	Volunteer Information
	Revegetation/Reforestation Committee Revegetation/Reforestation Committee - The Revegetation Committee was formed in calendar year 2000 to help revegetate the town after being hit with several hurricanes in a fairly short period of time. The committee has now expanded its effort to include building several small gardens to show residents the types of plants that will grow near the beach, and those that will grow in other parts of town. They are also a resource for homeowners to get assistance with their own gardening challenges. For more information, please phone Peggy Brown at 354-5537. OUR MISSION STATEMENT: THE REVEGETATION /REFORESTATION COMMITTEE OF EMERALD ISLE IS A VOLUNTEER GROUP OF CITIZENS DEDICATED TO REPLANTING AND PRESERVING THE NATURAL GROWTH OF EMERALD ISLE BY PROVIDING EDUCATION TO THE PUBLIC BY MEANS OF DEMONSTRATION GARDENS, EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS AND GARDENING PROGRAMS SO THAT RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES OF EMERALD ISLE WILL HAVE THE BEST OPPORTUNITY TO SELECT PLANTS FOR THE TOWN AND HOME LANDSCAPES WHICH WILL MAINTAIN A NATURAL AND CONTINUING GROWTH OF INDIGENOUS TREES, SHRUBS AND FLOWERS. COASTAL DUNE PRESERVATION & MANAGEMENT by David L. Nash Coastal Management Agent North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service The dune system along North Carolina's coast provides many valuable benefits. It provides habitat for the animals and birds that inhabit or migrate along the coast. Coastal plants, uniquely adapted to the harsh growing conditions found in this environment, provide food and protection for birds and animals. The vegetation adds beauty to the coastal environment and plays an important role in building and stabilizing the sand that forms the dune system. Waves deposit sand on the shore and onshore winds blow the sand landward. Plants and other obstacles, such as driftwood or sand fence, reduce wind speed causing the sand to accumulate around the obstacles. Coastal plants offer the unique advantage over other obstacles in that, as the sand accumulates, the plants grow with the newly formed dunes. Over time, the dunes and vegetation grow in concert with each other and individual hummocks of sand coalesce into a nexus of dunes. The beautiful dunes, enhanced by sea oats and other native vegetation, also act as the first line of defense against storms. Buildings, roads, utility lines and other infrastructure may be protected from storm surges and wave action associated with hurricanes and other coastal storms by the reservoir of sand in the dune system. Dunes are not hardened structures, rather they are flexible barriers that are often eroded away during storm events. Take the time to learn how the beach and dune system work together with plants to form and protect the island we enjoy. Protecting the plants that form and stabilize the dunes is critical for dune preservation. Be part of the team to preserve and protect North Carolina's coast! Contact your CCCES Office for a copy of Publication, AG-591, “Restoration and Management of Coastal Dune Vegetation.?/font> See Photos of Master Dunes Conservation Class Planting Western Regional Ocean Access (WROA) Dunes June 6, 2002 A VISIT TO THE OCEANFRONT ARBORETUM More Photo's On Oct. 25, 2000, the committee opened an oceanfront planting site at the Western Regional Beach access off Islander Dr. The public is encouraged to visit there to get ideas for gardens and to gain an appreciation for the diversity of healthy dune loving plants. It is anticipated that we will create a mid-point site and a sound front site. These will be open to the public and it is hoped that residents and property owners will visit and participate in making trees and plantings a part of the Emerald Isle landscape. The committee also encourages donating trees and shrubs from lots which are scheduled for clearing, so that they can be replanted elsewhere.