Second Saturday Cleanup
2023-06-10 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Cape Fear River Watch is excited to partner with Keep New Hanover Beautiful for our Second Saturday Cleanup on June 10th! 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.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. Please do not park in the Good Shepherd parking lot. Wilmington, NC 28401. Just look for the CFRW 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!
Register HERE

June 2023 Paddle: Keg Island & Shark Tooth Island
2023-06-17 07:30 - 14:00 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
ALL CFRW BOATS HAVE BEEN CLAIMED FOR THIS PADDLE.
Register here!
Join us as we continue to explore the Cape Fear River by boat! This month we will be paddling around Keg Island and Shark’s Tooth Island. This will be an out and back paddle so there will be no shuttle. We will be departing from River Road Park. You can either meet us at the CFRW office at 7:30 for a caravan to River Rd Park, or you can meet us there at 8:15am.
We encourage all paddlers to wear a PFD, and we require all paddlers using CFRW boats to wear one. Other items to remember include sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water, snack and water shoes if you would like to explore the beaches where oyster shells are present.
*Strong wind and foul weather can effect this paddle more than others due to its location. We will be monitoring the forecast and if predictions indicate that their will be strong winds we will likely cancel this paddle. If we cancel we will notify those who have signed up by email on Friday night or Saturday morning.
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 rent a 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 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.

Greenfield Lake Eco Tour
2023-06-22 09:00 - 10:00, 2023-07-20 09:00 - 10:00 | Greenfield Lake Boathouse, 302 Willard St., Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Join us for a Greenfield Lake Walking Eco Tour!
Join us for a leisurely, 1-hour walking eco-tour of Greenfield Lake. Greenfield Lake is a cypress dome ecosystem in the heart of Wilmington. You will learn about the flora and fauna, environmental impacts, and best management practices of Greenfield Lake while your guide identifies plants and animals along the way! Greenfield Lake harbors a surprising amount of wildlife, including alligators, anhingas, yellow-bellied sliders, and several varieties of herons and egrets.
This tour is open to all ages! Please consider bringing: sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, water, and comfortable walking shoes.
Please meet at the Greenfield Lake Boathouse. Parking is at 298 Park St., Wilmington, NC 28401. Once parked, walk towards the lake and you will see the boathouse on your right. Fee is $5.
Register here!

Cleanup with CFRW and Easy Honey
2023-07-06 09:00 - 11:00 | 1626 Lake Branch Dr, Wilmington, NC 28401
Cape Fear River Watch is excited to partner with the Charleston based band “Easy Honey” on their “Summer Surf Tour”. During their 6 week long east coast tour, the band is partnering with local environmental nonprofits to organize cleanups. Be sure to check out their shows at The Palm Room on July 1st and July 4th!
We will be hosting our joint cleanup on July 6th from 9am-11am. We will be focusing our efforts on Squash Branch. Squash Branch is a tributary of Greenfield Lake which drains directly into the Cape Fear River. As most of you know, Squash Branch is notorious for accumulating large amounts of litter via stormwater runoff. This is currently the case and we will need all the help we can get to clean it up! This cleanup will have volunteers both on foot and in watercrafts. CFRW will be providing kayaks for folks to use but we have a limited supply. If you have your own kayak or canoe please feel free to bring it! Parking can be found along East Lake Shore Drive across from Lake Forest Baptist Church(1626 Lake Branch Dr, Wilmington, NC 28401). Please park on the side of the road and not in the church parking lot. Just look for the CFRW 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!
Who: Cape Fear River Watch and Easy Honey
What: Squash Branch Cleanup
Where: Squash Branch(1626 Lake Branch Dr, Wilmington, NC 28401)
When: July 6th from 9am-11am
Why: Because litter in our waterways sucks
Registration Link: https://cfrw.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/cfrw/event.jsp?event=8592&

Spike N Serve Charity Spike Ball Tournament
2023-07-14 08:30 - 15:00 | Fort Fisher Recreation Area, 1000 Loggerhead Road, Kure Beach, 28449
Spike N Serve has graciously selected Cape Fear River Watch as their partner for this year’s charity spike ball tournament! All proceeds from the tournament will go to CFRW and those of all skill levels are welcome to register.
Details:
* Teams will be made up of two players
* Registration costs $10 per player
* T-shirts will be available for purchase with a ticket for $20, as well as individually for $15
* Teams can choose to play in either the Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced division
Check out @spikenserve on Instagram and email hilbertc22@students.ecu.edu with any questions about the tournament!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spike-n-serve-charity-tournament-registration-554792317757

July 2023 Paddle: Sawpit Landing (Northeast Cape Fear River)
2023-07-15 07:30 - 14:00 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
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 CFRW headquarters at 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 at 7:30am OR the put-in at White Stocking Road here at 8:30am.
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 and water shoes if you would like to explore the beaches where oyster shells are present.
If you need to rent a boat they are just $25 for the day if you are a CFRW Member. If you would like to rent a boat please indicate such during your registration.
If you would like to join or renew before the paddle, you can click here 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 a $10 donation (in addition to $15 rental fee) 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
2023-08-05 08:00 - 10:00 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Join us as our own CFRW Outreach & Engagement Manager, Seanna Jobe, discusses her master’s research she conducted at UNCW!
Pancakes at 8 am, seminar will start at 9 am!
Title: Bald Head Island Coyotes: How Predator Exclusion Cages, Which Protect Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nests, Act as a Visual Stimuli
Description: Loggerhead Sea Turtles are a species that are threatened on the IUCN red list and face many challenges such as; predation, coastal development, climate change, nesting obstructions, pollution, inundation by overwash, and poaching. On Bald Head Island, intense predation by coyotes became a very real threat in 2019 when over 100 hatchlings and 2,000 eggs were lost. After a research project on best predatory exclusion cage design was conducted, Seanna researched how these devices act as a visual attractant to coyotes on the island, and what that meant for sea turtle management in the future!
Speaker: Seanna Jobe, CFRW Outreach & Engagement Manager
Seanna grew up in Western New York and moved to Wilmington for graduate school in 2020. She received her bachelor’s in environmental biology from Houghton University, and her master’s in environmental studies from UNCW. While getting her masters, she did her research capstone on Predator Exclusion Cages as Visual Attractants to Canis latrans. This research was conducted on Bald Head Island, North Carolina, where she was able to collaborate with Bald Head Island Conservancy. Seanna has been fortunate to have many formative experiences with wildlife which have directly influenced her passions for management and conservation, and science communication!
Won’t be able to make it? Our First Saturday Seminars are recorded and posted on our website & our YouTube for anyone to view.

Second Saturday Cleanup
2023-08-12 09:00 - 11:00 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Cape Fear River Watch is excited to partner with Keep New Hanover Beautiful for our Second Saturday Cleanup on August 12th! The cleanup will take place in an area that flows directly into the Cape Fear River! We will be focusing our efforts on the stormwater ditches along South Front Street. If you have waterproof boots it wouldn’t hurt to bring them. They will be helpful in the stormwater ditches and surrounding wetlands. The cleanup will take place from 9:00am-11:00am. We will be meeting at the parking lot near New Anthem Brewing. An address that will get you close is 110 Greenfield St #100, Wilmington, NC 28401. Just look for the CFRW 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!
Register here

August 2023 Paddle: Shelter Creek
2023-08-19 07:45 - 15:00 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
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 7:45 am OR at the put in location at 8:45 am. (the shelter creek boat ramp). Here is the take out location.
We encourage all paddlers to wear a PFD, and we require all paddlers using CFRW boats to wear one. Other items to remember include sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water, and snacks.
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 rent a 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 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.

September First Saturday Seminar
2023-09-02 08:00 - 10:00 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Join us as Evan Buckland shares about birds and the Cape Fear Bird Observatory!
Pancakes at 8 am, seminar will start at 9 am!
Title & Description TBD
Speaker: Evangelyn (Evan) Buckland, Managing Director of Cape Fear Bird Observatory
Evan is a passionate local birder. She has a B.S. in Environmental Studies and an M.S in Marine Biology from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She has worked for the National Park Service and Audubon North Carolina monitoring coastal species of concern and been a volunteer for several local and state agencies and non-profit organizations monitoring birds and doing educational outreach.
Won’t be able to make it? Our First Saturday Seminars are recorded and posted on our website & our YouTube for anyone to view.

Second Saturday Cleanup
2023-09-09 09:00 - 11:00 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Register here!

Cape Fear River Watch is excited to partner with Keep New Hanover Beautiful for our Second Saturday Cleanup on September 9th! 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.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 CFRW 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!

September 2023 Paddle: Rice Creek
2023-09-16 07:45 - 15:00 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
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 7:35 am OR at the put in location at 8:15 am.
We encourage all paddlers to wear a PFD, and we require all paddlers using CFRW boats to wear one. Other items to remember include sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water, and snacks.
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 rent a 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 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.

2023 LakeFest at Greenfield Lake
2023-09-23 10:00 - 14:00 | Greenfield Lake Boathouse, 302 Willard St., Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Join us Saturday, September 23rd 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

October Saturday Seminar
2023-10-07 08:00 - 10:00 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Join us as Dr. Beth Darrow shared about oysters in honor of NC Oyster Month!
Pancakes at 8 am, seminar will start at 9 am!
Title & Description TBD
Speaker: Dr. Beth Darrow, Chief Scientist at the Bald Head Island Conservancy
Beth grew up vacationing with her family in Delaware and Cape Cod , where she participated in naturalist programs and developed a passion for coastal ecology. She holds a B.A. in Biology and Environmental Science from the University of Virginia, an M.S. in Marine Science from the College of William and Mary, and a Ph.D. in Marine Science from the University of South Alabama. Beth has lived in Wilmington since 2014, taught classes and led research projects in UNCW’s Department of Biology and Marine Biology, and has worked at the Bald Head Island Conservancy leading science and conservation programs since summer 2018. Her research specialty is estuarine and shellfish ecology and stakeholder-driven science. Beth and the science team at BHIC are working to further develop the Conservancy’s research program and strengthen relationships with collaborators in the Cape Fear region and beyond.
Won’t be able to make it? Our First Saturday Seminars are recorded and posted on our website & our YouTube for anyone to view.

Second Saturday Cleanup
2023-10-14 09:00 - 11:00 | 2929 Princess Pl Dr, Wilmington, NC 28405, 2929 Princess Pl Dr, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Register here!
Cape Fear River Watch is excited to partner with Keep New Hanover Beautiful for our Second Saturday Cleanup on October 14th! The cleanup will take place in the Smith Creek Watershed at the intersection of Princess Place Dr. and Evans St from 9:00am-11:00am. We will be heading East and West along the railroad tracks. Parking is available at 2929 Princess Pl Dr, Wilmington, NC 28405. Just look for the CFRW 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 2023 Paddle: Town Creek
2023-10-21 08:30 - 15:00 | 2575 River Rd SE, Winnabow, NC 28479, 2575 River Rd SE, Winnabow, 28479, United States
Register here!

Greetings Riverwatch Paddlers!
October’s paddle is going to be a little bit different – and awesome! Your Riverkeeper, who usually leads
the paddle is going on vacation. But we didn’t want to cancel the paddle so we reached out to Angela at
Kayak Carolina to see if she would be willing to help. Angela, who is a big River Watch supporter,
enthusiastically agreed to lead October’s paddle on Town Creek. Angela is an amazing guide and has
decades of experience showing folks the amazing waterways of the Cape Fear Region by Kayak.
What will be different: All paddlers will meet at the put-in at Brunswick County Nature Park at 8:30 am. Do not
come to the office for this paddle. The kayak launch at the park is different than most. You can drive
down to the launch area and unload your kayak and gear, but then you need to drive back up to the
parking are near the rest rooms, park there, and walk back down to the kayak launch. The walk is about
a quarter of a mile on a nice gravel road. When you finish the paddle just walk back up to your car and
drive back down to load your kayak. Once you unload/load your boat you’ll need to clear out so the folks
behind you can unload/load.
If you reserve a kayak (CFRW members can reserve kayaks while they last) Angela will be bringing your
boat and gear for this trip.
Sign ups will be the same. Sign up here, check the waiver, indicate if you want to reserve a boat, and
donate online. If the weather is going to be bad, we will cancel the trip Friday by 9pm, so please make
sure you check your email Friday night. If you have questions about the trip please reach out to Angela at angela@kayakcarolina.com or 910-458-9171.

FREE Walking Eco Tour along Burnt Mill Creek!
2023-11-01 10:00 - 11:00 | 2101 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28401, 2101 Market St., Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Nov 1st, 10-11 am. Register here!
Cape Fear River Watch was awarded a 3-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, 1-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).

November Saturday Seminar
2023-11-04 08:00 - 10:00 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Join us as at 617 Surry St. as Dr. Michael Tift and Dr. Tiffany Keenan present on UNCW Marine Mammal Biology Research!
Pancakes at 8 am, seminar will start at 9 am!

Presentation Title: UNCW Marine Mammal Biology Research

Topic Summary: During this seminar, participants from UNCW will discuss their research with marine mammals in North Carolina, California, and Antarctica. We will also discuss the focus and goals of the UNCW Marine Mammal Stranding Program.

Presenters: Dr. Michael Tift (Director) and Dr. Tiffany Keenan (Stranding Coordinator)

Bios:
Dr. Michael Tift is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology and Marine Biology at UNCW. He has over 15 years of experience conducting research with marine mammals all over the world. His research focuses on the extreme physiology of marine mammals, and other vertebrates. He is also the Director of the UNCW Marine Mammal Stranding Program.
Dr. Tiffany Keenan is the Stranding Coordinator for the UNCW Marine Mammal Stranding Program, and has over 13 years of experience working with stranding marine mammals off the coast of North Carolina. Dr. Keenan is also a Postdoctoral Researcher at UNCW, and her research focuses on the newly discovered brain lymphatic system in marine mammals.

Won’t be able to make it? Our First Saturday Seminars are recorded and posted on our website & our YouTube for anyone to view.

Tree Planting at Burnt Mill Creek
2023-11-04 11:00 - 13:00 | North Carolina
Register to help us plant here!

Cape Fear River Watch is excited to host our first tree planting event for our Burnt Mill Creek Restoration project funded by the NC Attorney General Office’s Environmental Enhancement Grant program.
We will be planting 32 trees along Burnt Mill Creek and are looking for volunteer help Saturday, November 4th, from 11 am-1pm. Exact parking/ meeting location TBA!
We encourage you to bring your own shovel for planting, we will provide gloves if you need! We also encourage long pants and boots! We will go over best tree planting practices before we start and then get to work!
We will also provide a few trash pickers, gloves, and bags if we have extra hands to do some cleaning up of the creek as well!

Annual Membership Meeting
2023-11-05 16:00 - 17:30 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Our Annual Membership Meeting is 4-5:30 pm, November 5th, and you are invited!

Whether you are a current member or interested in learning more about Cape Fear River Watch, we invite you to join us for our annual membership meeting at our office, 617 Surry St.!

Food and refreshments will be provided, and you will hear from your Riverkeeper and other CFRW staff.

We hope to see you there!

Second Saturday Cleanup
2023-11-11 09:00 - 11:00 | 735 Medical Center Dr., Wilmington, NC 28401, 735 Medical Center Dr., Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Register here!

Cape Fear River Watch is excited to partner with Keep New Hanover Beautiful for our Second Saturday Cleanup on November 11th! The cleanup will take place in the GFL Watershed behind the Bojangles and Speedway on US 421 from 9:00am – 11:00am. We will be cleaning up the woods as well as the surrounding stormwater ditch and pond. You can park on Silverstream Lane. An address that will get you close is 735 Medical Center Dr., Wilmington, NC 28401. Just look for the CFRW 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!

Cape Fear River Watch Fall Fest
2023-11-12 12:00 - 16:00 | Waterline Brewing Co, 721 Surry St, Wilmington, 28401, United States
Join us for Cape Fear River Watch’s Fall Fest 2023!
Sunday, November 12th from 12-4 pm at Waterline Brewing

Greenfield Lake Walking Eco Tour
2023-11-16 10:00 - 11:00 | Greenfield Lake Boathouse, 302 Willard St., Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Join us for a Greenfield Lake Walking Eco Tour! Register here
Join us for a leisurely, 1-hour walking eco-tour of Greenfield Lake. Greenfield Lake is a cypress dome ecosystem in the heart of Wilmington. You will learn about the flora and fauna, environmental impacts, and best management practices of Greenfield Lake while your guide identifies plants and animals along the way! Greenfield Lake harbors a surprising amount of wildlife, including alligators, anhingas, yellow-bellied sliders, and several varieties of herons and egrets.
This tour is open to all ages and is $5! Please consider bringing: sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, water, and comfortable walking shoes.
Please meet at the Greenfield Lake Boathouse. Parking is at 298 Park St., Wilmington, NC 28401. Once parked, walk towards the lake and you will see the boathouse on your right.

November Friendsgiving Paddle and Potluck
2023-11-18 07:30 - 14:00 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Register here!
As we approach the end of our 3rd Saturday paddling series which runs from March through November we wanted to revive our end of the season oyster roast and potluck. This is a great chance for paddlers to get together and share a meal and some stories about your most (or least?) favorite paddle of the year. Just pick a dish using the sign-up genius link, pack any perishable food in a cooler which will stay in your car while we paddle and when we get to the takeout we’ll retrieve our contributions to the potluck and enjoy! CFRW will provide steamed oysters as long as they last!
Our November paddle will begin on the Brunswick River at the new Belville Park kayak launch. We’ll paddle across the Brunswick and into Alligator Creek, along Alligator Creek, under the Hwy 74/76 bridge (the tide will be low) and then back out into the Brunswick River, continue upstream to the Cape Fear and then left into Davis Creek. We’ll take out at Davis Creek Park and have our Friendsgiving there.
The November paddle and Friendsgiving is very weather dependent. If it’s too cold, it’s no fun and potentially dangerous to paddle. It’s also no fun to share a meal outside in those conditions. We will make the call the week of the paddle based on the forecast.
Meet at the CFRW office at 617 Surry St. at 7:30 am OR at the Belville Park kayak launch at 8:15 am.
We encourage all paddlers to wear a PFD, and we require all paddlers using CFRW boats to wear one. Other items to remember include sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water, and snacks.
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 rent a 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 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.

Pick Up and Pint Cleanup
2023-11-18 09:00 - 11:00 | North Carolina
Register Here!
CFRW is excited to partner with Mad Mole for another “Pick Up and Pint Cleanup!” We will be focusing our efforts on an area of land that drains into Greenfield Lake. The cleanup will take place on November 18th from 9:00am-11am. We will be meeting at the intersection of 8th and Martin, by the Good Shepherd Center. Just 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. After the cleanup feel free to head over to Mad Mole (6309 Boathouse Rd unit c, Wilmington, NC 28403) where you can enjoy a hard earned beer brewed by their solar powered brewery! We hope to see you out there!

FREE Walking Eco Tour along Burnt Mill Creek!
2023-11-30 10:00 - 11:00 | 2101 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28401, 2101 Market St., Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Nov 30th, 10-11 am. Register here!
Cape Fear River Watch was awarded a 3-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, 1-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 Saturday Seminar
2023-12-02 08:00 - 10:00 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Join us Saturday, December 2nd, at 617 Surry St., for our last first Saturday seminar of 2023! Pancakes at 8am and seminar at 9am.

Title: The CFPUA Experience.

Speaker: Kenneth Waldroup, Executive Director of Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA)

Description: Ken will provide an introduction to the water and wastewater sector and CFPUA’s place in that industry while navigating a six-year period of discovery, turmoil, and solutions surrounding GenX and the larger family of PFAS chemicals contaminating the Cape Fear River. The presentation will be part history lesson and part engineering lesson, with a healthy dose of public policy conversation.

Bio: Kenneth Waldroup is Executive Director of Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA), the primary drinking water and wastewater provider in Wilmington and New Hanover County. Ken has more than 30 years of experience in the water industry, is a licensed professional engineer, and holds a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering from N.C. State University and a master’s in public administration from N.C. Central University. He is a former member of the N.C. Environmental Management Commission and has volunteered in water sector trade and professional organizations for most of his career. Ken and his wife Evelyn live in downtown Wilmington, where they enjoy sharing the vibrant food, entertainment, cultural offerings with their two adult daughters and visiting family and friends.

FREE Walking Eco Tour along Burnt Mill Creek!
2023-12-14 10:00 - 11:00 | 2101 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28401, 2101 Market St., Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Dec. 14th, 10-11 am. Register here!
Cape Fear River Watch was awarded a 3-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, 1-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).

FREE Eco/ Bird Walk Along Burnt Mill Creek!
2024-01-05 09:00 - 10:30 | 2101 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28401, 2101 Market St., Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Jan. 5th from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Register here!

Cape Fear River Watch and Cape Fear Bird Observatory are celebrating national bird day by providing a free walking tour in Burnt Mill Creek.
During the walk you will learn about the ecosystem, environmental issues, and ongoing restoration work in Burnt Mill Creek. As well as a chance to see some of the 190 documented bird species in the Burnt Mill Creek watershed.
Registration is required to secure a set of binoculars. 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).
