ECO Topsail

05/30/2026

05/27/2026

Florida manatees, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, are seasonal visitors along the North Carolina coast, most often spotted between June and October.

These gentle giants can grow up to 13 feet long and weigh as much as 3,500 pounds, relying on shallow coastal waters and underwater seagrass beds to survive.

But habitat loss, polluted runoff, harmful algal blooms, and boat strikes continue to threaten the species.

If you’re boating along the North Carolina coast this summer, keep an eye out and give manatees plenty of space if spotted.

05/17/2026

Balloonfest '86 was a disastrous 1986 United Way charity event in Cleveland, Ohio, where nearly 1.5 million helium balloons were released, intended to set a world record but instead caused chaos. A cold front and rain caused the balloons to fall back down, clogging streets, shutting down an airport runway, and interfering with a Coast Guard search for two missing fishermen who later drowned, making the event a cautionary tale about unintended consequences.
The Event
Goal: To break the world record for the largest simultaneous balloon release and raise money for the United Way.
Scale: Over 1.4 million helium balloons were released from Cleveland's Public Square.
Initial Spectacle: The launch was initially a massive, colorful spectacle that drew large crowds.
The Disaster
Weather: A cold front and rain caused the balloons to fall back to earth while still inflated, instead of floating away and deflating.
Chaos Ensued:
Traffic: Streets were littered with balloons, causing traffic jams and accidents as drivers swerved to avoid them.
Airport: Burke Lakefront Airport had to shut down a runway due to the balloons.
Environment: Balloons clogged drains and waterways, with some washing ashore in Canada.
Tragedy: The balloons interfered with a U.S. Coast Guard search for two missing fishermen, who were later found drowned. Their families sued the United Way, and a settlement was reached.
Legacy
Balloonfest '86 became a famous example of how good intentions can lead to disastrous, unforeseen outcomes.
It led to stricter regulations for mass balloon releases.

05/13/2026

WooHoo!

05/10/2026

🚫Balloons🚫

Skip the trashy balloons for Mother's Day. No mom wants garbage. Especially not garbage that wastes finite Helium or is harmful to the environment.

05/07/2026

Have you seen The Plastic Detox documentary yet?

It’s a startling but deeply impactful look at just how much plastic surrounds us, from showering in the morning to heating up dinner at night. This documentary can be a great starting point for people wanting to learn more about the plastic pollution problem, or to get friends, family, colleagues, and community members together to watch with one another and discuss.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on the topic, what plastic you’re trying to avoid, and what you’re finding the most difficult to switch out. Let us know in the comments.

📷 Netflix

Unplastic Your Life

05/04/2026

05/04/2026

And Cruelty Free!

Only available at earthbreeze.com

05/01/2026

Chimney swifts spend most of their lives in flight.

These migratory birds return to North Carolina each year from April to August, nesting and roosting in chimneys and other vertical structures. They can eat thousands of mosquitoes, flies, and gnats each day, making them natural pest control.

But their populations are declining.

Historically, chimney swifts nested in hollow, old-growth trees. As those disappeared, they adapted to chimneys. Now, modern building practices like chimney caps and gas heating are limiting those spaces too.

That’s where you come in. 👇

NC Wildlife Federation and NC Audubon are mapping where chimney swifts are nesting across the state to better understand their needs and create new habitat, like chimney swift towers.

If you see birds flying in and out of a chimney, silo, or similar structure, they may be chimney swifts.

Submit your sightings and help protect this species in decline.

12/27/2025

We have an exciting workshop on seeds!
Come join us at the Hampstead Library.