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More than 1,500 acres of wetlands and forestland in Tyrrell County transferred to the North Carolina Coastal Federation.

PRE News & Ideas | By Annette Weston
Published March 4, 2026 at 6:45 AM EST
Under the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and North Carolina Coastal Land Trust will be able to acquire nearly 900 acres along the Newport River.
North Carolina Coastal Federation
File: Under the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and North Carolina Coastal Land Trust will be able to acquire nearly 900 acres along the Newport River.

A major win for North Carolina’s coastal conservation was finalized last month in Tyrrell County. The Conservation Fund transferred more than 1,500 acres of wetlands and forestland to the North Carolina Coastal Federation.

Located just north of Highway 64 near the Alligator River Bridge, the $1.7 million land donation secures a vital piece of the state's ecological puzzle. Officials say it’s not just about preserving a view, because the wetlands serve as a natural filtration system for the Albemarle-Pamlico estuary and provide a critical buffer against coastal flooding.

The Coastal Federation will now take over as permanent stewards of the land, ensuring that this vast stretch of forest and marsh remains protected for wildlife habitat and scientific research for generations to come.
Annette Weston
Annette is originally a Midwest gal, born and raised in Michigan, but with career stops in many surrounding states, the Pacific Northwest, and various parts of the southeast. An award-winning journalist and mother of four, Annette moved to eastern North Carolina in 2019 to be closer to family – in particular, her two young grandchildren. It’s possible that a -27 day with a -68 windchill in Minnesota may have also played a role in that decision. In her spare time, Annette does a lot of kiddo cuddling, reading, and producing the coolest Halloween costumes anyone has ever seen. She has also worked as a diversity and inclusion facilitator serving school districts and large corporations. It’s the people that make this beautiful area special, and she wants to share those stories that touch the hearts of others. If you have a story idea to share, please reach out by email to westona@cravencc.edu.
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