NC Coastal Land Trust

08/21/2026

We are thrilled to share some exciting news: Wendy N. Long has joined the Coastal Land Trust as our new Director of Development! Wendy brings more than 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience to the role, with a background spanning fundraising, events, communications, volunteer management, and development. Most recently, she served as Development Director at Feast Down East, where she supported farmers and expanded access to healthy, local food across Eastern North Carolina.

A proud former Lowcountry resident, naturalist, and author, Wendy brings both professional expertise and a personal passion for protecting the places we love. We couldn't be more excited to welcome her to our team.

Read more about Wendy and the path that brought her to the Coastal Land Trust in our latest blog post: www.CoastalLandTrust.org/development-director-wendy/

Please join us in welcoming Wendy to the Coastal Land Trust family!

08/20/2026

Happy birthday to Jesica Blake! Since joining the organization in 2002 as our very first stewardship staff member, Jesica has helped shape the Coastal Land Trust in countless ways. From working with landowners and leading fundraising efforts to mentoring staff, planting trees, and speaking at public events, her impact can be felt across every corner of our work.

Simply put, Jesica Blake is a keystone species of the Coastal Land Trust. Her dedication, leadership, and passion for conservation have helped our organization grow and thrive for more than two decades.

The Coastal Land Trust is thrilled that Jesica Blake will become our Executive Director, effective October 1. We couldn’t be more excited to see her step into this role and lead us into the future.

Swipe through the pictures to see Jesica’s journey with the Coastal Land Trust from 2002–2026.

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08/18/2026

Registration is now open for the 2026 Coastal Land Trust Annual Celebration! Join us on Saturday, September 26, from 3 - 6 pm for an afternoon of conservation, community, and celebration at Everett Creek Preserve in Sneads Ferry. This year’s Annual Celebration is especially exciting as it will be held on a Coastal Land Trust-owned property.

Everett Creek Preserve protects 240 acres of longleaf pine and mixed hardwood forests and features a longleaf pine restoration site, a pollinator garden, and hiking trails. Enjoy a cookout style supper, drinks, live music, and the chance to connect with fellow Coastal Land Trust supporters while celebrating another successful year of conservation across eastern North Carolina.

Thanks to our generous sponsors, this event is FREE to attend! Follow this link to RSVP: CoastalLandTrust.givevirtuous.org/Event/2026-annual-celebration

Interested in sponsoring? Visit the link in our bio or contact Wendy at [email protected].

08/17/2026

Join us on Sunday, September 13 from 4 - 5 pm for a Members-Only guided walk through the beautiful B. W. Wells Savannah! The Coastal Land Trust invites all members to participate and learn about one of the southeast's most rare and unique natural gardens and its wet pine savannah. The hour-long walk will be led by an expert botanist who will speak about the intricate ecology and history of the property.

The B. W. Wells Savannah is located north of Burgaw, NC off State Road 1319 (Pelham Road) in Pender County. The GPS coordinates are 34°39’34”N/77°59’21”W. Parking is very limited and road conditions change frequently.

The walk will last roughly one hour, and the distance is less than one mile on uneven and unpaved terrain. However, please be aware there is almost no shade on the property and there are no bathrooms on site. You should bring water, sunscreen, bug spray and anything else you need to be comfortable in an outdoor setting. Closed-toed shoes and outdoor attire - long pants are strongly recommended.

This event is free (no need to enter credit card info at checkout) and this opportunity is for members only. RSVP is required due to limited space and parking. Carpooling is strongly encouraged. Follow this link to sign up: CoastalLandTrust.givevirtuous.org/Event/b-w-wells-hike

08/14/2026

Is it just us or is the Coastal Land Trust kind of chic...

PC Stuart Borrett

08/13/2026

Join the Coastal Land Trust for a preserve and trail maintenance volunteer day at the Everett Creek Preserve in Sneads Ferry on Saturday, Sept 12 from 9 – 11 am.

Bathrooms are available on site, and volunteers will be provided with snacks and water. Long pants and closed-toed shoes are required. Hats, sunscreen, and bug spray are recommended.

Everett Creek Preserve is located at 333 Betty Dixon Rd in Sneads Ferry. Follow this link to sign up: north-carolina-coastal-land-trust.vomo.org/opportunity/volunteer-day-everett-creek-preserve

08/12/2026

If something gets you down, just remember; ribbet happens. Happy Wildlife Wednesday!

08/11/2026

Artist Elizabeth Darrow and Jesica Blake, the Coastal Land Trust’s incoming executive director, joined Randy Aldridge on WECT News Now to talk about the upcoming “Canvases for Conservation” event. Thank you WECT News for featuring this unique event!

Artist Elizabeth Darrow and Jessica Blake, the Coastal Land Trust’s incoming executive director, joined Randy Aldridge on WECT News Now to talk about the upcoming “Canvases for Conservation” event. Read more at the link in comments

08/11/2026

Announcement: art reception tickets are available for purchase! Join us this Friday, August 14 from 5 – 8 pm for a special reception to kick off the weekend-long art show and sale. The reception will feature heavy hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and the opportunity to connect with artist Elizabeth Darrow.

After the ticketed reception on Friday, the art show will be open and free to the public on August 15 and 16 from 10 am – 5 pm. Both the reception and art show will be held at Station No. 2 Historic Firehouse at 602 S. 5th Ave., Wilmington, NC 28401

Follow this link to purchase tickets to the reception:

Ticketed reception to celebrate "Canvases for Conservation", an art show and sale presented by Art in Bloom Gallery and artist Elizabeth Darrow, benefitting the NC Coastal Land Trust