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Fall 2023
Fire burning a stand of longleaf pine during a prescribed burn.

Fall 2023

Hot Take: Some Forests Need Fire

In June, a wildfire spread across the Green Swamp Preserve in Brunswick County, temporarily closing the park to visitors. The North Carolina Forest Service led efforts to contain the “Pulp Road Fire,” rather than hauling heavy firefighting equipment through the preserve, which might have caused more damage than the fire itself.

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More From Fall 2023

image: Bottlenose dolphin.

Letter from the Executive Director

Fall always brings a timely break from the year’s summer heat, and we can all hope for limited impacts from hurricane season as it winds down. Opportunities for hikes, biking, fieldwork, and excursions are all appealing again in these cooler months.
image: Hurricane Florence, satellite view.

Environmental Justice and Disaster Recovery: Pioneering Research in a Burgeoning Field

With a look back at Hurricane Florence, a new study shows how nonprofit leaders responded to the post-disaster needs of the Latina and Latino community in Wilmington, North Carolina.
3 children holding hands on a beach.

The Untapped Resource: How Students Can Help Build Community Resiliency

As children learn through environmental education — and pass along what they discover to adults — the process equips young and old to take informed action.
image: sandbar shark.

Sands of Time

A sandbar shark tagged in North Carolina waters resurfaces 23 years later off the Florida Keys.
image: A wave splashing on a beach.

Vital Signs: Sea Level Rise Rapidly Accelerates Along the Southeast and Gulf Coasts

Researchers find record-breaking rates of sea level rise since 2010 — three times higher than the global average — from Cape Hatteras to the Gulf Coast.
The Cape Fear River at Lock and Dam #1.

Danger in the Water: “Forever Chemicals” Have Contaminated Fish in the Cape Fear River

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has released advisories on limits for the consumption of fish from the middle and lower Cape Fear River due to the presence of PFAS. In some cases, the department recommends no consumption whatsoever.
Underwater oyster reef.

Shrinking Habitats: How Have Oyster Reefs Changed Over the Last Six Decades?

In a crucial North Carolina estuary, scientists combed through historical data to better understand both biodiversity and seafood supply.
image: red snapper.

Hook, Line & Science

Fish Age, Life Jacket Safety, Hypoxia, and How Fishing Tournaments Help Science...
image: Bottlenose dolphin.

Naturalist’s Notebook: North Carolina’s Year Round Residents

Many vacationers to the Outer Banks have been lucky enough to spot dolphins in the sounds that separate the islands from the mainland.
image: channel catfish faces the camera.

Sustainable Solutions: Who’s Afraid of New Seafood?

Packed with 16 grams of healthy protein per serving, seasoned catfish skin chips make for a tasty treat.
Bull shark with open mouth in blue water below the surface.

Behind the Researcher: Matt Damiano, Warming Waters, and Sustaining Iconic Fish

“We have a rapidly changing landscape of both the ocean environment and the makeup of who is going out to catch fish.” When you give a child a National Geographic video on sharks, you might just hook them on sea life.
Flaked Fish Casserole au Gratin in cast iron dish.

Mariner’s Menu: For Autumn Appetites

FLAKED FISH CASSEROLE AU GRATIN Preheat the oven to 350° F. In a medium saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter. Add the flour, mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir in the…