NC Coastal Land Trust Secures Funds

Discover how the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust raised nearly $8 million to protect the South End of Topsail Island, a vital coastal habitat. Learn more about this conservation success and the diverse wildlife it supports.

The North Carolina Coastal Land Trust has triumphantly concluded its ambitious fundraising campaign, successfully raising nearly $8 million to purchase and protect the South End of Topsail Island. With contributions from over 760 donors totaling approximately $1.5 million, the “Save the South End” campaign has garnered widespread support. The remaining funds were secured through grants from esteemed organizations such as the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, North Carolina Land and Water Fund, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

In the coming months, the Coastal Land Trust will finalize the due diligence process necessary for acquiring the South End, ensuring its permanent conservation. By spring, the property will be under the stewardship of the Coastal Land Trust for up to a year before being transferred to the State of North Carolina. The Division of Coastal Management will then oversee its preservation.

Photo by Gavin Shwahla

The Significance of the South End
Known as “The Point,” the South End is a coastal gem boasting sound-to-sea frontage along the Atlantic Ocean, New Topsail Inlet, and Banks Channel. This area is home to a diverse array of coastal wildlife, including loggerhead sea turtles, Wilson’s Plovers, and Willets. The pristine dunes, estuarine wetlands, and maritime shrub forest provide essential habitats, making the South End a vital conservation area. Additionally, the rare seabeach amaranth plant thrives here, alongside more than 30 declining bird species.
The Coastal Land Trust’s campaign, initiated in March 2024, was driven by the urgent need to protect this unique ecosystem from potential residential development. The successful negotiation and contract signing for the property marked a crucial step toward its preservation.

About the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust
Since its founding in 1992, the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust has been dedicated to conserving natural areas and promoting land stewardship within coastal communities. With over 91,000 acres of scenic, recreational, historic, and ecological significance protected, the Coastal Land Trust continues to enrich North Carolina’s natural heritage.

For more information, visit North Carolina Coastal Land Trust.