Second Saturday Cleanup
2024-01-13 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York)
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
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
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.

March 2024 Pick Up and Pint Cleanup
2024-03-16 09:00 - 11:00
Register here!!
CFRW is excited to partner with Mad Mole for another “Pick Up and Pint Cleanup!” We will be focusing our efforts on a piece of land that drains into Burnt Mill Creek. The cleanup will take place on March 16th from 9:00am-11am. We will be meeting at a parking lot at this address: 894 S Kerr Ave #2, Wilmington, NC 28403. Just look for the CFRW cleanup signs! If you have waterproof boots and want to bring them that would be much appreciated! We will need some folks to work in the creek. We will provide pickers, bags, safety vests, gloves, and a good time. As always remember to dress appropriately, bring sunscreen, and water. After the cleanup we will all be heading over to Mad Mole(6309 Boathouse Rd unit c, Wilmington, NC 28403) where we can enjoy a hard earned beer brewed by their solar powered brewery! We hope to see you out there!

FREE Walking Eco Tour along Burnt Mill Creek!
2024-03-22 10:00 - 11:00 | 2101 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28401, 2101 Market St., Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Friday, March 22nd, 10 to 11 a.m. 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).

April First Saturday Seminar
2024-04-06 08:00 - 10:00 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Join us Saturday, April 6th for our April First Saturday seminar! Pancakes at 8am and Seminar at 9am.
Title: Updates on Cape Fear River Watch Water Quality Programs
Description: TBA
Speaker: Rob Clark
Rob Clark graduated from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a B.S. in Environmental Science with a specialization in conservation. He has experience in both the private and public sectors of the environmental field. He has worked from the mountains to the coast and everywhere in between. He feels strongly about the environment and is looking forward to being able to serve his community as well as its ecosystems. In his free time he enjoys reading, trail running, biking, and playing disc golf.
Facebook Event: Pending

April Second Saturday Cleanup
2024-04-13 09:00 - 11:00
Register Here

CFRW will be partnering with Keep New Hanover Beautiful and hosting our monthly second Saturday cleanup. The cleanup will take place on April 13th, from 9-11am. 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!
Register Here

FREE Walking Eco Tour along Burnt Mill Creek!
2024-04-19 10:00 - 11:00 | 2101 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28401, 2101 Market St., Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Friday, April 19th, 10 to 11 a.m. 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).

April 2024 Third Saturday Paddle
2024-04-20 07:30 - 15:00 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Register for the paddle HERE
Kayaking route on Black River with marked put-in at Ivanhoe and take-out at Henry’s landing, illustrated on a satellite map. This the route of the Third Saturday Paddle in April
This Paddle will be a little longer than past paddles. We’ll paddle about 9 miles of the upper reaches of the Black River from the WRC put-in near Ivanhoe, NC to Henry’s Landing. **Henry’s Landing is a private landing and there is a $5 fee per boat to use the landing – you will need to bring $5 in cash on this trip, exact change required.** This is a more advanced paddle and is not recommended for beginners. There will be approximately 3.5 hours of paddling and some possible portages due to downed trees or blockages in the river. In addition to a beautiful blackwater river, expect snags, strainers, sandbars, and low water. This is not the paddle for first time paddlers.
Paddlers can meet at the Cape Fear River Watch headquarters and we will caravan to the put-in, or you meet at the put-in location. We will meet at CFRW headquarters at 7:30 am for an 8:00 am departure. Those meeting us at the put in should be there by 8:30am.
Put-in: WRC Ramp at Ivanhoe
Take-out: Henry’s Landing
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. Wasps are present on this paddle.
If you are a CFRW member and want to use a CFRW boat we ask for a $25 donation for the day. This includes a paddle and PFD, and transportation of the boat. If you would like to rent a boat please indicate such during your registration.
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 would like to join or renew before the paddle, you can click here to join online or call our office at 910-762-5606. If you need help on the day of the paddle, 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 canceled.

Wilmington Earth Day Festival
2024-04-20 12:00 - 18:00 | Longleaf Park, 314 Pine Grove Drive, Wilmington, 28409
The Wilmington Earth Day Alliance hosts an annual Earth Day Festival in April of every year. This year’s festival is at Longleaf Park from 12-6 pm! This year’s theme is Planet vs Plastics! Cape Fear River Watch is excited to attend! The festival brings together businesses, community organizations, non-profits, government organizations, and citizens to learn about local environmental movements, activities, products, and opportunities for all residents of New Hanover County and the surrounding Cape Fear Region.
Visit the Wilmington Earth Day Alliance website for more info!

May First Saturday Seminar
2024-05-04 08:00 - 10:00 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Promotional banner for Cape Fear River Watch’s April First Saturday Seminar, featuring an aerial view of Greenfield Park and a photo of speaker Amy Beatty on the left.
Join us Saturday, May 4th for our May First Saturday seminar! Pancakes at 8am and Seminar at 9am.

Speaker: Amy Beatty
Title: “Greenfield Park Master Plan Overview”
Description: McAdams Consulting was hired to develop a master plan for Greenfield, a 250-acre multi-recreational, historic park surrounding Greenfield Lake, located one mile from downtown Wilmington. The master plan aims at identifying ways to improve the historic park to make it a safe, well-maintained, and memorable place within the community for generations to come. The final plan includes a landscape and maintenance plan to include opening up shoreline sight lines, analysis to determine personnel needs, programming analysis, safety and security analysis, and capital projects/facility life cycles.
Bio: Amy Beatty is the Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Wilmington. Amy attended East Carolina University where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Community Health and Master of Arts in Public Health Education. After working as a health educator, Amy transitioned to the field of parks and recreation when she accepted a position with the City of Wilmington. Amy has been employed with the City for 25 years, serving in various roles. She currently oversees parks, landscaping and right-of way maintenance, urban forestry management, cultural activities, and recreation facilities operations and programming city-wide. Throughout her tenure with the City, Amy has managed over $62 million dollars in capital projects, including the Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park and the Gary Shell Cross-City Trail.

Facebook Event

May Second Saturday Cleanup
2024-05-11 09:00 - 11:00
Registration here

Cape Fear River Watch is excited to partner with Keep New Hanover Beautiful for our Second Saturday Cleanup on May 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 “Cleanup In Progress” signs! We will provide pickers, bags, gloves, and safety vests. As always remember to dress appropriately and bring water. We hope to see you out there!!
Registration here

May Third Saturday Paddle
2024-05-18 07:30 - 13:00 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Register Here

CFRW’s May 2024 paddle! 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 CFRW office at 617 Surry St. at 7:30 am OR at the put in at Archie Blue Community Park at 8:10 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 River Watch continue to bring you great programs like our Paddle Series, Water Quality Programs, and Educational Seminars, we ask you make at least a $10 donation either online with your registration or by bringing cash or check to the paddle on Saturday, any higher amount is appreciated in support of our efforts. THANK YOU! If you need help the day of please call Kemp at 910-264-8036. Conditions may change in the period leading up to the paddle. Please check your email the night before and the morning of the paddle to ensure that the paddle has not been cancelled.
Register Here

FREE Walking Eco Tour along Burnt Mill Creek!
2024-05-25 10:00 - 11:00 | 2101 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28401, 2101 Market St., Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Saturday, May 25th, 10 to 11 a.m. Click here to register!
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).

April/ May book club
2024-05-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Pomegranate Books, 4418 Park Ave, Wilmington, NC, 28403, United States
Promotional Auto Draft for a book club meeting featuring a stormy seascape background and the book “Over the Seawall” set for May 25 at Pomegranate Books.
Apr/May book: Over the Seawall: Tsunamis, Cyclones, Drought, and the Delusion of Controlling Nature by Stephen Robert Miller
“In March 2011, people in a coastal Japanese city stood atop a seawall watching the approach of the tsunami that would kill them. They believed—naively—that the huge concrete barrier would save them. Instead they perished, betrayed by the very thing built to protect them. Erratic weather, blistering drought, rising seas, and ecosystem collapse now affect every inch of the globe. Increasingly, we no longer look to stop climate change, choosing instead to adapt to it.
Never have so many undertaken such a widespread, hurried attempt to remake the world. Predictably, our hubris has led to unintended—and sometimes disastrous—consequences. Academics call it maladaptation; in simple terms, it’s about solutions that backfire. Over the Seawall tells us the stories behind these unintended consequences and about the fixes that can do more harm than good. From seawalls in coastal Japan, to the reengineered waters in the Ganges River Delta, to the artificial ribbon of water supporting both farms and urban centers in parched Arizona, Stephen Robert Miller traces the histories of engineering marvels that were once deemed too smart and too big to fail. In each he takes us into the land and culture, seeking out locals and experts to better understand how complicated, grandiose schemes led instead to failure, and to find answers to the technologic holes we’ve dug ourselves into.
Over the Seawall urges us to take a hard look at the fortifications we build and how they’ve fared in the past. It embraces humanity’s penchant for problem-solving, but argues that if we are to adapt successfully to climate change, we must recognize that working with nature is not surrender but the only way to assure a secure future.”
The next meeting is May 25, 2024 at 10AM. CFRW Book Club members receive a 15% discount at Pomegranate Books (910) 452-1107.

CFRW 30th Birthday Celebration
2024-05-31 19:00 - 22:00 | Brooklyn Arts Center, 516 N 4TH STREET, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Register here!!
Event invitation poster for Cape Fear River Watch’s 30th anniversary on May 31, 2024, featuring live music, speakers, and drinks, set against a backdrop of river-inspired interior design
*If this price is burdensome we still want you there! Please still register, hit $25 and then “pay later”. After, please reach out to dana@cfrw.us and let us know you would prefer your ticket is complimentary*
We invite you to join us for a special evening celebrating Cape Fear River Watch!

For the past 30 years, this community has stood with us to protect and improve the Cape Fear River. Your support over the years cannot be understated. You have helped us educate generations of local youth and community members through our educational programs and summer camps, collect hundreds of thousands of pounds of pollution from local waterways, and spend countless hours on the river enjoying our beautiful basin. You also helped us stop Titan Cement, clean up Duke Energy’s coal ash at two locations in the watershed, force Chemours to dramatically reduce PFAS pollution in our drinking water, and with many other campaigns to protect and improve the Cape Fear Basin! That’s all worth celebrating!

Please join us at the beautiful Brooklyn Arts Center in downtown Wilmington, from 7-10 pm May 31st, enjoy drinks, live music from The Midatlantic, special speakers, and fond memories of Cape Fear River Watch being shared over the years. And of course, no birthday celebration is complete without a birthday cake! We cannot wait to see you there!

Register here!!

June First Saturday Seminar
2024-06-01 08:00 - 10:00 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Join us Saturday June 1st at 617 Surry St for our June First Saturday Seminar!
Free pancakes and coffee at 8 am and seminar at 9 am.
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Title: Ghost forests of Smith Creek: insights from tree rings and sediment cores
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Speaker: Dr. Monica T. Rother
Co-authors: Kendra Devereux (MS) and Andrea Hawkes (PhD)
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Description: Ghost forests occur in the Cape Fear Region, including along Smith Creek. These areas of dead bald cypress trees form from saltwater intrusion related to dredging and/or relative sea-level rise. We use a combination of tree-ring and foraminiferal records from sediments to learn more about ghost forest formation.
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Bio: Dr. Monica T. Rother is an Associate Professor in the Environmental Sciences Department at UNCW. Monica conducts research within the broad disciplines of forest ecology, biogeography, and dendrochronology (tree-ring science). She earned her PhD from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2015 and previously worked as a fire ecologist at Tall Timbers Research Station in Tallahassee, Florida. She teaches courses in Tree & Forest Measurement, Environmental Conservation, and Wildland Fire Ecology, among other topics.
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Learn more about Monica’s research at: https://sites.google.com/view/monicarother/

June Second Saturday Cleanup
2024-06-08 09:00 - 11:00
Register here

Cape Fear River Watch is excited to partner with Keep New Hanover Beautiful for our Second Saturday Cleanup on June 8th! The cleanup will take place in the Smith Creek Watershed. We will be cleaning up along McRae St. and the surrounding creeks. The cleanup will take place from 9am-11am. Parking can be found along McRae St. an address that will get you close is 1407-1245 McRae St, Wilmington, NC 28401. Just look for the “Cleanup In Progress” signs! There will be a couple of spots where waterproof boots or waders are needed. If you have some please bring them with you. 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!
Register here

Pint Night at Wrightsville Beach Brewery
2024-06-13 17:00 - 19:00 | wrightsville beach brewery, 6021 Oleander Dr., Wilmington, NC, 28403
June is our nonprofit partner month with Wrightsville Beach Brewery! Proceeds from a certain beer will go to CFRW and $1 per beer will go to CFRW on the 13th. Come see us at our table from 5-7pm, and WBB also has live music that night curtesy of RetroMic from 6 pm to 9 pm.

June 2024 Third Saturday Paddle
2024-06-15 07:30 - 15:00 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Register Here

CFRW’s June 2024 paddle! Join us as we explore the Cape Fear River Basin by boat! Our June paddle will be hosted by our dear friend Angela Caldwell Marshall, founder and owner of Kayak Carolina. 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 8:00 am, see below for instructions!

If bringing your own boats, arrive at 8am or earlier and 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, your lead guide Angela and guides will be there to meet you. 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 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 Angela at 910-458-9171. 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.

Third Saturday Paddle- July 2024- NE Cape Fear River (Sawpit Landing)
2024-07-20 07:30 - 14:00
Register here!!

Join the CFRW paddlers as we explore the Northeast Cape Fear River between Sawpit Landing (off White Stocking Road) and the Shaw Highway Wildlife ramp. This is a great section of river with a textbook example of an oxbow lake, several nice coves, and a few creeks to poke our heads into. The trip is 5-6 miles. We will meet at the CFRW headquarters at 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 at 7:30am OR the put-in at Sawpit Landing Boat Access Area off of White Stocking Road 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/lunch and water shoes. If you have an allergy that is severe remember to bring your epi-pen or medication.
We have a limited number of boats available for rent for CFRW members ($25 per boat; includes PFD and paddle). If you would like to use a CFRW boat please indicate such during your registration. If you would like to join or renew before the paddle, you can click here to join or renew or call our office at 910-762-5606.
To help River Watch continue to bring you great programs like our Paddle Series, Water Quality Programs, and Educational Seminars, we ask you make at least a $10 donation either online with your registration or by bringing cash or check to the paddle on Saturday, any higher amount is appreciated in support of our efforts. THANK YOU! If you need help the day of please call Kemp at 910-264-8036. Conditions may change in the period leading up to the paddle. Please check your email the night before and the morning of the paddle to ensure that the paddle has not been cancelled.

August First Saturday Seminar
2024-08-03 08:00 - 10:00 | Cape Fear River Watch Headquarters, 617 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Saturday, August 3rd, 617 Surry St. (the CFRW office). 8 am free pancakes and coffee and 9 am seminar.

Title: Improving Recycling, Reducing Litter, and Beautifying NHC
Description: Come learn from Keep New Hanover County Beautiful Vice Chair, Veda Lewin, and City of Wilmington Sustainability Manager, David Ingram, about initiatives that have engaged many community partners and volunteers to keep a clean New Hanover County, including a Cigarette Litter Recycling Program, which began in 2017 and led to other exciting projects, like Seabins, and the Bebot.
Bios:
Veda Lewin
Veda is an environmental professional with nearly a decade of experience in environmental education, sustainability programming, and communications. A North Carolina native, she attended the University of North Carolina Wilmington, earning a MSc in Environmental Sciences. She currently serves as the Vice Chairperson of Keep New Hanover Beautiful, living in Wilmington with her husband, Parker and kittens, Fennel and Beans.
David Ingram
David Ingram is the Sustainability Manager for the City of Wilmington. David’s work includes guiding the City to achieve their clean energy, GHG emission reduction, and recycling & waste reduction goals. David is a LEED AP with over 15 years of experience in the sustainability field in both the public and private sector.

Port City Rock Jam
2024-08-03 11:00 - 22:30
“Port City Rock Jam boasts an impressive lineup of ten remarkable local bands, each bringing their unique style and energy to the stage. From classic rock to alternative and everything in between, this diverse mix of musical talent ensures there’s something for everyone!” The event is August 3rd, 2024, hosted by Bowstring Burgers & Brewyard in Wilmington, NC. Doors at 11 am, bands playing through 10:30 pm. There will be plenty of food, drinks, live music, 2 stages and plenty of activities and vendors. The event is also furry friendly!
PCRJ is a charitable event, and part of PCRJ’s tickets sales will go directly to Cape Fear River Watch!
Tickets are on sale at: www.portcityrockjam.com

August Second Saturday Cleanup
2024-08-10 09:00 - 11:00
Register here!

Cape Fear River Watch is excited to partner with Keep New Hanover Beautiful for our Second Saturday Cleanup on August 10th! The cleanup will take place in the Burnt Mill Creek Watershed. The cleanup will take place from 9am-11am. Parking can be found along Metting Rd. across from the retention pond in the Avalon Apartments complex (see picture above). An address that will get you close is 329-321 Bors Run, Wilmington, NC 28403. Just look for the “Cleanup In Progress” signs! There will be a couple of spots where waterproof boots or waders are needed. If you have some please bring them with you! 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!

Summer Membership Raffle Pint Night at Hi-Wire Brewing
2024-08-14 18:00 - 20:00
We are having a pint night at Hi-Wire Brewing August 14th from 6- 8 pm to celebrate our ongoing summer membership raffle! Come out for a drink and to learn more about being a member with us! (membership link below)https://cfrw.app.neoncrm.com/forms/membershipBy joining us at one of our membership levels or renewing your membership now through September 11th, you will be entered to win one of these four amazing prizes!!1. Seedlings from the OLDEST Bald Cypress trees on the planet! Get an amazing piece of natural history in your hands by joining us.2. A paddle ride for 8 on the black river to Three Sister’s Swamp, led by Capt. Charles Robbins at Cape Fear River Adventures, to see the oldest bald cypress trees on the planet (yes, the same ones that made those seedlings!!). Your membership helps us advocate and fight for the entire Cape Fear Basin, including where these ancient trees reside.3. A 2 hour boat ride for 4 with Riverkeeper Kemp on the Cape Fear River which we fight so hard to protect. Your membership is critical for the river’s protection!4. A 2 night stay at the Robbin’s Nest Treehouse in Wilmington, NC! The Robbin’s Nest sits on a 4 acre wooded property, 10 minutes to Wrightsville Beach,1 minute from Intracoastal Waterway with paddle board, kayak and power boat rentals providing easy access to our beautiful North Carolina coast. Have an unforgettable stay by joining us!Please consider joining us through your membership and come on out to Hi-Wire Brewing August 14th to grab a drink with us and learn more about our organization and these prizes.

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

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