Celebrate Masonboro Island Sunday, Feb. 21

Come to Celebrate Masonboro, and learn how you can help take care of Masonboro Island! Only five miles southeast of Wilmington, it is an undisturbed barrier island and estuarine system. The island is 8.4 miles long, with almost 90% covered by marsh and tidal flats. Masonboro Island is a protected site in a network called the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERR). These sites have been established for long-term research, education and stewardship. The photo at left is provided by the North Carolina NERR.

The Carolina Estuarine Reserve Foundation is hosting this celebration for volunteers and others interested in helping protect and promote this amazing site. There will be live music, door prizes, and refreshments. The event will be held Sunday at Katy’s Great Eats, 1054 S. College Road in Wilmington, from 6 to 9 p.m. Donations will be accepted at the door and all proceeds will go to support stewardship projects on the island. See you there?

Win $500 for Your 30-second Green Video

You are invited to send in a video, 30 seconds or less, that shows how you would make the environment better. The catch? Use only 3 words.

Green in 3 is sponsored by Duke University's Nicholas School of the Environment. One contest period ends this Friday, February 12th. But there are 3 (of course) periods in all. The deadlines for the last two are March 12th and April 9th. There will be at least 15 First Place winners receiving $500 each. So see Green in 3 for rules and suggestions, and get busy!

See Any Beautiful Birds?

We are thrilled to have a gorgeous blue sky today. The first forsythia blooms are showing, and the first tips of the daffodils are out and growing. Another sign of Spring to come: this weekend is The Great Backyard Bird Count!

This is always a fun event to do with the family, and it's wonderful to do with children. It only takes fifteen minutes of observation to participate. There is a special joy in looking a little closer at nature than usual, and being even more aware of what is around us in our environment. Plus, Cornell University says, "It’s free, fun, and easy—and it helps the birds."

They provide area checklists, and web pages for kids. There are some great photographs in the image gallery, and a photo competition. Scientists use the data submitted to track and study populations of birds. There is always something new; last year I learned about 'irruptions' of birds. So take a clipboard along and check it when you're out for a stomp this weekend, from Friday, February 12 through Monday, February 15.