NOTE: This project is scheduled to kickoff in the Spring of 2026.
Check back on this page for future updates as they become available!
A Living Shoreline uses natural materials like plants, stone, sand, and other organic materials to control erosion. Unlike traditional, hardened structures like bulkheads or seawalls, the natural materials of a Living Shoreline either promote development of marshes or biodegrade through time.
These help to maintain connection (and exchange) between living resources and the adjacent waters, while also helping to protect, restore, and even enhance ecosystem functions of natural marsh edges.
Erosion along the waterways can cause LOSS of:
- Sediments
- Marsh Coverage
- Critical Habitat
- Ecosystem Function
This project will focus on evaluating living shoreline approaches, and engage the community to build knowledge of and support for various living shoreline approaches.
The Living Shoreline Project will be THREE-YEAR efforts that includes:
- Year 1: Site review and evaluation and implementation.
- Year 2: Data gathering (how is it working).
- Year 3: Analysis and recommendations.
This will include community involvement and engagement at every stage! It will Provide hands-on opportunities for citizens to get involved and assist with data collection. It will also provide opportunities for grant development with the community, based on specific conditions and needs in Oak Island. Finally, this effort will provide opportunities to interact with and promote the regional Sand Management Project on the beach side of the Island as well.
How to Get Involved
Once the Living Shoreline Project launches, information will be made available on this page on how to participate, either as an individual, civic group, or business.