SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — Located 5 miles south of Wilmington in the Atlantic Ocean is a barrier island, Masonboro — a research reserve and dedicated state nature preserve. Boaters flock to it annually for July 4th celebrations and a group is still taking volunteers to help keep it clean.
Masonboro.org has been going to the island for 14 years to clean up after partiers in an effort to keep the reserve and surrounding waters clear of trash and debris. Volunteers spread out across the reserve on Independence Day to collect litter; participants are needed still for 2023’s event.
Interested parties can sign up here, with three time slots open: midday (passing out trash bags and collecting litter), late day (collect trash bags and bring back to base camp), and late late shift (break down base camp and help transport trash bags from the island to the mainland).
Those with a boat to transport volunteers and trash are also needed. Transportation is provided to and from the island base camp, with shuttles running nearly every hour. The camp is outfitted with tents for limited shade, info about Masonboro.org and some water and snacks. Volunteers are welcome to bring camp chairs, coolers of refreshments and snacks, and sunscreen.
The job is to promote responsible use of the island. Since 2009, Masonboro.org has collected and recycled more than 20 tons of trash from the 4th of July Celebrations.
Masonboro.org provides trash bags for beachgoers who don’t bring one, with the goal that no bottle cap is left behind.
A volunteer cook-out is hosted June 29, wherein the team goes over the game plan and divulges all details; when signing up to volunteer, choose add-on cook-out tickets as well. The cookout will consist of burgers and hot dogs, tea and water; BYOB per adult beverages, a dish to share and feel free to bring a friend.
Masonboro.org works to “protect public access, promote responsible use, and preserve the traditions of Masonboro Island.” It also hosts educational, science-based field trips to the island for fifth-grade students (to learn more, click here).
The N.C. Division of Coastal Management and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office sent a notice Monday reminding those that head out to the island this holiday be mindful of safety and responsible behavior.
It warns against attempting to swim across Masonboro Inlet to the island, due to limited resources and no available emergency facilities on the reserve.
“Through our continuing partnership with the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, the presence of law enforcement has increasingly helped limit problems and ensure visitor safety each year,” Braxton Davis, director of the NC Division of Coastal Management, stated in a press release.
Both agencies ask visitors to bring proper supplies and arrive on reliable transport, clean up all trash, don’t disturb the wildlife or research equipment, keep pets leashed, and be mindful of other visitors.
All state guidelines can be found here.
Tips or comments? Email info@localdailymedia.com.
Want to read more from PCD? Subscribe now and then sign up for our morning newsletter, Wilmington Wire, and get the headlines delivered to your inbox every morning.
