Protecting The Point, Together
Welcome to the South Topsail Stewardship Program—a new chapter in the story of preserving the south end of Topsail Island, known locally as “The Point”, now the South Topsail Preserve. Created by the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust in partnership with Conserve The Point, this program invites the community to take an active role in caring for this special place. Thanks to an incredible community effort, this stretch of wild coastline has been permanently protected. Now, it’s time to care for it—together.
We’re building a community of volunteers—our South Topsail Stewards—to help preserve, protect, and share this beautiful landscape with others. If you love wild places, coastal wildlife, and being part of something meaningful, we invite you to become a steward.
Why Stewardship Matters
South Topsail Preserve is a rare, untouched stretch of maritime forest, salt marsh, dunes, and beach. It is home to:
- Nesting sea turtles
- Shorebirds like Piping Plovers, Eastern Willets, Wilson’s Plovers, and more
- Coastal plants such as the federally threatened seabeach amaranth
- Dozens of migratory bird species
This land is now permanently protected—but protection is just the beginning. Stewardship ensures the site remains healthy, welcoming, and ecologically vibrant for generations to come.
What Stewards Do
We’ve created a stewardship program that offers something for everyone. No experience is necessary—just a love for nature and a willingness to lend a hand. Here are a few ways you can get involved:
Habitat Care &
Conservation Workdays
Join us for hands-on workdays where volunteers help:
- Put up educational signs
- Remove marine debris and litter
- Establish bird nesting areas along with Audubon
- Monitor plan and wildlife activity
Workdays are scheduled seasonally and are led by Coastal Land Trust and Conserve The Point coordinators.
Beach Walk &
Education Leaders
Help share the story of South Topsail Preserve with others. If you enjoy speaking to small groups and walking the beach, consider being trained as a volunteer guide. Duties include:
- Welcoming visitors and answering questions
- Leading short interpretive walks
- Sharing local history, wildlife facts, and conservation training provided. No prior naturalist experience needed!
Wildlife Monitoring &
Nest Support
Help with seasonal wildlife programs such as:
- Observing and recording wildlife
- Flagging and protecting nesting areas
- Monitor turtle nesting with the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center (for more information, contact them directly at volunteer@seaturtlehospital.org or visit seaturtlehospital.org/volunteer)
When and where to volunteer
Volunteer opportunities take place on-site at South Topsail Preserve, at the sound side beach access near the south end parking lot.. Activities are planned throughout the year and adjusted seasonally.
All volunteers receive training and guidance from staff at NC Coastal Land Trust and community leaders at Conserve The Point.
Ready to get started? Becoming a South End Steward is easy:
Become a steward today by reaching out to Topsail@CoastalLandTrust.Org
Looking for more information?
Contact the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust:
Website: www.coastallandtrust.org
Phone: (910) 790-4524
Email: info@coastallandtrust.org
Help Protect What Makes Topsail Island Special
Stewardship is more than just volunteering—it’s an invitation to connect deeply with the land, learn something new, and make a real difference in your community. Whether you come once or become a regular part of our team, your time and energy matter.
We hope you’ll join us in keeping the South Topsail Preserve wild, pristine, and serene.
More Questions? Email: volunteer@conservethepoint.com