Conserve The Point was honored with the 2026 Pelican Award from the North Carolina Coastal Federation on August 1, recognizing the organization’s grassroots leadership and community-driven effort to permanently protect the south end of Topsail Island.
Conserve The Point was among 13 individuals and organizations recognized this year by the NC Coastal Federation for their extraordinary contributions to protecting and caring for North Carolina’s coast.
“Today we honor extraordinary people and partnerships that are making a lasting difference for North Carolina’s coast through collaboration, dedication, and shared commitment. Our honorees are helping to ensure a healthier coast for generations to come,” said April Clark, president of the organization’s board of directors, early in the program.
From L to R: April Clark, NC Coastal Federation, CTP Board Members: Gavin Shwahla, Nancy Patton, Roy Costa, MeLissa Miller, Karen Danmyer, Marc Danmyer
Conserve The Point board members were on hand to accept the award on behalf of the organization and the many people who have helped make permanent conservation of The Point possible.
The Coastal Federation said:
“Conserve the Point has demonstrated the extraordinary impact of grassroots leadership in protecting one of North Carolina’s most treasured coastal landscapes. Founded by dedicated community members, the organization united residents, visitors, and local leaders around a shared vision to conserve the south end of Topsail Island and ensure its permanent protection for future generations.
Today, Conserve the Point continues its work through stewardship, education, advocacy, and volunteer engagement, caring for this ecologically significant area while fostering a strong sense of community ownership and environmental responsibility. From organizing volunteer workdays and supporting habitat restoration to advocating for the long-term health of the coast, the organization has inspired countless people to become active stewards of the place they love. Through its leadership, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to conservation, Conserve the Point has created a lasting legacy for Topsail Island and serves as an inspiring example of the power of community-driven coastal stewardship.”
Conserve The Point Thanks the Topsail Beach Community
In accepting the award, Conserve The Point Board member Nancy Patton credited the entire Topsail Beach community for its dedication to making the dream of permanent conservation come true.
“We are deeply honored to receive the Pelican Award. But this recognition doesn’t belong to us alone—it belongs to an entire community. It belongs to Maggie Chestnut, who began this effort in 2005, to every volunteer, donor, advocate, and partner who believed that The Point was worth protecting, and to the Topsail Beach community whose passion made permanent conservation possible.
We are especially grateful to the North Carolina Coastal Federation for its leadership and guidance throughout this journey, and to the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust for leading the successful effort to permanently protect The Point. Saving The Point was an extraordinary achievement. Now begins the equally important work of stewardship, education, and caring for this special place for generations to come. Thank you for this incredible honor and thank you to everyone who helped make this conservation success possible.”
The Next Chapter
The Pelican Award celebrates what our community accomplished together—but it also marks the beginning of a new chapter.
With The Point now permanently protected and becoming part of the state’s coastal preserve system, Conserve The Point remains committed to helping care for this special place through stewardship, education, volunteer engagement, and advocacy.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this conservation success possible. This award belongs to all of you—and we look forward to continuing this work together for generations to come.