Cape Fear River Watch

January 2026 Second Saturday Cleanup
2026-01-10 09:00 - 23:00 (America/New_York) | 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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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 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 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.

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.

September Third Saturday Paddle
2025-09-20 08:30 - 14:30 | NC
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.

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 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!).

August Third Saturday Paddle
2025-08-16 08:30 - 15:00 | NC
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!

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 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!

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.

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!

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
2025-06-28 08:00 - 10:30 | 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!

Cancelled - June Third Saturday Paddle
2025-06-21 08:30 - 14:30 | Archie Blue Community Park, 1601 Wynnwood St., Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Registration for the paddle will open closer to the event date. Stay tuned for details!

Join us as we explore the Cape Fear River Basin by boat! This month we will put in at Archie Blue Park and take out near downtown at Dram Tree Park. This is a really fun paddle that doesn’t take us far from town. Meet at the put in at Archie Blue Community Park at 8:30 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 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.

Storm Drain Marking
2025-06-20 12:00 - 13:30 | Mary Bridgers Park, 1925 Chestnut Street, Wilmington, 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 STORM DRAIN MARKING.
Join the Cape Fear River Watch for a storm drain marking event along Chestnut Street on Friday, June 20th from 12-1:30pm. This volunteer opportunity helps to educate the community about stormwater pollution. You will learn more about stormwater pollution and then help adhere metal markers to targeted storm drains in our community.
These markers let people know that anything that goes down that marked storm drain ends up in the Cape Fear River. This volunteer activity will take about 1.5 hours but will have a permanent and lasting impact on our community, as these markers help decrease pollutants entering our waterways.
Please bring sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), water and wear comfortable walking shoes. All needed materials for the storm drain marking will be provided.
If it rains within 24 hours of the event, we will need to reschedule, as the moisture can prevent the storm drain markers from properly adhering. If you are able, please also hold Tuesday, June 24th, and Thursday, June 26th from 12-1:30pm as backup dates in case we need to reschedule.
Please register for more details and to be notified of any date changes made due to inclement weather.

June Second Saturday Cleanup
2025-06-14 09:00 - 11:00 | 1626 Lake Branch Dr, Wilmington, NC 28401
Register Here!!

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

June First Saturday Seminar
2025-06-07 08:00 - 10:00 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Saturday, June 7th, 617 Surry St. (the CFRW office). There will be free pancakes and coffee starting at 8am followed by the seminar at 9am.

Title: Quantifying Riverine Plastic Pollution using Participatory Science and Trash Traps

Description: From 2021 to 2024, North Carolina Waterkeeper organizations installed 21 floating traps in streams across the state to capture riverine trash. Over this time period, these traps have captured more than 150,000 pieces of trash, most of which are plastic. This talk explores the findings from this incredible dataset, the challenges and opportunities of using trash traps to capture and collect data on riverine litter, and policy solutions.

Speaker bio: Nancy Lauer is a lecturing fellow and staff scientist with the Duke Environmental Law and Policy Clinic. Since joining Duke Law in 2018, Dr. Lauer has worked on a wide range of environmental policy matters including drinking water quality, children’s exposure to toxic chemicals, hazardous waste remediation, and single-use plastics. Recently, she has worked with non-profits, Riverkeepers, and the City of Durham on measures to reduce plastic pollution through stormwater controls and reduction policies. Dr. Lauer received her PhD in Earth and Ocean Sciences from the Duke Nicholas School of the Environment and her Bachelor of Science in Geology from the College of William and Mary.

Canceled - May Third Saturday Paddle
2025-05-17 08:30 - 15:30 | NC
The May 17th third Saturday paddle is cancelled. We know – we’re bummed too. Kemp has an important Waterkeeper Alliance meeting out of town, and fighting for clean water is our #1 priority. Paddling is close to the top but not quite #1. Looking forward to seeing you on the next one!

FREE Burnt Mill Creek Eco & Bird Walk!
2025-05-16 09:00 - 10:30 | 2101 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28401, 2101 Market St., Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Register here!

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

May Second Saturday Cleanup
2025-05-10 09:00 - 11:00 | 1301 Rankin St.
Register Here!!

ALL VOLUNTEERS NOW MUST READ AND SIGN THE CFRW VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT VIA THIS GOOGLE FORM BEFORE PARTICIPATING IN A CLEANUP.
Cape Fear River Watch is excited to partner with Keep New Hanover Beautiful for our Second Saturday Cleanup on May 10th! The cleanup will take place in the Burnt Mill Creek Watershed. We will be focusing our efforts on McCumbers Branch near Rankin St. The cleanup will take place from 9:00am-11:00am at 1301 Rankin St. Parking will be available in the large grass lot. Just look for the “Cleanup In Progress” signs! Waiters and/or waterproof boots will be ideal here – if you have those please bring 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!

May First Saturday Seminar
2025-05-03 08:00 - 10:00 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Saturday, May 3rd, 617 Surry St. (the CFRW office). There will be free pancakes and coffee starting at 8am followed by the seminar at 9am.

Title: Forest and Peat Soil Restoration in the Angola Bay Game Lands

Description: This presentation will focus on the in-progress Forest and Peat Soil Restoration of the Angola Bay Game Lands and its effects. These include water quality and flood mitigation, improving forest biodiversity, restoring the much-reduced Atlantic White Cedar population, and absorbing and sequestering atmospheric carbon.

Speaker bio: Warren Darrell is an active volunteer with the North Carolina Coastal Reserve, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Ecologic Development Fund, Earthwatch, and the North Carolina Coastal Federation. He is a board member of Friends of the Coastal Reserve, and a registered professional engineer with master’s degrees in environmental engineering and environmental science. Warren travels the world studying climate change, and is an avid sea kayaker.

FREE Walking Ecotour along Burnt Mill Creek!
2025-05-02 10:00 - 11:00 | 2101 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28401, 2101 Market St., Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Register here!!!

Friday, May 2nd 10 to 11 a.m.
Cape Fear River Watch was awarded a three-year Environmental Enhancement Grant from the State’s office of the attorney general to help improve water quality, reduce litter, and engage the community in the Burnt Mill Creek Watershed. To learn more about Burnt Mill Creek and this ongoing project, join us for a leisurely, one-hour walking tour along Burnt Mill Creek!

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

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

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

Volunteer Appreciation Event
2025-04-24 17:30 - 19:30 | wrightsville beach brewery, 6021 Oleander Dr., Wilmington, NC, 28403
Register here!!

We thought of no better way to show appreciation for our wonderful volunteers than with beer and live music! Join us THIS Thursday, April 24th from 5:30-7:30pm at Wrightsville Beach Brewery’s beer garden (6201 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403).

If you’re a volunteer and plan on having a beer, make sure you register to receive a beer ticket! All are welcome! We look forward to getting to celebrate our wonderful volunteers.
