North Carolina Projects

Coastal Resilience in North Carolina

Our Goals
Protecting birds and people as our coast undergoes rapid change, from rising seas to development pressures.
What We’re Doing
Launching long-term resilience planning and projects and advocating for natural ecosystems as the best defense against extreme weather.
Great Egret

The North Carolina coast has always been shaped by change, but rising seas, stronger storms, and development pressures are accelerating the pace. Audubon is responding by advocating for and implementing nature-based solutions to today’s most pressing coastal threats. 

By protecting and restoring wetlands, inlets, and beaches, we can provide vital habitat for birds while strengthening the resilience of coastal communities. These natural ecosystems serve as our first line of defense against flooding, storms, and other extreme weather. 

Audubon works to ensure communities plan and build with this natural infrastructure in mind. Much of this work is based at the Donal C. O’Brien, Jr. Sanctuary at Pine Island, which serves as a coastal resilience hub and living laboratory for researchers and partners advancing innovative solutions.