On April 29, 2025, the Coastal Land Trust purchased the South End of Topsail Beach, a significant step in permanent protection of the property. The South End, also known as ‘The Point’, was one of the last remaining privately owned, large, undeveloped tracts on North Carolina’s barrier islands.

This landmark conservation victory follows an ambitious, yearlong fundraising effort and culminated with the purchase of the property on April 29th. As part of the transaction, a 1-acre portion of the site—including the existing parking area and surrounding land—was sold to the Town of Topsail Beach.
“This is a once-in-a-generation victory for conservation on the coast,” said Harrison Marks, Executive Director of the Coastal Land Trust. “We are deeply grateful to the partners, donors, and volunteers who made this possible.”

Stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to Banks Channel, the South End features expansive dunes, estuarine wetlands, and maritime shrub forest that provide critical habitat for loggerhead sea turtles, Wilson’s plovers, willets, and more than 30 priority bird species. The rare coastal plant, seabeach amaranth, also makes its home on the open beach. Without protection, the property was under increasing threat of future development.

The Coastal Land Trust negotiated a contract and launched a bold campaign in March 2024 to raise nearly $8 million. With the support of almost 800 donors—who contributed more than $1.6 million—and several major public funding sources, the acquisition became a reality.

“This beautiful and beloved section of Topsail is now protected forever,” said Frank Braxton, Mayor of the Town of Topsail Beach. “We’re thrilled to partner with the Coastal Land Trust to ensure its natural beauty is preserved for future generations.”

Grant funding for this project has been approved by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) through Walmart's Acres for America program, North Carolina Land and Water Fund, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s North American Wetlands Conservation Act and National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant programs.

"This project is a model for collaborative coastal conservation and an excellent example of the lasting benefits that Acres for America grants can provide to wildlife and communities," said Chris West, Director, Acres for America Program at NFWF. "This effort will conserve critical habitat for wildlife and offer lasting benefits for current and future generations of North Carolinians to enjoy."

To meet the contract deadline for closing, the Coastal Land Trust secured a bridge loan since the money from the approved grants will not be received for several more months. The Coastal Land Trust will own and manage the property for up to a year, repaying the loan when all the grant funds are received, before transferring the land to the State of North Carolina to be managed by the Division of Coastal Management.

“We look forward to stewarding this unique site for the public’s enjoyment and protection of irreplaceable wildlife habitat,” said Tancred Miller from the Division of Coastal Management. “Its natural and ecological value is extraordinary.”

In the meantime, the Coastal Land Trust will work with volunteers and partners—including Audubon North Carolina and local volunteers from Conserve the Point—to protect nesting bird habitat, remove debris, and lead educational beach walks. More information on volunteer opportunities can be found at www.CoastalLandTrust.org/TopsailBeach or by emailing Topsail@CoastalLandTrust.org.

Photo credit: Gavin Shwahla of Gavin Wild Visuals.