KURE BEACH, NC (WECT) – Volunteers are needed to help plant sea oats in Kure Beach on Saturday, May 5, according to a press release from a town spokesperson.

The Beach Protection Committee, along with volunteers, will meet at 1 p.m. at 1800 Sand Dollar Court, which is across the street from the Ocean Dunes Recreation Center.

From there, they’ll plant oats on new dunes at the south end of Kure Beach, which are meant to protect the beach.

Volunteers are asked to bring a shovel or small scoop, and dress appropriately.

Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved.

KURE BEACH, NC (WECT) – About a dozen students from New Hanover County high schools are spending their Saturday mornings ankle deep in marsh mud, cleaning trash along the Cape Fear River and weighing bait fish to feed crabs.

The students travel together to the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher each weekend in the spring to develop their science, technology, engineering and math skills through the Coastal Champions program, according to a news release from the Aquarium. The program is reportedly in its second year and receives funding from Connect a Million Minds.

Gabriela Gutierrez participates in the program, which recently included a group hike to the salt marsh and a boat cruise up the Cape Fear River to witness the environmental impact of trash on the waterway.

“I enjoy every second I have been here,” said Gutierrez in a news release. “I love the ocean and it is a great opportunity to help and learn at the same time.”

Aquarium educators work side-by-side with the students, who attend New Hanover High and Laney High.

“We work hard to vary the experiences the students have and give them maximum exposure to STEM concepts,” stated Jennifer Metzler-Fiorino, education curator at the Aquarium. “The Coastal Champions program cultivates an interest in marine science and offers ‘wow’ moments every week for the students.”

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – Runners will hit the pavement Sunday near the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher to celebrate Earth Day.

More than 300 runners and walkers are expected to take part in the fourth annual 5K Race for the Planet.  The event raises money for Aquarium educational programs and green initiatives.

The race starts at 8:00 a.m., but you can register the day of the race at 7:00 a.m. at the Aquarium at Fort Fisher.

The course includes views of the ocean, Cape Fear River, maritime forest and historic Fort Fisher Civil War site.

Race participants will receive free admission to the Aquarium on race day.

Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved.