present on Sledge Forest!

Description: Sledge Forest is a local natural treasure spread across over 4000 acres in Castle Hayne. Recognized as harboring some of the last, best examples of this ecoregion’s globally significant habitats and biodiversity, Sledge Forest is now threatened to be destroyed forever with the plan to build 4000+ homes for developer profit at public risk. Our goal is to save Sledge Forest from destruction and protect and preserve it in conservation. We believe the best and most beneficial use of this land is for it to be left as a natural area that supports wildlife, rich plant communities, corridor connectivity, reduces floodwaters, and maintains all of the ecosystem services of these wetland communities for the benefit of our community now and in perpetuity.

Kayne Darrell bio: Kayne moved to Castle Hayne, NC from Long Island, NY with my husband and two young boys in 1995. She has been an advocate, community activist, and grassroots organizer for several local environmental and social justice projects, while working to help promote more responsible, sustainable growth in New Hanover and surrounding counties. Kayne retired in 2018 from NHRMC after 21 years working in the emergency dept. as a radiographer. She is the co-founder of Save Sledge Forest, of S Solutions, Inc., StreetSafe Lifesaving Driving Program and founder of Citizens Against Titan.

Andy Wood bio: Andy is an author and award-winning conservation educator. He is a fourth-generation biologist and graduate of Texas A&M University where he studied wildlife management, natural resource conservation, and museum science. A lifelong educator, Andy joined the modern environmental movement with Earth Day 1970, helping organize and conduct stream cleanups, paper drives, and river monitoring. These formative experiences channeled his conservation career, which includes 12 years as Curator of Education for the North Carolina Aquariums, 11 years as a State Education Director for the National Audubon Society, and 28 years as a volunteer nature commentator for public radio station WHQR. A collection of his commentaries was published in his first book, Backyard Carolina (2006). Today, Andy volunteers as director for Coastal Plain Conservation Group (CPCG)—a non-profit environmental organization, based in Pender County, NC, working to protect biodiversity and prevent extinction of rare and imperiled plants and wildlife, with attention to the southeast NC ecoregion. In this role Andy has all but single-handedly prevented extinction of two species of freshwater snails, Magnificent Ramshorn (Planorbella magnifica) and Greenfield Ramshorn (Helisoma eucosmium).

You can find more info on Sledge Forest here.

FREE Walking Eco Tour along Burnt Mill Creek!
2024-12-13 10:00 - 11:00 | 2101 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28401, 2101 Market St., Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Friday, December 13th 10 to 11 a.m. Click here to register!
Cape Fear River Watch was awarded a three-year Environmental Enhancement Grant from the State’s office of the attorney general to help improve water quality, reduce litter, and engage the community in the Burnt Mill Creek Watershed. To learn more about Burnt Mill Creek and this ongoing project, join us for a leisurely, one-hour walking tour along Burnt Mill Creek!

Burnt Mill Creek is an urban waterway in the heart of Wilmington. During the walk, as we search for wildlife, you will learn about the ecosystem, environmental issues, and ongoing restoration work in Burnt Mill Creek. Burnt Mill Creek harbors a surprising amount of wildlife, including turtles, birds, crabs, fish, and more.

This tour is free and open to all ages. Donations will be accepted. Please consider bringing: sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), water, and comfortable walking shoes.

Please meet at the parking lot located at 2101 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28401 (next to Port City Java and Bridge Church).

December First Saturday Seminar
2024-12-07 08:00 - 10:00 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Saturday, December 7th at 617 Surry St. (the CFRW office). There will be free pancakes and coffee starting at 8am followed by the seminar at 9am.

This seminar will also include additional breakfast items for purchase from the Well-Fed Ed food truck from 8-10:30am!!

Title: A Well-Fed Education film showing and presentation on “The Benefits of a Plant Based Alkaline Diet in an Age of Raised Toxicity” by founder of Well-Fed Ed, Lucas McLawhorn.

Description: Come join us for a showing of A Well-Fed Education film and presentation from the founder of Well-Fed Ed, Lucas McLawhorn. This film, created by Kind of Cool Productions, tells the story of Lucas McLawhorn, a teacher, father, husband, coach, and musician. It’s a tale of awareness, mortality, fortitude, love, and hope, told in Lucas’s own poetic voice. We join Lucas on the Well-Fed Ed food truck as he pursues the dream of helping people live healthier, more fruitful lives. In the film, he shares his journey with disease and how it prompted him, his wife, and his children to move to Switzerland and then return to the U.S. to fulfill his mission.
Lucas will also briefly present on “The Benefits of a Plant Based Alkaline Diet in an Age of Raised Toxicity,” before the film showing.
Jesse Bradley, director and producer of the film A Well-Fed Education will participate in a Q&A session with Lucas following the film’s showing.

Lucas McLawhorn Bio: Lucas and his two brothers were raised on a farm in Pitt County, N.C., where they learned the value of hard work and eating whole foods. The farm produced cows, hogs, blueberries, and other produce. Lucas’s father is a fourth-generation farmer, and his mother is a gardener. His strong work ethic led to a scholarship, college, and becoming a teacher. He moved to Chapel Hill, started a band, and met his wife, Ingrid. Years later, Lucas and Ingrid lived and taught in Wilmington, N.C. They have two children (Tula and Enzo). Lucas was teaching and coaching basketball when he began having pain in his lower back. This pain persisted for months with no diagnosis from doctors. Ingrid was offered an opportunity to live in Switzerland. The family relocated and found a wonderful life in Switzerland, but his back pain persisted. Doctors in Switzerland discovered a cancerous mass. As Lucas recovered from the chemotherapy treatments, he started to learn how plant-based whole foods can heal disease. He began making lunch for the teachers at their school, catering, and creating recipes. Driven by a profound sense of purpose, Lucas and his family made the courageous decision to leave their com- fortable life in Switzerland. Their mission: to educate children and communities in North Carolina about the transformative power of nutrition.

Jesse Bradley Bio: Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Jesse has been producing documentary films and video stories since 2000. He has been recognized for his work winning a multitude of awards including three film festivals for Best Documentary and a regional Emmy nomination. His current film, A Well-Fed Education has screened at two film festivals and won the “Best Health & Nutrition” Award at the International Vegan Film Festival in Toronto.

GivingTuesday 2024
2024-12-03 00:00 - 23:30 | Online, NC, United States
Join Cape Fear River Watch in celebrating GivingTuesday! Our staff, board, interns, and volunteers have been hard at work all year long protecting our river, and we count on YOUR support to continue our efforts for years to come.
Show your support here!

FREE Walking Eco Tour along Burnt Mill Creek!
2024-11-22 10:00 - 11:00 | 2101 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28401, 2101 Market St., Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Friday, November 22nd 10 to 11 a.m. Click here to register!
Cape Fear River Watch was awarded a three-year Environmental Enhancement Grant from the State’s office of the attorney general to help improve water quality, reduce litter, and engage the community in the Burnt Mill Creek Watershed. To learn more about Burnt Mill Creek and this ongoing project, join us for a leisurely, one-hour walking tour along Burnt Mill Creek!

Burnt Mill Creek is an urban waterway in the heart of Wilmington. During the walk, as we search for wildlife, you will learn about the ecosystem, environmental issues, and ongoing restoration work in Burnt Mill Creek. Burnt Mill Creek harbors a surprising amount of wildlife, including turtles, birds, crabs, fish, and more.

This tour is free and open to all ages. Donations will be accepted. Please consider bringing: sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), water, and comfortable walking shoes.

Please meet at the parking lot located at 2101 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28401 (next to Port City Java and Bridge Church).

Annual Membership Meeting
2024-11-17 15:00 - 17:00 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
We are inviting everyone to come to the CFRW office at 617 Surry St. on Sunday, November 17th at 3 pm for our Annual Membership Meeting!

Join us as we present on the impacts CFRW has had on the Wilmington and greater Cape Fear River Basin community in the past year!!

If you’re not a member you can join here or at the meeting! It will also be the perfect time to renew your membership!

We look forward to seeing everyone there!

Cheers to Clean Water Fundraiser
2024-11-16 17:30 - 19:00 | 127 Princess St. Wilmington, NC 28401
Click here to register!

You’re invited to our fundraising event, Cheers to Clean Water, on Saturday, November 16th from 5:30-7pm at Bourgie Nights (127 Princess St. Wilmington, NC 28401)!

This is a limited capacity fundraiser so please register as soon as possible to ensure you will be able to attend.

This fundraising event will feature drinks, music and some words from our Executive Director Dana Sargent and Riverkeeper Kemp Burdette.

With support from the community we have been able to force Chemours to reduce PFAS in our drinking water, make Duke clean up coal ash, provide environmental education to thousands of local youth through field trips and summer camps as well as remove hundreds of thousands of pieces of litter from local watersheds. There is much more – well over thirty years of advocacy, action and education work that we could not have done without the support from folks in the community like you.

If you are not able to attend, please consider donating to our organization so we can continue to support this community! Donate here!

Third Saturday Paddle - Kayak for Carolina
2024-11-16 10:00 - 14:00
Register here!

The last paddle of the season will be a little different this year. We are joining Kayak Carolina for a day of paddling on the Cape Fear River to support Western North Carolina!
Kemp Burdette, our Riverkeeper, will lead one paddle at 11 a.m. along the Cape Fear River. This paddle will be about four-miles long with a brief stop at Shark’s Tooth Island. The put in will be the Riverlights kayak launch and take out will be at the River Road Park kayak launch. The CFRW paddle will run as usual, except your paddle donations will be added to Kayak Carolina’s efforts.
Kayak Carolina has planned an awesome day of paddling with proceeds going to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts in western NC. You can donate here on the Kayak for Carolina website or the day of the paddle. You do not have to attend the paddle to donate – any donation amount helps our neighbors to the West!

October Second Saturday Cleanup 2024
2024-11-09 09:00 - 11:00 | 2929 Princess Place Dr Wilmington, NC 28405
Register Here!!

ALL VOLUNTEERS NOW MUST READ AND SIGN THE CFRW VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT VIA THIS GOOGLE FORM BEFORE PARTICIPATING IN A CLEANUP.
Cape Fear River Watch is excited to partner with Keep New Hanover Beautiful for our Second Saturday Cleanup on November 9th! We will not have a cleanup scheduled for December so make sure not to miss this one! The cleanup will take place in the Smith Creek Watershed at the intersection of Princess Place Drive and Evans Street from 9-11am. Parking is available at 2929 Princess Place Dr. Wilmington, NC 28405. Look for the CFRW cleanup signs! We will provide pickers, bags, safety vests, gloves, and a good time. As always remember to dress appropriately, bring sunscreen, and water. We hope to see you out there!

2024 LakeFest at Greenfield Lake
2024-11-02 10:00 - 14:00 | 298 Park St
Join us Saturday, November 2nd from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm at Greenfield Lake to celebrate science, nature, and wildlife!
Come out for a day of learning and fun! The day will be full of games & activities, live animals, nature tours & paddle boat rides, face painting, crafts, and more! Meet and learn from many different Wilmington and surrounding area organizations.
Located at Greenfield Lake Park (298 Park St.) next to the Playground & Tennis Courts

Lakefest

Mad Mole/CFRW Cleanup
2024-10-26 09:00 - 11:00 | 894 S Kerr Ave #2 Wilmington, NC 28403, 894 S Kerr Ave #2, Wilmington, NC, 28403
CFRW is excited to partner with Mad Mole for another “Pick Up and Pint Cleanup!” We will be focusing our efforts on a piece of land that drains into Burnt Mill Creek. The cleanup will take place on October 26th from 9-11am. We will be meeting at a parking lot at this address: 894 S Kerr Ave #2 Wilmington, NC 28403. Just look for the CFRW cleanup signs! If you have waterproof boots and want to bring them that would be much appreciated! We will need some folks to work in the creek. We will provide pickers, bags, safety vests, gloves, and a good time. As always remember to dress appropriately, bring sunscreen, and water. After the cleanup we will all be heading over to Mad Mole (6309 Boathouse Rd unit C, Wilmington, NC 28403) where we can enjoy a hard earned beer brewed by their solar powered brewery! We hope to see you out there!
Click here to register!

October 2024 Third Saturday Paddle
2024-10-19 07:30 - 14:00
Register here!

Join us as we continue to explore the Cape Fear River by boat! This month we will do a 5.5-mile out-and-back paddle of Lower Town Creek. Meet at the CFRW office at 617 Surry St. at 7:30 am OR at the put in location (the Brunswick Nature Park boat ramp) at 8:15 am.
All paddlers should wear a PFD, however those paddlers using CFRW boats are required to wear a PFD. Other items to remember include sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water, snack/lunch and water shoes. If you have an allergy that is severe remember to bring your epi-pen or medication.
We have a limited number of boats available for rent for CFRW members ($25 per boat; includes PFD and paddle). If you would like to use a CFRW boat please indicate such during your registration. If you would like to join or renew before the paddle, you can click here to join or renew or call our office at 910-762-5606.
To help River Watch continue to bring you great programs like our Paddle Series, Water Quality Programs, and Educational Seminars, we ask you make at least a $10 donation either online with your registration or by bringing cash or check to the paddle on Saturday, any higher amount is appreciated in support of our efforts. THANK YOU! If you need help the day of please call Kemp at 910-264-8036. Conditions may change in the period leading up to the paddle. Please check your email the night before and the morning of the paddle to ensure that the paddle has not been cancelled.

October Second Saturday Cleanup 2024
2024-10-12 09:00 - 11:00 | 811 Martin St. Wilmington, NC 28401, 811 Martin St., Wilmington, North Carolina, 28401
Register Here!!

ALL VOLUNTEERS NOW MUST READ AND SIGN THE CFRW VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT VIA THIS GOOGLE FORM BEFORE PARTICIPATING IN A CLEANUP.
Cape Fear River Watch is excited to partner with Keep New Hanover Beautiful for our Second Saturday Cleanup on October 12th! The cleanup will take place in an area that flows into Greenfield Lake! We will be focusing our efforts on the railroad tracks that run behind the Good Shepherd Center. There is a strong possibility that the cleanup will intersect with our local unhoused community. Please review the attached flyer when you register. The cleanup will take place from 9:00am-11:00am. We will be meeting at the intersection of 8th and Martin. An address that will get you close is 811 Martin St. Wilmington, NC 28401. Please do not park in the Good Shepherd parking lot. Just look for the cleanup signs! CFRW will provide pickers, bags, gloves, and safety vests. As always remember to dress appropriately and bring water. We hope to see you out there!

October 2024 First Saturday Seminar
2024-10-05 08:00 - 10:00 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Join us on October 5th at 9 am at 617 Surry St for our October first Saturday seminar, details are below!

Description:The King Tide season is here! Join Wetlands Watch, the North Carolina Coastal Federation (NCCF), and Plastic Ocean Project (POP) to learn all about the multidisciplinary partnership of the tidal flood monitoring program Catch the King and opportunities to participate in mapping, data collection, and Trees4Trash™ beach cleanup events. Wetlands Watch will share outcomes and aspirations of their NOAA-funded expansion pilot of Catch the King (originally a Virginia-based program) in North Carolina. Coordinators and volunteers of NCCF and POP will share how Catch the King aligns with their coastal research and volunteer programming.

About the Speakers:Gabi Kinney (left photo) is a UNCW Marine Biology alum with deep passion for facilitating climate adaptation through community perspectives and values. In 2023, Gabi received a master’s degree in Natural Resources, specializing in Global Sustainability, and has since become a Certified Floodplain Manager and Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional through her work at Wetlands Watch, an environmental nonprofit based in Norfolk, Virginia. As the Community Engagement Project Manager, Gabi runs several multidisciplinary programs centered around place-based education and amplifying local responses to sea level rise adaptation and the impacts of climate-driven flooding, which includes her coordination of the community science flood mapping program Catch the King.

Jess Elliot (middle photo) is a UNCW alum passionate about marine biology and environmental science. She grew up in Iowa along the Mississippi River, where she saw firsthand the impact of plastic pollution on local environments. At UNCW, she completed a thesis on terrapin physiology, and began spending time in the Plastic Ocean Project lab studying microplastics found in locally stranded dolphins. After graduation she continued in the microplastics lab for a year before working as a biological assistant studying sea turtles and shorebirds at Cape Lookout National Seashore, and has now returned to Wilmington to continue her work with the Plastic Ocean Project.

Warren Darrell (right photo) is an environmental science instructor with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, and an active volunteer with the North Carolina Coastal Federation, The Coastal Estuarine Research Reserve, and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. He has master’s degrees in environmental engineering and environmental science.

September 2024 Third Saturday Paddle
2024-09-21 08:00 - 14:00
Register here!

Join us as we continue to explore the Cape Fear River by boat! This month we will do a 5-mile paddle of Rice Creek. Meet at the CFRW office at 617 Surry St. at 7:30 am OR at the put in location (the Rice Creek boat ramp) at 8:15 am.
All paddlers should wear a PFD, however those paddlers using CFRW boats are required to wear a PFD. Other items to remember include sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water, snack/lunch and water shoes. If you have an allergy that is severe remember to bring your epi-pen or medication.
We have a limited number of boats available for rent for CFRW members ($25 per boat; includes PFD and paddle). If you would like to use a CFRW boat please indicate such during your registration. If you would like to join or renew before the paddle, you can click here to join or renew or call our office at 910-762-5606.
To help River Watch continue to bring you great programs like our Paddle Series, Water Quality Programs, and Educational Seminars, we ask you make at least a $10 donation either online with your registration or by bringing cash or check to the paddle on Saturday, any higher amount is appreciated in support of our efforts. THANK YOU! If you need help the day of please call Kemp at 910-264-8036. Conditions may change in the period leading up to the paddle. Please check your email the night before and the morning of the paddle to ensure that the paddle has not been cancelled.

September Second Saturday Cleanup 2024
2024-09-14 09:00 - 11:00
Register Here!!

ALL VOLUNTEERS NOW MUST READ AND SIGN THE CFRW VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT VIA THIS GOOGLE FORM BEFORE PARTICIPATING IN A CLEANUP.
CFRW will be partnering with Keep New Hanover Beautiful and hosting our monthly second Saturday cleanup. The cleanup will take place on September 14th, from 9-11 am. We are going to focus our efforts on the Greenfield Lake Watershed by cleaning up Squash Branch. This area will require kayaks to clean so if you have your own kayak please feel free to bring it! We will also bring some from CFRW. Parking can be found along Lake Branch Dr. across from Lake Forest Baptist Church(1626 Lake Branch Dr.). Look for the CFRW cleanup signs! We will provide pickers, bags, safety vests, gloves, and a good time. The areas along the banks can get a bit mucky so if you have waterproof boots bring them! As always remember to dress appropriately, bring sunscreen, and water. We hope to see you out there!

August Third Saturday Paddle
2024-08-17 06:00 - 14:00
Register here!!

Join us as we continue to explore the Cape Fear River by boat! This month we will do a 6.5 mile paddle of Shelter Creek. Meet at the CFRW office at 617 Surry St. at 7:30 am OR at the Shelter Creek Boat Ramp at 8:30 am. Take out location: Sawpit Landing Boating Access Area.
All paddlers should wear a PFD, however those paddlers using CFRW boats are required to wear a PFD. Other items to remember include sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water, snack/lunch and water shoes. If you have an allergy that is severe remember to bring your epi-pen or medication.
We have a limited number of boats available for rent for CFRW members ($25 per boat; includes PFD and paddle). If you would like to use a CFRW boat please indicate such during your registration. If you would like to join or renew before the paddle, you can click here to join or renew or call our office at 910-762-5606.
To help River Watch continue to bring you great programs like our Paddle Series, Water Quality Programs, and Educational Seminars, we ask you make at least a $10 donation either online with your registration or by bringing cash or check to the paddle on Saturday, any higher amount is appreciated in support of our efforts. THANK YOU! If you need help the day of please call Kemp at 910-264-8036. Conditions may change in the period leading up to the paddle. Please check your email the night before and the morning of the paddle to ensure that the paddle has not been cancelled.
Register here!!

Cleanup with Easy Honey
2024-08-15 09:00 - 11:00
Register here!

Cape Fear River Watch is excited to cleanup with the band Easy Honey on Thursday, August 15th! The cleanup will take place in the Burnt Mill Creek Watershed. We will be cleaning up along McCumbers Branch. The cleanup will take place from 9am-11am. Parking can be found along Rankin St. an address that will get you close is 1300-1398 Rankin St, Wilmington, NC 28401. Just look for the “Cleanup In Progress” signs! We will provide pickers, bags, gloves, and safety vests. As always remember to dress appropriately and bring water. We hope to see you out there!
