Second Saturday Cleanup
2023-08-12 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 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 | NC
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 | NC
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).

January Saturday Seminar
2024-01-06 08:00 - 10:00 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Join us Saturday, January 6th at 617 Surry St., for our first 2024 Saturday Seminar! Pancakes at 8am and seminar at 9am. https://fb.me/e/1qA7Sdho9
Title: Habitat and environmental monitoring in the lower Cape Fear Coastal Reserve sites.

Description: Byron Toothman and Elizabeth Pinnix discuss the NC Coastal Reserve System Wide Monitoring Program (SWMP) and challenges in managing our sites along the Lower Cape Fear area. We’ll cover environmental and habitat monitoring as well as species of concern and some of the current issues in land management at our sites.
Speakers: Elizabeth Pinnix, Southern Sites Manager for the NC Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve
In her role, Elizabeth spends most of her time protecting coastal ecosystems and studying them. As a child she always knew she wanted to work in marine science, especially with sea turtles. She attended UNC-Wilmington and received her bachelors in Oceanography, then went on to get her master’s in marine biology from Nova Southeastern University in South Florida. She is passionate about coastal NC and teaching others about our amazing coastal ecosystems.
Byron Toothman, Research Biologist for the NC Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve
After moving to Coastal NC from Washington DC, Byron spent his childhood in Morehead City and on the waters of Bogue Sound. There he grew attached to all the trappings of life on the water in Coastal North Carolina. He attended UNC Wilmington where he earned a B.S. in Marine Biology and Environmental Science. After a time working in aquaculture, he returned to pursue a M.S. in Marine Science and is now finishing a PhD in Marine Biology. Byron has 20+ years of experience with water quality in coastal and estuarine environments. He has been a Research Biologist with the NC Coastal Reserve for 15 years where he manages their environmental monitoring programs. He also has experience in grant writing, teaching, outreach, and student mentoring to further stewardship and understanding of the coastal landscape. Byron also serves on the Board of Directors for Cape Fear River Watch!

Second Saturday Cleanup
2024-01-13 09:00 - 11:00 | NC
Register here!
New Year same cleanups! Cape Fear River Watch is excited to partner with Keep New Hanover Beautiful for our Second Saturday Cleanup on January 13th! The cleanup will take place in the Burnt Mill Creek Watershed! We will be focusing our efforts on McCumbers Branch near Rankin St. as well as the deeper portion that flows by Calvary Memorial Cemetery. The cleanup will take place from 9:00am-11:00am. We will have two separate locations for this cleanup so please plan on meeting at the location that best suits you. The first group will be cleaning up off Rankin St. Parking will be available at the field across from N 13th St and Rankin. This location will be a land based cleanup. However waders and/or waterproof boots will be ideal here. So if you have those please bring them! The Second location will be at the backside of Calvary Memorial Cemetery, which is located off N. 11th St. This location is for kayakers! CFRW will be providing ~6 boats and they will go quickly on a first come first serve basis. If you have your own boat please feel free to bring it! At either location 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!

February First Saturday Seminar
2024-02-03 08:00 - 10:00 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Join us Saturday, February 3rd for our February first Saturday seminar! Pancakes at 8am and seminar at 9am.
Title: Audubon North Carolina on the Cape Fear River
Description: This month’s seminar will review how birds use the Cape Fear River year-round as well as highlight research and monitoring by Audubon NC and their partners.
Speaker:
Lindsay Addison, Coastal Biologist, Audubon North Carolina
Lindsay Addison has been Audubon NC’s coastal biologist since 2011. In this role, Lindsay, and the staff members she supervises, manages and monitors about 40% of the waterbirds that nest on North Carolina’s coast. She serves on the American Oystercatcher Working Group’s Steering Committee, coordinates North Carolina’s statewide oystercatcher banding program, and collaborates with academic and agency partners around the state on science and monitoring projects. Lindsay earned her undergraduate degree at Stetson University and her M.S. at Florida Gulf Coast University, where she studied Least Terns nesting on natural beaches and rooftops. She has worked in birds and conservation since 2005, in Florida, Massachusetts, and California, and is grateful to have been born and raised in southwest Florida.

Second Saturday Cleanup
2024-02-10 09:00 - 11:00 | 110 Greenfield St #100, Wilmington, NC 28401
Register here!
Cape Fear River Watch is excited to partner with Keep New Hanover Beautiful for our Second Saturday Cleanup on February 10th! 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 CFRW 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! 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!

Tree Planting at Burnt Mill Creek
2024-02-17 11:00 - 13:00 | NC
Register to help us plant here!

Cape Fear River Watch is excited to host our second tree planting event for our Burnt Mill Creek Restoration project funded by the NC Attorney General Office’s Environmental Enhancement Grant program.
We are partnering with Alliance for Cape Fear Trees to plant trees along Burnt Mill Creek. We are looking for volunteer help Saturday, February 17th from 11 am to 1pm. Parking is available at 2001 Klein Rd. Please look for CFRW signs!
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!

March First Saturday Seminar
2024-03-02 08:00 - 10:00 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Join us Saturday, March 2nd for our March First Saturday seminar! Pancakes at 8am and Seminar at 9am.
Title: Long-term Studies of Longleaf Pines, Venus Flytraps and More in a Fire-Dependent Ecosystem in the Green Swamp of Brunswick County
Description: The Green Swamp is a national landmark. It contains some of the best examples of wet-pine savannas in the world. It has a rich biodiversity and is an important part of the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain 36th Global Biodiversity Hotspot. Long-term studies of Longleaf Pines, Venus Flytraps, and Lysimachia asperulifolia (an endangered species) are described along with the importance of fire (frequency and timing) to these and other species in this fire-dependent ecosystem. Results from over a decade of investigations with the Nature Conservancy will be highlighted along with comments and post-fire images from the large wildfire in June 2023.
Speaker: Roger Shew
Roger is a Geology and Environmental Science professor at UNCW and has been teaching since 1999. He is particularly interested in energy and water resources, coastal plain ecosystems, and other sustainability issues; among other courses he teaches courses in sustainability. Roger also conducts field seminars as part of UNCW outreach as well as Teacher Education workshops including trips to coastal area beaches and barrier islands, the Green Swamp Preserve, and to the Bay Lakes areas. He volunteers with the Coastal Federation and with the Nature Conservancy where he helps with longleaf pine restoration and with endangered species studies. Roger grew up in Brunswick County and worked in the Energy Industry for 20 years. Roger joined the board in 2008.
Facebook Event: https://fb.me/e/9qy9I4QoX

2nd Saturday Cleanup
2024-03-09 09:00 - 11:00 | NC
Register here!!
Cape Fear River Watch is excited to partner with Keep New Hanover Beautiful for our Second Saturday Cleanup on March 9th! 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!

March 2024 Third Saturday Paddle
2024-03-16 08:00 - 15:00 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Register for the paddle HERE

Our first paddle of 2024! Join us as we explore the Cape Fear River Basin by boat! This month we will do a 4-5 mile paddle on the Black River. Put in at Hunt’s Bluff and take out at Point Caswell on Estate Rd. Meet at the CFRW office at 617 Surry St. at 8:30 am OR at the Put in at Hunt’s Bluff no later than 9:45 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.
