Save Sledge Forest

06/06/2026

Over 250 people in this packed room and hundreds more outside showed up on Feb. 11, 2025 to attend this community meeting. For over two hours citizens waiting in line for their turn at the microphone to voice their concerns and get their questions answered.
Guess how many of them spoke in support of this project?
Go ahead - take a guess☺️

https://www.wwaytv3.com/developers-of-sledge-forest-meets-with-castle-hayne-residents/

06/03/2026

See all those people behind the developer and his attorney? Well there was another, overflow room, also packed full of NHC citizens.
Guess how many in the two rooms were there to support those two people and their ill-conceived development? Go ahead - take a guess☺️

Controversial development planned for Sledge Forest paused ahead of appeals hearing

https://portcitydaily.com/story/2026/04/29/controversial-development-planned-for-sledge-forest-paused-ahead-of-appeals-hearing/

06/02/2026

An Eastern Bluebird perches on a pine branch near the edge of Sledge Forest— captured by Scott Gallagher.

Across cultures and centuries, bluebirds symbolize hope, joy, and prosperity. We think it’s pretty fitting to spot them by this special place. 💙

05/23/2026

05/12/2026

One of the many remarkable bird species found in Sledge Forest— the Yellow-throated Warbler!

Considered “homebodies,” many of these birds remain year-round in the Southern US. Those that do migrate return to breed earlier than many other warblers. They nest and forage high up in the tree canopy, taking refuge among Spanish moss in Southern pine forests and cypress swamps. 💛🪶🌳

🌱 Photo by Scott Gallagher

05/11/2026

A new Wilmington chapter of a major climate group aims to teach people on how to demand change for PFAS and other issues. See link below ⬇️

📸 Gareth McGrath/STARNEWS

05/06/2026

Big shout out to our newest top fan! 💎

Melinda Linebarier

05/01/2026

Sledge Forest spans thousands of acres in New Hanover County — home to rare old-growth swamp forest, some of the state’s oldest longleaf pines, and a nationally significant Natural Heritage Area.

Now, it’s under threat.

In October 2024, a developer announced plans for a massive development that would cram up to 4,000 homes, plus a golf course, into this ecologically sensitive landscape, putting wetlands, streams, and surrounding communities at risk in a region already vulnerable to severe storms.

Recently, County staff conditionally approved 1,800 units of this development without any public input— relying on a flawed interpretation of local conservation rules that could open the door to even more development, including the remaining 2,200 units originally planned.

SELC has filed an appeal to challenge that decision to protect this special place and was granted a temporary stay on construction permits in a unanimous vote by the board on April 28.

Photo courtesy of Save Sledge Forest / Boot Scrap