Filtering by tag: natural resources ✕

Backyard Sustainability Series starting at the NHC Arboretum each Wednesday from May 6 to June 10

Backyard Sustainability Series – Spring 2026

This six-part educational series explores practical, science-based approaches to creating more sustainable home landscapes in southeastern North Carolina. Each session features a local expert and…

Participants learn about Rain Gardens Creek Week 2026

Celebrate Cape Fear Creek Week, March 14 - 21

A web of waterways stretches across the Cape Fear area, serving as the lifeblood of our community. From winding blackwater rivers to neighborhood streams, every pond, brook, ditch, and storm drain…

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Native Trees, Shrubs, and Grasses for Urban Coastal Landscapes

There are many challenges to planting in residential and urban spaces in Coastal North Carolina. Compacted soil, drought, and poor plant selection can lead to short life spans for newly installed…

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Pond Management Best Practices

Introduction to Wet PondsWet ponds are one of the most common stormwater control measures in new and existing developments in southeastern North Carolina. A wet pond is a stormwater facility…

Larval trap in a shady area.

Managing Mosquitos Using Larval Dunks

Mosquitoes are a common nuisance during the warmer months here in coastal North Carolina. Not only do they interfere with our outdoor activities, but they can also be a significant public health pest…

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Erosion Control

Preventing erosion on a slope using plants is an effective and environmentally friendly approach to stabilizing soil. Native plants are especially well-suited to the local climate and soil…

Large stormwater wetland at Wade Park treating an entire neighborhood

Building a Better Community, One Raindrop at a Time

Written by Amber Ellis - part of the NCSU’s Stormwater Engineering Research GroupI’m a stormwater engineer, and, like most engineers, many folks think of my line of work only when something…

Nearby trees and landscaping create a steady source of clogging material that should be frequently removed (Photo courtesy of Bill Hunt)

The Importance of Permeable Pavement Maintenance

Written by Amber Ellis - Extension Associate for NCSU’s Stormwater Engineering Research Group in the Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department If you drive around Wilmington looking at…

A large-scale rainwater harvesting cistern at the New Hanover County Arboretum

Impervious Surface Disconnections – Gutters and Rain Barrels

-Written by Stormwater Engineer Amber EllisDid you know that one of the most impactful actions property owners can take to improve water quality is to simply disconnect their impervious surfaces?…

A pond with a robust vegetated shelf.

Retrofitting Stormwater Ponds for Improved Performance

Written by Stormwater Engineer Amber EllisRetention ponds are the most common tool with which we deal with stormwater runoff in southeastern NC, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Some stormwater…