Area wetlands
'cradle of life'
Wetlands are the link between
water and land. They are areas that,
whether or not they are covered by
surface water, have water-logged
soil at least periodically.
The amount of water present and
the timing of its presence determine
the functions of a wetland and its
role in the environment. They are
among the most biologically pro
ductive and diverse ecosystems in
the world, supporting the growth of
water-loving plants and providing
home to thousands of fish and
wildlife communities.
Scientists recognize five major wet
land systems: Marine, estuarine,
lacustrine, riverine and palustrine.
Marine and estuarine systems
include coastal habitats such as bays
and sounds, the coastline, salt
marshes and coastal brackish
waters.
the other three systems represent
inland freshwater habitats, which
account for 90r percent of the nation's
wetlands. Lacustrine systems are
found along the low-lying areas and
margins surrounding lakes, reser
voirs and ponds. Riverine wetlands
are comprised of flood plains along
freshwater rivers and streams.
Palustrine wetlands include marsh
es, bogs and swamps.
Ranging from the small prairie
potholes of the northern plain states
to the vast swamplands of the
Florida Everglades, wetlands occur
in every region and climate of the
United States. North Carolina has
more than five and a half million
million acres of wetlands; 95 percent
are located in the coastal plain.
Several kinds of wetlands can be
found in the state — lush bottomland
hardwood forests that grow in the
flood plains of our rivers and
streams; densely vegetated pocosins
(from the Indian word for "swamps
on a hill") that are found nowhere
else in the world except North
Carolina and South Carolina;
Carolina bays, unique, egg-shaped
depressions found mostly in the
southeastern portion of the state;
and rich, fertile salt marshes of the
coast where the land meets the sea.
Wetlands play many important
roles in protecting our health, safety,
property and economy. They aid in
flood control, acting as sponges to
absorb excess rainfall and snowmelt
and then releasing them slowly.
They improve our water quality by
filtering-out organic wastes and
other pollutants. Coastal wetlands
prevent erosion ana property aam
age by functioning as natural buffers
against damaging storm waves.
And, they are critical to the success
of the commercial fishing industry,
serving as safe spawning grounds
and nurseries for fish and shellfish.
Wetlands are also vital to thou
sands of plant and animal species
that depend on this rich habitat for
survival. These "biological super
markets" provide great volumes of
food that attract and sustain many
animal species. Many other animals,
such as migratory waterfowl, use
wetlands for breeding grounds, rest
ing sites and shelter from weather
and predators. Although wetlands
occupy less than five percent of the
land in the lower 48 states, more
than one-third of all federally listed
threatened and endangered species
live only in wetlands, and nearly
half use wetlands at some point in
their life. :
In the past 200 years, more than
half the wetlands in the lower 48
states have been drained, paved,
filled or destroyed. Wetlands loss
has slowed over recent years thanks
to federal and state protective regu
lations and efforts by conservation
and environmental groups.
However, continued efforts are vital
to ensure the protection and preser
vation of these fragile cradles of life.
i g s la
[upon Beach, lUl
& 910-278*5946
bald Head island
Properties
807 KlLLEGRAY RIDGE - INynd Song" is the
perfect name lor Ihis beachfront collage with wrap-around
porch on lower level and deck oil master suite. 3 bedrooms, 3
1/2 baths plus 1 bedroom and bath in crofter collage. Fur
nished. $675,000. Call Palrtcla Wingfield.
BO TANBARK COURT - Enjoy views of marsh, fiver,
marina and Southport Irom this Harbour Village home. 2
Bedrooms plus den/sleeping porch. 2-1/2 balhs, screened
porch, deck and fireplace. Shared access to boat dock. Unfur
nished. $475,000. Call Bill Bonduranl.
r
1
5 SNOWY EGRET Trail - This lovely 3-bedroom,
3-1/2-balh oceanview home is convenienl lo goll course,
clubhouse and beaulilul South Beach. Ground-level storage
and play areas. Furnished. $349,000. Call Patricia Wingfield.
B 31 South Bald Head Wynd - a unique
contemporary design gives this 4-bedroom, 3-balh beach
hiuse two separate sleeping wings, a large living area, wide
decks and extraordinary views ol the ocean. Furnished.
$525,000. Call Polly Fish.
3 A SCOTCH BONNET LANE - Ocean views and
beach boardwalk make this oceanfronl home with screened
porch and deck a lop value. 3 bedrooms, 2-1/2 baths in main
house, plus a bedroom and bath in detached guest cottage.
Furnished. $439,000 Call Jim Brown
'i — i
11 WINDWARD Court-Viewsolmarsh, marina
and Cape Fear River make Ihis 2-bedroom, 2-1/2-bath Harbour
Village home ideal lor vacalion or year-round Irving Reversed
floor plan with screened and open porches. Furnished
$3/9,000. Call Jim Brown.
I - -1
7 MOURNING WAKIIU.K TRAIL - Ocean and
lairway views plus a roollop observation deck dislinguish this
2-slory island home. 4 bedrooms, 2 balds. Furnished. $369,000.
Call Jim Brown.
L
J
10 I’ALM COURT - Located behind Ihe dune line bul
within minutes ol South Beach, Ihis home has 3 bediooms and
3 baths, plus a Florida room and open and screened porches.
Good rental potential. Unfurnished $370,000. Call Patricia
Winglield.
HOMESITES
337 FORT HOLMES TKAIL Lovely wooded lot near
3rd lairway, only minutes Irom marina, beach and marsh. Call
Patricia Wingfield.
I OZTURK'S HEAD COURT-Conveniently situated
in much sought-after Harbour Village, this homesite otters wonder
ful water views. Call Patricia Wingfield.
252 I SOUTH BALD HKAD WYND -large
homesile wilh wonderful ocean breezes and views plus convenient
nearby beach access. Call Bill Bondurant.
628 HORSLMINT TRAIL - Great views across 9th
fairway to river and ocean and short distance to all club amenities.
Call Patricia Wingfield.
The Island Agency specializes in
real estate brokerage for this unique
isLnul community, .lust a short passen
gerferry rule from Southport, NX.., this
premier coastal property offers bomes,
homesites ami condominiums along the
oceanfront, in the maritime Joresl, beside
salt marshes and tidal creeks, bordering
golf courscfairivays, or rimming ihcdocla
of a ten-iicrc marina that offers convenient
access to the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoiislal
Waterway and Cape Fear River.
THE ISLAND AGENCY
P.O. BOX 10607 • SOUTHPORT, NORTH CAROLINA 28461
910-457-7401 • 800-726-4717
m
MLS |
The Island Atjcmy is an ajfiliale brokerage comfnmyi endorsed by
lltild Head IslandMaiuujcmenl, Inc, the island's developer