{"id":1680,"date":"2010-12-15T08:44:00","date_gmt":"2010-12-15T13:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/?page_id=1680"},"modified":"2024-09-19T15:22:02","modified_gmt":"2024-09-19T19:22:02","slug":"on-currituck-pond-a-new-project-teaches-about-stormwater-pollution-and-coastal-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/on-currituck-pond-a-new-project-teaches-about-stormwater-pollution-and-coastal-health\/","title":{"rendered":"ON CURRITUCK POND: A New Project Teaches About Stormwater Pollution and Coastal Health"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n
Mainland Currituck County is experiencing a gentle reawakening. The sleepy, humid coastal air that bathes this serene lowland of hardworking farmers and fishermen and buoys many an easygoing Sunday afternoon is now joined by a steady breeze of innovation and inspiration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A site for this reawakening is the Currituck County Cooperative Extension center. Staff members there are working with residents, county partners and local businesses to better utilize and preserve the land and waters they depend on, while balancing the demands of economic growth and historic livelihoods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A hub of education and collaboration, the center is within a mostly undeveloped 95-acre tract. Central Elementary School sits next door, and the county plans for the campus include a senior center, a YMCA and athletic fields \u2014 the foundation for a vibrant community center for all of Currituck County.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Previously, a barren stormwater collection pond with unflattering algae welcomed visitors driving into the campus. But in recent months, a rebirth has been taking place. With the help of North Carolina Sea Grant specialists, many partners are transforming this pond by adding a demonstration wetland to educate visitors on the intricate connections between coastal land use and inshore water health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like the campus and the county, this pond is finding new life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When Gloria Putnam first drove up to the then-new Currituck Cooperative Extension center for a meeting in July 2008, she saw a huge, unshaded, denuded pond smack dab next to the main driveway. The lonely spout of an aeration fountain looked stark against the watery field. It gave her pause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n