Masonboro Island lovers raise funds for the reserve

 

Photography by Joshua McClure

 

Wrightsville Beach, NC . . . Thousands of years in the making, preserved for the last 20, accessible only by boat, more than 8 miles of untouched southeastern North Carolina coastline is a favorite nesting ground for endangered loggerhead sea turtles and diamond back terrapins, a habitat for aquatic marine life, sea birds and mammals, a popular destination for guided field trips and a remote island getaway for human recreation

 

This is Masonboro Island.

 

Located south of Wrightsville Beach on the banks of Masonboro Inlet, the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, Masonboro Island has many friends-naturalists attracted to its unblemished beauty, school students engaged in open classroom discovery, surfers who relish its pristine waters, kayakers destined for its quiet coves and boaters who weigh anchors in its channel.

 

All of these friends and more will gather beneath moonlit skies to raise funds for continued preservation during the Annual FOR Masonboro Island gala, 5-9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16, at The Blockade Runner Beach Resort in Wrightsville Beach.

 

With the price of admission, guests will be entertained by five different musical acts, served coastal cuisine prepared by the Blockade Runner's award-winning culinary team and offered the chance to bid on fabulous boutique auction and raffle items donated by Wrightsville Beach area benefactors. Major sponsors this year include The Blockade Runner, the Hope From Helen foundation, and Surfrider Foundation.

 

FOR Masonboro will showcase local recording artist Jerry Powell followed by steel pan musical artist Eduardo Somech who will perform in the Blockade Runner's grand lobby while the Broadstreet Band from Pinehurst, Soul to Sea and the John Sweeney Band will perform outdoors beneath the canopy beside the resort's tropical gardens, oceanfront lawn and poolside lanai.

 

Captain Joe Abbate, The Carolina Naturalist (featured in Our State Magazine, May 2011) will offer trips and scenic tours to Masonboro Island throughout the weekend, October 14-16.  To book in advance, visit www.capefearnaturalist.com.

 

Proceeds last year covered the cost of coordinating volunteers by professional staff, and purchasing equipment and supplies for conducting routine patrols, protecting native habitat and documenting island life. 

 

The event is predicted to sell-out. Supporters are encouraged to purchase advance tickets, $50 per person, or $75 at the door. For details and sponsorship opportunities visit www.ForMasonboroIsland.org.

 

For special room rates FOR Masonboro, contact the Blockade Runner by phone (910) 256-2251 or visit www.blockade-runner.com.