Burnt Mill Creek Tree Mulching
2025-06-28 08:00 - 10:30 (America/New_York) | Shirley Rd., 2000 Shirley Rd, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Register Here!!

ALL VOLUNTEERS NOW MUST READ AND SIGN THE CFRW VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT VIA THIS GOOGLE FORM BEFORE PARTICIPATING IN THE TREE MULCHING.
Join the Cape Fear River Watch on Saturday, June 28th to spread mulch around the trees previously planted along Burnt Mill Creek! This will benefit the trees in several ways, including helping them retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Please bring a shovel if you have one. As always remember to dress appropriately for the hot weather, bring sunscreen, and bring plenty of water. We hope to see you there!
The meetup location is 2000 Shirley Road Wilmington NC. Parking can be found past the gate in the grassy area along the service road. Look for the CFRW sign!

Burnt Mill Creek Tree Mulching
2025-07-18 09:00 - 12:00 | Shirley Rd., 2000 Shirley Rd, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Register here!!

ALL VOLUNTEERS NOW MUST READ AND SIGN THE CFRW VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT VIA THIS GOOGLE FORM BEFORE PARTICIPATING IN THE TREE MULCHING.
Join the Cape Fear River Watch on Saturday, July 18th to spread mulch around the trees previously planted along Burnt Mill Creek! This will benefit the trees in several ways, including helping them retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Please bring a shovel if you have one. As always, remember to dress appropriately for the hot weather, bring sunscreen, and bring plenty of water. We hope to see you there!
The meetup location is 2000 Shirley Road Wilmington, NC. Parking can be found past the gate in the grassy area along the service road. Look for the CFRW sign!

Burnt Mill Creek Tree Mulching Day 2
2025-07-19 08:00 - 11:00 | Shirley Rd., 2000 Shirley Rd, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Register here!!

ALL VOLUNTEERS NOW MUST READ AND SIGN THE CFRW VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT VIA THIS GOOGLE FORM BEFORE PARTICIPATING IN THE TREE MULCHING.
Join the Cape Fear River Watch on Saturday, July 19th to spread mulch around the trees previously planted along Burnt Mill Creek! This will benefit the trees in several ways, including helping them retain moisture and suppress weeds. This will be our second day of tree mulching, to finish up any remaining mulching we did not complete the day before.
Please bring a shovel if you have one. As always, remember to dress appropriately for the hot weather, bring sunscreen, and bring plenty of water. We hope to see you there!
The meetup location is 2000 Shirley Road Wilmington, NC. Parking can be found past the gate in the grassy area along the service road. Look for the CFRW sign!

July Third Saturday Paddle
2025-07-19 08:30 - 15:30 | River Road Park, 6500 River Road, Wilmington, NC, 28412, United States
Register Here

Join us as we explore the Cape Fear River Basin by boat! This month we will put in and take out at River Road Park for this out and back paddle. Meet at River Road Park at 8 a.m., see below for instructions!

If bringing your own boats, arrive at 8 a.m. or earlier. Please unload at the ramp as quickly as you can. Keep the right-hand side clear for people that are currently launching and landing. When unloading, please place your boat and gear to the far-left hand side of the ramp (when facing the water), anywhere there is space. Alternatively, you can put your boat a little farther up in the grass on the left behind the park sign where there is plenty of room to pack your boat and whatnot.

Everyone please meet up once you’re ready, on the right-hand side of the park in the wide-open grassy area. Please stay clear of the boat ramp lane and the roundabout for trucks and trailers, we can chill under the trees and gather there.

For restrooms, they are up almost to the head of the road, on the right-hand side as you turn into the park. Please go ahead and get a parking space, then walk up there as needed.

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 CFRW continue to bring you great programs like our paddle series, water quality programs and educational seminars, we ask you make a $10 donation either online with your registration or by bringing cash or check to the paddle on Saturday. 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.

August First Saturday Seminar
2025-08-02 08:00 - 10:30 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
This month, Bald Head Island Conservancy Coastal Scientist Allison Polinski will present on the importance of freshwater on Bald Head Island and how it is threatened by the surrounding saltwater environment. From alligator population and amphibian abundance surveys, to water quality monitoring through macro-invertebrate sampling, the Conservancy is diving all in to protect and further conserve this valuable natural resource. Don’t forget to join us at 8 a.m. for a free coffee and pancake breakfast prior to the presentation!

August Second Saturday Cleanup
2025-08-09 09:00 - 23:00 | 2929 Princess Place Dr Wilmington, NC 28405
Click here to register!
ALL VOLUNTEERS NOW MUST READ AND SIGN THE CFRW VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT VIA THIS GOOGLE FORM BEFORE PARTICIPATING IN A CLEANUP.
Missed seeing us in July? We sure missed y’all! Come and see us for our August Second Saturday Cleanup on Saturday, August 9th. This cleanup will take place in the Smith Creek Watershed at the intersection of Princess Place Dr. and Evans St from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Parking is available at 2929 Princess Pl Dr, Wilmington, NC 28405-just look for the CFRW cleanup signs! We will provide pickers, bags, gloves, and safety vests, and of, course, a good time. As always, remember to dress appropriately for the heat, apply sunscreen and bug spray, and bring plenty of water. We hope to see you out there!

August Third Saturday Paddle
2025-08-16 08:30 - 15:00
Register here!
Join the CFRW paddlers as we explore the Northeast Cape Fear River between Sawpit Landing (off White Stocking Road) and the Shaw Highway Wildlife Ramp. This is a great section of river with a textbook example of an oxbow lake, several nice coves, and a few creeks to poke our heads into. The trip is 5-6 miles. We will meet at the put-in at Sawpit Landing Boat Access Area off of White Stocking Road at 8:30 a.m. Take-out will be at the Shaw Highway Wildlife Ramp.
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 to CFRW members ($25 suggested donation per boat; includes PFD and paddle). If you would like to use a CFRW boat, please indicate such during your registration. Note: all of the CFRW boats available for this paddle are single kayaks. If you would like to request a tandem or a canoe, please email kemp@cfrw.us and we may be able to accomodate. If you would like to join or renew before the paddle, you can click here to join or renew, email morgan@cfrw.us, or call our office at 910-762-5606.
To help Cape Fear 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.
Registration closes at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, August 13th!

September First Saturday Seminar
2025-09-06 08:00 - 10:30 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
We’re a little late to posting about this weekend’s seminar—but if you know Roger, you know it’s worth the wait! CFRW Board Member Roger Shew will discuss issues that are currently facing the Lower Cape Fear River including development and natural area losses, port deepening, flooding, water quality, and more in our rapidly growing area. From forest to sea, Roger will also highlight the beauty and value of these natural areas and resources, and how you can help advocate for their protection and smart use.
Click here to receive reminders about the seminar, and be sure to join us before the presentation for a free coffee and pancake breakfast (and a chance to meet our fall interns!).

September Second Saturday Cleanup
2025-09-13 09:00 - 11:00 | Emerson St., 4151 Emerson St., Wilmington, NC, 28403, United States
Click here to register!
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, partnering with Keep New Hanover Beautiful, are hosting our monthly second Saturday cleanup. The cleanup will take place THIS Saturday, September 13th from 9-11 a.m. We are going to focus our efforts on the Burnt Mill Creek watershed by cleaning up the ditch off of Emerson St. The ditch is physically located on Emerson, just south of Marlboro St. Park along Emerson St. in the gravel pull off areas. Parking is available at 4201 Emerson St, Wilmington, NC, 28403. Look for the CFRW cleanup signs! We will provide pickers, bags, safety vests, gloves, and as always, a good time. We will need some volunteers to clean up the interior of the ditch, so if you have your waders or waterproof boots, please bring them! As always, remember to dress appropriately for the weather, bring sunscreen, and plenty of water. We hope to see you out there!

September Third Saturday Paddle
2025-09-20 08:30 - 14:30
Click here to register!

This paddle route is rescheduled from August. If you initially registered for this paddle before it was cancelled and would like to roll over your registration, please email morgan@cfrw.us. You do not need to register again, but you do need to reach out to confirm that you have been rolled over.
Join the CFRW paddlers as we explore the Northeast Cape Fear River between Sawpit Landing (off Whitestocking Road) and the Shaw Highway ramp. This is a great section of river with a textbook example of an oxbow lake, several nice coves, and a few creeks to poke our heads into. The trip is 5-6 miles. We will meet at the put-in at Sawpit Landing Boat Access Area off of Whitestocking Road between 8:30-8:45 a.m.
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 CFRW members ($25 suggested donation per boat; includes PFD and paddle). For this paddle, we are only offering single kayaks. If you would like to request a tandem, please email kemp@cfrw.us before registering, we may be able to accommodate. To join or renew your CFRW Membership, you can click here or call our office at 910-762-5606. All new or renewing memberships made before the paddle will be automatically entered into our Summer Membership Raffle. You could win a new kayak for use in future CFRW paddles, or to explore the Cape Fear River on your own! Cash/check renewals can be brought to the paddle, Kemp will draw the winner(s) of our raffle the morning of the paddle.
To help CFRW continue to bring you these great programs, we ask that 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.

World Rivers Day Celebration
2025-09-28 11:00 - 14:00 | Carolina Beach State Park, 1010 State Park Road, Carolina Beach, NC, 28428, United States
Click here to register!

World Rivers Day is a celebration of the world’s waterways held on the fourth Sunday of every September. It highlights the value of our rivers, strives to increase public awareness, and encourages stewardship of all rivers around the world. No surprise, we will be celebrating our incredible, irreplaceable Cape Fear River!

Want to celebrate with us? Join us for a free guided hike and light litter cleanup at Carolina Beach State Park! Enjoy an easy, scenic hike overlooking the river along the 3-mile Sugarloaf Trail. Ranger Jesse will walk us through the natural history of the Cape Fear River, while we highlight how Cape Fear River Watch is working to protect it today. Along the way, we will pick up any litter seen around the trailhead to each do our part in keeping the river clean.

Meet at the marina at Carolina Beach State Park. We will provide pickers, bags/buckets, and gloves for the cleanup. Dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather, apply sunscreen and bug spray, and bring plenty of water. We will have a limited number of binoculars available on a first-arrive basis.

This is a free event for all ages. To help sustain the work of Cape Fear River Watch and Friends of Pleasure Island State Parks, donations will be accepted and are much appreciated.

October First Saturday Seminar
2025-10-04 08:00 - 10:30 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Hungry for learning? This month, Feast Down East Food Hub Operations Manager JT Crawford will present the work Feast Down East is doing to strengthen our local food systems in southeastern N.C., from reducing waste to sharing sustainable farming methods made by farmers. JT will also highlight how they are implementing best management practices with the Southeast Aquatic Fund to improve soil health and habitats in the Neuse and Cape Fear basins.

Click here to receive reminders about the seminar, and be sure to join us before the presentation for a feast of your own—free coffee and pancakes courtesy of our fall interns.

Burnt Mill Creek Bird Walk
2025-10-13 09:00 - 10:30 | 2101 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28401, 2101 Market St., Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Click here to register!

The migratory birds are back, and so are our popular Burnt Mill Creek bird walks with Cape Fear Bird Observatory! Whether you are a fledgling or veteran birder, this free ecotour will give you good looks at some of the 190 documented bird species in the watershed. Along the way, we will also discuss the ongoing work Cape Fear River Watch is doing to restore this habitat for the birds and other wildlife who need it.
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 bring your own binoculars if you’re able to! We have a limited number of binoculars for attendees.
Meet at the parking lot located at 2101 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28401 (next to Port City Java and Bridge Church).

October Third Saturday Paddle
2025-10-18 08:30 - 15:00 | Rice Creek, Rice Creek Boat Ramp, 797 Gordon Lewis Dr SE, Winnabow, NC, 28479, United States
Click here to register!

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 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.
UPDATE: all of our available boats are now booked BUT we still have plenty of space for those with their own boat. Secure your spot before they’re gone!
To help CFRW continue to bring you great programs, 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.

Burnt Mill Creek Eeekotour
2025-10-22 09:30 - 10:30 | 2101 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28401, 2101 Market St., Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Click here to register!

Join us, if you dare, for our next eeekotour! 👻 Come see the frights and sights of Burnt Mill Creek on a one-hour walking tour from 9:30-10:30 a.m. next Wednesday, October 22nd. We’ll see some of the spooky threats facing the ecosystem and the work we are doing to fight them. Burnt Mill Creek is also a hotspot for creepy crawlers, offering us sightings of bugs, birds, crabs, fish, and turtles, among much more. 🕷️
This free tour is a treat for all ages. As always, dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather and bring plenty of water. Costumes welcome! We will begin our walk from the parking lot at 2101 Market St., next to Port City Java.

November Second Saturday Cleanup
2025-11-08 09:00 - 11:00 | 811 Martin St. Wilmington, NC 28401, 811 Martin St., Wilmington, North Carolina, 28401
Click here to register!

ALL VOLUNTEERS NOW MUST READ AND SIGN THE CFRW VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT VIA THIS GOOGLE FORM BEFORE PARTICIPATING IN A CLEANUP.
We are excited to partner again with Keep New Hanover Beautiful for our monthly litter cleanup on November 8th from 9-11 a.m.! This month, we will be focusing our efforts on areas around the Good Shepherd Center, which flow into Greenfield Lake. There is a strong possibility that the cleanup will intersect with our local unhoused community, please review the attached flyer when you register. We will meet at the intersection of 8th and Martin. An address that will get you close is 811 Martin St. Follow the CFRW cleanup signs! Please do not park in the Good Shepherd parking lot. We will provide pickers, bags, gloves, safety vests, and a good time. As always, remember to dress appropriately for the weather and bring yourself plenty of water. We hope to see you out there!

December First Saturday Seminar
2025-12-06 09:00 - 10:30 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
For our fin-al seminar of the year, we will take a deep dive into the Cape Fear River with retired NOAA Fishery Biologist Fritz Rohde. Fritz will introduce us to the freshwater fishes that call the Cape Fear and adjacent basins home—including anadromous (species that travel from river to sea to spawn) and estuarine species—and his studies of them throughout the past 50 years.
Fritz will have a limited number of signed copies of his book “A Guide to North Carolina’s Fishes” available for $30 (cash only). A great early holiday gift for the anglers in your life!
Be sure to join us bright and early before the presentation for a free coffee and pancake breakfast!

Annual Membership Meeting
2025-12-07 15:00 - 17:00 | Front Street Brewery, 9 N Front St, Wilmington, 28401, United States
Our Annual Membership Meeting is happening Sunday, December 7th from 3-5 p.m at Front Street Brewery‘s Beam Room. Members and non-members alike are invited to join us! Your Cape Fear Riverkeeper Kemp will provide an overview of our year, you will be able to mingle with our staff, volunteers, and your local community, and our members will have the opportunity to vote in our new Board of Directors.

If you are not yet a member or need to renew, you can join ahead of the meeting at cfrw.app.neoncrm.com/forms/membership, calling our office at 910-762-5606, or connecting with our Outreach & Engagement Manager Morgan the day-of.

We can’t wait to get together!

January 2026 First Saturday Seminar
2026-01-03 08:00 - 10:30 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
We are starting out strong for our first First Saturday Seminar of the new year, and if you have a new year’s resolution to do more advocacy (that’s always one of ours, anyway), you don’t want to miss it!
We will hear from Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) Executive Director Kenneth Waldroup, P.E., about how the the Town of Fuquay-Varina’s request for an Interbasin Transfer (IBT) could impact the Cape Fear River Basin, and what local leaders are doing about it. Plus, we’ll hear an update on major CFPUA projects, including the Southside Water Reclamation Facility.
You may recall that, as you’re reading this, NCDEQ has not scheduled any public hearings about the IBT in the Lower Cape Fear. We are working on that. In the meantime, this is one opportunity to ask questions and share your concerns among our community. We will have postcards available—write your comments and we will send it to NCDEQ! If you can’t make it to this month’s seminar, click here to submit a comment anytime through April 1st.

January 2026 Second Saturday Cleanup
2026-01-10 09:00 - 23:00 | Crossroads Center, 894-1 S Kerr Ave, Wilmington, 28403
Click here to register!
New Year, same cleanups!
For our first Second Saturday Cleanup of the year, we will focus our efforts on two locations within the Burnt Mill Creek watershed. The first will be the drainage easement that runs behind Crossroads Center and Wilmington Brewing. The second location will be the southern continuation of that easement that runs behind Jackson BBQ. We will all meet at a central staging location, which will be located in the parking lot of Crossroads Center. 894-1 S Kerr Ave, Wilmington, NC 28403 should get you to the right spot.
CFRW will provide gloves, pickers, safety vests, bags, data sheets, and pens. If you have waterproof knee boots or waders, please bring them; we will need some people to walk through the center of the ditch, which typically has standing water. Please remember to dress warmly!
We look forward to seeing you all there and starting off 2026 strong!

February First Saturday Seminar
2026-02-07 08:00 - 10:30 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
We will hear from New Hanover County’s first Sustainability Manager, Madelyn Wampler. Madelyn will provide an overview of the county’s recently completed sustainability assessment (click here to read). She will highlight key findings, ongoing initiatives, and opportunities to strengthen environmental stewardship and resilience across New Hanover County.
Be sure to arrive early to warm up with complimentary pancakes and coffee, plus the chance to meet our spring interns!

February Second Saturday Cleanup
2026-02-14 09:00 - 11:00 | Squash Branch, Lake Branch Dr., Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Click here to register!
CFRW is partnering with Keep New Hanover Beautiful for our monthly Second Saturday cleanup. This month’s cleanup will take place on February 14th, from 9-11 a.m. We are focusing our efforts on the Greenfield Lake watershed by cleaning up the Squash Branch tribuatary. 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 our fleet. Thanks to a generous donation from the Wilmington Rotary Club, we will also be using our new Jon Boat, allowing us to collect even more litter! Parking is available along Lake Branch Dr. across from Lake Forest Baptist Church (1626 Lake Branch Dr.). Follow the cleanup signs! We will provide the 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 for the weather, bring sunscreen, and plenty of water. We hope to see you out there!
