

Our Programs & Projects
St. James Conservancy collaborates with numerous partners to safeguard and improve the natural resources within and surrounding our community. As a group of dedicated volunteers, we invite your support, time, and energy to preserve this unique environment for future generations. Participate in our continuous initiatives to elevate the standards of what a coastal community can achieve.
Our primary projects and programs include:

Living Shoreline
On Thursday, June 23 2022, “Living Shoreline” by our 115 Multigenerational Citizen Scientists was a huge success with our UNCW Professor and graduate/undergraduate student leaders, as well as South Brunswick High School Aquaculture Teacher and students. We placed 800-bags of oyster shells and planted almost 2,200 plugs of Spartina Alterniflora marsh grasses, all of which are contributing as an Ecological Service to prevent erosion yet provide a habitat for marine life, among many other benefits. Each oyster cleans 30-50-gallons of water a day (actually, a bathtub full).
Our scientists included many grandchildren who carried oyster shell bags and planted grasses, working along our shoreline while attending also UNCW student workshops with samples of our marine life.
Our next event will be in September to also include classes of our High School students.
Please see the 15-minute video of our event by Chuck Gardner, below.
Thank you to all, J. Taylor Ryan, Project Founder and Leader - The Royal Order of the Honorary St James Oyster.
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NWF Community Wildlife Habitat
The Community Wildlife Habitat™ program, initiated by the National Wildlife Federation, collaborates with various entities including cities, towns, counties, neighborhoods, and diverse communities to foster environments that are healthier, more sustainable, and conducive to wildlife.
This initiative encourages the creation of gardens and landscapes that prioritize wildlife, advocates for the use of native flora, aims to minimize or eliminate the application of pesticides and chemicals, and incorporates wildlife-friendly strategies into sustainability and park development plans.
By participating in this program, St. James can enhance and revitalize wildlife habitats within neighborhoods and developed areas, while simultaneously aligning with ongoing efforts related to climate resilience, community sustainability, urban forestry, water conservation, and beautification initiatives.
Properties that provide essential resources such as food, water, shelter, and breeding sites, along with sustainable gardening practices, qualify for certification as a wildlife habitat.
We invite you to join us in our mission to create healthy wildlife habitats by certifying your yard.

Environmental Education
Environmental education encompasses structured initiatives aimed at imparting knowledge about the functioning of natural environments, with a particular emphasis on how individuals can manage their behaviors and ecosystems to promote sustainability. The primary goals of environmental education are to enhance public understanding of environmental challenges, investigate potential solutions, and establish a foundation for informed and active engagement by individuals in environmental protection and the responsible use of natural resources.
St. James Conservancy is committed to providing a diverse range of opportunities for residents to learn about and engage with our local flora and fauna. Through speaker series, film screenings, local presentations, and outdoor excursions, there is a wealth of knowledge to be gained about the natural world.
In addition to offering programs and events designed to educate our members, SJC provides various resources that can be reviewed and/or downloaded. These materials are accessible to SJC members.
The actions we take, or fail to take, within our own environments significantly influence the health of the broader ecosystem.
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Conservation begins with education.
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We have over 300 science based documents on our Resource Documents page.
Join our group on our Facebook page.