The Work of Bringing it Back

Here's what's giving people hope: oyster reef restoration projects are rebuilding habitats one shell at a time. Native plants are being replanted along riverbanks to catch runoff before it reaches the water. Living shorelines — made of marsh grass, oyster reefs, and sand — are replacing concrete seawalls and outperforming them.

Oyster Reef Restoration

Volunteers and scientists are rebuilding oyster reefs using recycled shells collected from local restaurants. A single oyster filters 50 gallons of water per day — restored reefs clean the water and protect shorelines.

💙 How to help: Donate your oyster shells at any participating NC restaurant or join a reef-building event with NC Coastal Federation.

Riparian Buffer Planting

Native trees and shrubs planted along riverbanks act as a natural filter, catching fertilizers and animal waste before they reach the water. Millions of trees have already been planted across NC's river corridors.

💙 How to help: Volunteer with Sound Rivers for planting events along the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico rivers.

Living Shorelines

Instead of concrete seawalls, living shorelines use marsh grass, oyster reefs, and sand to absorb wave energy naturally. They're more effective long-term, cheaper to maintain, and provide critical wildlife habitat.

💙 How to help: Support policy efforts through NC Coast Federation to expand living shoreline requirements statewide.