The North Carolina Coastal Land Trust announced that it will begin work this spring on a natural shoreline restoration project, known as a “Living Shoreline”, at Springer's Point.
“Springer’s Point is an ecological and cultural gem for locals and visitors alike,” said Lee Leidy, Attorney and Northeast Region Director of the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust, which owns and manages the 122-acre nature preserve. “Unfortunately, the shoreline at the Preserve no longer functions like a natural shore system, and areas that previously served as an important buffer to the maritime forest are now eroded.”
The Living Shoreline project focuses on restoring approximately 500 feet of shoreline near Old Slough. “Living shorelines are alternatives to bulkheads that protect eroding shorelines while creating important estuarine habitat,” said Erin Fleckenstein, Northeast Coastal Scientist with the North Carolina Coastal Federation.
An oyster bag sill will be placed offshore and parallel to the existing marsh to create a living breakwater, which will allow a natural aquatic ecosystem to form. The area between the oyster bag sill and the shoreline will then be planted with native marsh grasses. The goal is that the sill will buffer wind and wave-driven erosion so that the shore can accrete and build naturally. At the same time, maintenance work on the existing jetty will also be carried out.
The Coastal Land Trust has contracted with the North Carolina Coastal Federation, which has completed more than 20 “Living Shoreline” projects at locations on the coast, including state parks, to design and implement the project. “These projects offer the opportunity to combine shoreline protection with habitat creation for estuarine organisms. We are excited to partner with the Coastal Land Trust to protect the shoreline at Springer’s Point,” said Erin Fleckenstein.
“Springer’s Point is very important to Ocracoke and the Outer Banks, so we are grateful but not surprised that so many in the community have stepped forward to help,” said Lee Leidy. Local fisherman will help bag the oyster shell and build the oyster bag sill, and contractors from Hatteras and Wanchese will assist with the maintenance work on the jetty. Volunteers from local schools and the community will be recruited to assist with the planting of marsh grass. The Coastal Land Trust plans to begin the restoration work as soon as possible, but no later than March, and hopes to complete the marsh grass plantings by the end of May.If necessary, the Coastal Land Trust will temporarily close the Preserve to visitors for safety reasons and to promote the success of the project. The Preserve will be open this summer.
Funding for the Living Shoreline project at Springer’s Point Preserve is being provided by grants from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Partnership between the NOAA Community-Based Restoration Program and Restore America's Estuaries, and by private donations to North Carolina Coastal land Trust.
The North Carolina Coast land Trust works with landowner in North Carolina to save the lands you love at the coast, for the benefit of all North Carolinians. Since 1992, the Trust has helped save more than 48,000 acres of land in 22 coastal counties of the state. The Coastal Land Trust has offices in Elizabeth City, Wilmington and New Bern. More information about the living Shoreline project at Springer's Point and about North Carolina Coast Land Trust is available at www.coastallandtrust.org.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm
Friday, March 16, 2012
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Surprise
I went to the beach yesterday afternoon around 3 o'clock, a little later than I normally go. Imagine my surprise when I walked onto the platform and noticed someone swimming in the ocean! Oh, it was warm yesterday, almost 70 I'd say, but I knew the water was still chilly.
OK, it was a child. They're nearly always the first ones in the water in the spring. However, I am proud to say that I have been swimming in the ocean here at Ocracoke every month of the year. The secret is to get out when your inner ear starts getting cold.
I also noticed about 30 people enjoying the beach, more than I've seen in many months. Several were strolling at the water's edge looking for seashells; two or three were reading; a few were lying on blankets catching a few rays; others were walking their dogs; or just standing around chatting. It was the perfect spring beach day.
But this is Ocracoke -- I walked about 100 yards to the north, and from there, as far as the eye could see, was nothing but sand, surf, sea oats, and a few seagulls. What a gorgeous day!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm.
OK, it was a child. They're nearly always the first ones in the water in the spring. However, I am proud to say that I have been swimming in the ocean here at Ocracoke every month of the year. The secret is to get out when your inner ear starts getting cold.
I also noticed about 30 people enjoying the beach, more than I've seen in many months. Several were strolling at the water's edge looking for seashells; two or three were reading; a few were lying on blankets catching a few rays; others were walking their dogs; or just standing around chatting. It was the perfect spring beach day.
But this is Ocracoke -- I walked about 100 yards to the north, and from there, as far as the eye could see, was nothing but sand, surf, sea oats, and a few seagulls. What a gorgeous day!
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| March 14 Photo by George Brown, added at 10 am |
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Let Ocracoke Alone!
At least twice I have published my views about Ocracoke and change. You can read my most recent post on that subject here: http://villagecraftsmen.blogspot.com/2011/06/change.html.
As I mention in that article, I very much understand the sentiment to "let Ocracoke alone!" And even though I believe it is naive to think that Ocracoke will never change, I am sentimental enough to long for the simple life that was island living when I was a youngster. With that in mind, I share below what I believe may be a never before published poem written by Carl Goerch (author of "Ocracoke") in the 1950s (it was discovered in a file saved by an islander who died in 1997):
LET OCRACOKE ALONE!
Hark unto me, oh friend of mine
And listen while I speak.
My eyes are dimmed with unshed tears --
'Tis sympathy I seek.
They're modernizing Ocracoke
And say it won't be long
Before you'll hardly know the place,
And this, my friend, is wrong.
For years I've loved its sandy shores,
Its gnarled and stumpy trees,
Its calm and placid atmosphere
Its fragrant, balmy breeze.
I've been awakened many times
By softly-quacking ducks,
But this may soon be drowned out now
By noisy cars and trucks.
I love the Gaskills, Burruses,
McWilliams and O'Neals;
I love the nights of restful sleep;
The seafood at most meals.
I love to hear the people say;
"Hoigh Toide at Foive o'clock"
The finest folks you've ever seen,
And I don't mean to mock.
Change Chicago or New York,
Or any other city,
But to make a change at Ocracoke
Would be an awful pity.
Sure, there have been changes on the island -- some for the better, some for the worse. But we still have our miles of undeveloped beach, our sandy lanes, our tight-knit community, fresh seafood, quiet winter nights, and a relaxed lifestyle.
Ocracoke continues to be a delightful place to call "home."
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm.
As I mention in that article, I very much understand the sentiment to "let Ocracoke alone!" And even though I believe it is naive to think that Ocracoke will never change, I am sentimental enough to long for the simple life that was island living when I was a youngster. With that in mind, I share below what I believe may be a never before published poem written by Carl Goerch (author of "Ocracoke") in the 1950s (it was discovered in a file saved by an islander who died in 1997):
LET OCRACOKE ALONE!
Hark unto me, oh friend of mine
And listen while I speak.
My eyes are dimmed with unshed tears --
'Tis sympathy I seek.
They're modernizing Ocracoke
And say it won't be long
Before you'll hardly know the place,
And this, my friend, is wrong.
For years I've loved its sandy shores,
Its gnarled and stumpy trees,
Its calm and placid atmosphere
Its fragrant, balmy breeze.
I've been awakened many times
By softly-quacking ducks,
But this may soon be drowned out now
By noisy cars and trucks.
I love the Gaskills, Burruses,
McWilliams and O'Neals;
I love the nights of restful sleep;
The seafood at most meals.
I love to hear the people say;
"Hoigh Toide at Foive o'clock"
The finest folks you've ever seen,
And I don't mean to mock.
Change Chicago or New York,
Or any other city,
But to make a change at Ocracoke
Would be an awful pity.
Sure, there have been changes on the island -- some for the better, some for the worse. But we still have our miles of undeveloped beach, our sandy lanes, our tight-knit community, fresh seafood, quiet winter nights, and a relaxed lifestyle.
Ocracoke continues to be a delightful place to call "home."
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Village Crafstmen Spring Hours
March is the time of year when new life springs forth. On Ocracoke camellias and crocuses are blooming. Tulips are poking through the soil, and fresh buds are appearing on shrubs. This is also the season when visitors begin returning to the island and many village stores, shops, and restaurants re-open their doors.
Village Craftsmen opens for the 2012 season this coming Friday at 12 noon. Spring hours will be Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm; Sunday 10 am - 2 pm; (closed Monday). Stop by and visit. We continue to follow our 40 year commitment to carry only quality US made handcrafts. We love to see our many local and off-island friends.
Stop by and say hello!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm.
Village Craftsmen opens for the 2012 season this coming Friday at 12 noon. Spring hours will be Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm; Sunday 10 am - 2 pm; (closed Monday). Stop by and visit. We continue to follow our 40 year commitment to carry only quality US made handcrafts. We love to see our many local and off-island friends.
Stop by and say hello!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Fig Wasps ?
New leaves are bursting forth from our island fig trees. And Ocracoke gardeners are giving springtime thoughts to tending to these iconic trees. On July 16 of last year I posted a short article about the complex and fascinating relationship between figs and fig wasps (every species of fig has a unique species of tiny wasps that fertilizes that type of fig tree).
After I published that journal entry I pondered the completeness of the description. Island fig trees are rooted from cuttings, or reproduce by sending supple limbs down to the ground where they root. I questioned if they ever reproduce from seed.
A little bit of research revealed that fertilized fig seeds generally come from Turkey or other Middle Eastern locations because fig wasps are native to those areas. I further learned that "persistent" or common figs do not need pollination. I am not 100% certain, but I suspect that all fig trees on Ocracoke are descendants of trees that were cultivated millennia ago, and that their fruit develops parthenocarpicly (without fertilization).
So, if you've ever been squeamish about eating figs (and therefore wasp larvae), I think you can relax. I have never seen evidence of fig wasps in Ocracoke figs.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm.
After I published that journal entry I pondered the completeness of the description. Island fig trees are rooted from cuttings, or reproduce by sending supple limbs down to the ground where they root. I questioned if they ever reproduce from seed.
A little bit of research revealed that fertilized fig seeds generally come from Turkey or other Middle Eastern locations because fig wasps are native to those areas. I further learned that "persistent" or common figs do not need pollination. I am not 100% certain, but I suspect that all fig trees on Ocracoke are descendants of trees that were cultivated millennia ago, and that their fruit develops parthenocarpicly (without fertilization).
So, if you've ever been squeamish about eating figs (and therefore wasp larvae), I think you can relax. I have never seen evidence of fig wasps in Ocracoke figs.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Ash Wednesday Storm
This past Wednesday, March 7, marked the 50th anniversary of the devastating "Ash Wednesday Storm" that pummeled the Outer Banks in 1962.
The storm, which struck with very little warning, assaulted the North Carolina coast with gale force winds for two and a half days. Higher than average spring tides combined with powerful wind brought extreme flooding from Nags Head to Hatteras Island. A new inlet between Buxton and Avon severed Hatteras Island.
When it was over more than 2,000 Outer Banks buildings were either washed into the ocean, otherwise totally destroyed, or severely damaged. Officials estimated the damage to property at more than $234 million dollars.
Old and abandoned automobiles were dumped into the breech on Hatteras. Dredges pumped sand on top of the vehicles to finally fill in the new inlet.
In 1986 Outer Banks historian, David Stick, wrote a book, "The Ash Wednesday Storm," which chronicled the devastation with photographs and interviews with people who lived through the ordeal and with everyday heroes who rescued countless individuals from the rising tide.
The book is a sobering reminder of the power and fury of North Atlantic storms, but I don't believe the book is still in print.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm.
The storm, which struck with very little warning, assaulted the North Carolina coast with gale force winds for two and a half days. Higher than average spring tides combined with powerful wind brought extreme flooding from Nags Head to Hatteras Island. A new inlet between Buxton and Avon severed Hatteras Island.
When it was over more than 2,000 Outer Banks buildings were either washed into the ocean, otherwise totally destroyed, or severely damaged. Officials estimated the damage to property at more than $234 million dollars.
Old and abandoned automobiles were dumped into the breech on Hatteras. Dredges pumped sand on top of the vehicles to finally fill in the new inlet.
In 1986 Outer Banks historian, David Stick, wrote a book, "The Ash Wednesday Storm," which chronicled the devastation with photographs and interviews with people who lived through the ordeal and with everyday heroes who rescued countless individuals from the rising tide.
The book is a sobering reminder of the power and fury of North Atlantic storms, but I don't believe the book is still in print.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Mad Mag's Studio
Margaret Eaton Howard's legacy lives on in Ocracoke as the story of Mad Mag, a woman of peculiar habits who, among other things, wandered the island graveyards after dark in a long white dress. You can hear more about Mad Mag on our popular Ghost & History Walking Tours during the warmer seasons.
Lou Ann has always felt a special kinship with Mad Mag. Several years ago we restored a 100 year old wash house in my back yard, and converted it to a getaway for Lou Ann. She calls it Mad Mag's Studio.
If you stop by to visit her studio, especially after dark, keep a wary eye out for Margaret Eaton's ghost!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm.
Lou Ann has always felt a special kinship with Mad Mag. Several years ago we restored a 100 year old wash house in my back yard, and converted it to a getaway for Lou Ann. She calls it Mad Mag's Studio.
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| Mad Mag's Studio |
If you stop by to visit her studio, especially after dark, keep a wary eye out for Margaret Eaton's ghost!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Civil War on the Outer Banks, Josephus Daniels, Jr, Secretary of the Navy during WWI, and his connection to Ocracoke. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022112.htm.
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