Topsail Beach
The southern tip of Topsail Beach—known locally as “The South End” or “The Point”—is a breathtaking stretch of North Carolina coastline, defined by its sweeping views, dynamic ecosystems, and remarkable biodiversity. With sound-to-sea frontage along the Atlantic Ocean, New Topsail Inlet, and Banks Channel, the site features pristine dunes, estuarine wetlands, maritime shrub forest, and vital nesting habitat for coast-loving wildlife.
Thanks to an extraordinary outpouring of support from nearly 800 donors, public funding partners, and dedicated volunteers, the Coastal Land Trust completed the purchase of the South End in April 2025. This once-in-a-generation conservation victory ensures this beloved place will remain wild and undeveloped for generations to come.
A Community-Driven Conservation Victory
The campaign to “Save the South End” began in early 2024 when the Coastal Land Trust negotiated a contract with the property owners—creating a rare opportunity to conserve one of the last privately owned, undeveloped tracts on any North Carolina barrier island.
The effort quickly became a rallying point for Topsail Beach residents and conservationists across the state. Opposition to a proposed residential development in 2023 had already galvanized the community. When the Coastal Land Trust stepped in with a conservation solution, donors, volunteers, and community groups came together to make it a reality.
Nearly $8 million, including more than $1.6 million in private donations, helped turn vision into victory. Grant support for this project was approved by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (through Walmart’s Acres for America program), the NC Land and Water Fund, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
What Happens Next?
The Coastal Land Trust now owns the South End and is actively stewarding the land for up to a year while awaiting the disbursement of approved grant funding. At that point, the property will be transferred to the State of North Carolina and managed by the Division of Coastal Management.
In the meantime, we’re working closely with partners like Audubon North Carolina and local volunteers to:
- Protect sensitive nesting bird habitat
- Remove debris from the beach
- Offer guided educational walks during the summer season
Get Involved
Want to help care for this extraordinary place?
Volunteer opportunities are available between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Tasks include habitat protection, litter removal, and supporting educational programming. Email us at Topsail@CoastalLandTrust.org to learn more.
Still Inspired? Support Future Conservation Victories
The protection of the South End was made possible by hundreds of people who believed in preserving North Carolina’s coast. If you’d like to be part of the next conservation success story, we welcome your continued support.
Donate now to help the Coastal Land Trust achieve even more.
* View a recording of the May 11th, 2024 Save The South End community meeting held at The Assembly Building in Topsail Beach by clicking HERE. Feel free to view some of our frequently asked questions or submit additional questions below.
Photo above thanks to Wilton Wescott.
Photos top L to R: Black skimmer – Walker Golder, Seabeach amaranth – Dale Suiter, Green turtle – NCWRC
Photos bottom L to R: South Topsail Beach dunes – NCCLT, Loggerhead sea turtle – Mellissa Dionesotes, Oystercatcher – Mellissa Dionesotes
Frequently Asked Questions
The Coastal Land Trust launched the Save the South End campaign in March 2024 with the ambitious goal or raising nearly $8 million within one year. We reached our fundraising goal in January 2025 and purchased the property on April 29th.
No. The Coastal Land Trust could not pay more than fair market value for the property based on an appraisal completed by a state-certified appraiser, and the appraisal(s) obtained by the Coastal Land Trust will be subject to review and approval by state and/or federal grant funders.
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.
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.
Yes. The South End will remain open to the public for traditional uses like beachcombing/walking, swimming, fishing, etc. The existing parking area, which is owned by the Town, will remain available for public use. Beginning in May, there will be efforts to protect the conservation values of the property, including nesting shorebirds (e.g., through signage and roping areas off). Existing local rules and regulations adopted by the Town of Topsail Beach will continue to be in effect, i.e., dogs must be on a leash from April 1st to Sept. 30th (versus May 15th to Sept. 30th in other areas of Topsail Island) because Topsail Beach lies within Unit L07 of the Coastal Barrier Resources System.
Yes. The use of any public conservation funding requires permanent conservation restrictions. Once transferred to the State of North Carolina, the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management will seek to have the property dedicated under the State Nature Preserves Act. Articles of Dedication will be prepared by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. Articles of Dedication are similar to a permanent conservation easement on private property. In general, the state’s dedication process expressly allows for public use but tries to balance it with protection of conservation values. Examples of state-owned coastal lands that have been dedicated under the State Nature Preserves Act include Hammocks Beach State Park and Boiling Spring Lakes Preserve. Many state game lands and state parks have also been dedicated. While the Division of Coastal Management also manages the ten NC Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve sites, the Division does not intend to add this property to the Reserve system.
Until the property is transferred to the State of North Carolina, 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.
The North Carolina Division of Coastal Management will develop a management plan after the property is transferred to the state. The Division of Coastal Management hopes to partner with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission staff to assist with the identification, management, and monitoring of shorebird nesting areas. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission staff already identify, mark, and monitor sea turtle nests all along Topsail Island including South Topsail Beach and that work will continue. Additional details on future management will be forthcoming.
Donations can be made online or by mail. If you want to speak to someone about supporting the Coastal Land Trust, please contact Eric Vreeland (910-726-3006, eric@coastallandtrust.org).
Checks should be made out to North Carolina Coastal Land Trust and mailed to 3 Pine Valley Drive, Wilmington, NC 28412.
Yes. The North Carolina Coastal Land Trust is a nonprofit organization recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS under Section 501(c)(3). Our Federal tax ID number is 56-1791849.