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You are receiving this newsletter because you expressed interest in the "Heal Our Waterways" Program -- a community-based City of Wilmington program working to improve water quality in Bradley and Hewletts Creeks.

 News & Updates  -  July 17, 2025

Catching Rain is Catching On: 346 Nature-Based Stormwater Solutions and Counting!

With a new fiscal year underway for the City of Wilmington, it's the perfect time to reflect on the accomplishments the city's Heal Our Waterways Program made over the last fiscal year. 

As a reminder, the Heal Our Waterways Program is a city program that supports the Bradley and Hewletts Creeks Watershed Restoration Plan, working to improve water quality in both creeks. The chronic source of pollution to these waterways is from stormwater runoff, which collects bacteria and other pollutants as it flows over streets, rooftops, and other hard surfaces before washing into local waterways, untreated.

To tackle this challenge, the Heal Our Waterways Program continues to prioritize nature-based stormwater solutions, which work to slow down, spread out, and soak in stormwater runoff before it can reach Bradley Creek and Hewletts Creek. 

Over the last fiscal year (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025), the Heal Our Waterways Program and local partners achieved several exciting milestones:

• New permeable parking spaces in University of North Carolina Wilmington's (UNCW) Randall Lot through a grant-funded partnership between UNCW, North Carolina Coastal Federation, and Heal Our Waterways
• 23 rain barrels installed by residents to collect and reuse rainwater
• 7 rain gardens planted throughout the community
• Over 70 trees added to enhance the urban canopy and soak in stormwater

Together, these projects will treat up to 159,424 gallons of stormwater runoff each time it rains! This brings the total number of nature-based stormwater solutions installed within the Bradley and Hewletts Creeks Watersheds up to 346, which is a testament to the city's investment in the program and the power of community engagement. 

We're proud of last fiscal year's accomplishments and are even more excited for what's ahead. Thank you to all the partners and community members helping to heal our waterways, one project at a time. 

A rain garden installed through the Heal Our Waterways full funding program with New Hanover Soil and Water Conservation District.

North Carolina Water Resources Association Workshop Held in Wilmington

The city's Heal Our Waterways Program was pleased to participate in the North Carolina Water Resources Association (NCWRA) Spring Workshop. Attendees learned about the unique challenges and innovative restoration strategies used in coastal communities, including approaches the city has taken to implement the Bradley and Hewletts Creeks Watershed Restoration Plan. The group then toured examples of nature-based stormwater solutions at UNCW, which were installed through a grant-funded partnership between UNCW, North Carolina Coastal Federation, and the Heal Our Waterways Program. The tour concluded at Wade Park, home to a 12-acre constructed wetland that treats stormwater runoff from approximately 590 acres within the Hewletts Creek Watershed.

Environmental Events

Monthly Rain Barrel Sales

• 2nd Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the New Hanover County Arboretum
• 3rd Saturday: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Wilmington Farmer's Market at Tidal Creek Co-op

For Details:  Monthly Rain Barrel Sales

Volunteer Opportunity

July 18 & 19, 2025

Cape Fear River Watch is hosting two tree mulching days! Volunteers will help add fresh mulch around trees planted along Burnt Mill Creek. There are two dates for this volunteer opportunity, so find all the details and sign-up forms at the calendar here: Event Calendar

Cape Fear Native Plant Festival

September 17 - 21, 2025

Mark your calendars for the upcoming Cape Fear Native Plant Festival! The format will again include three nights of speakers and a shopping day with local vendors. New this year is a Native Plant Garden Tour featuring local residents and their native plant gardens. Visit the website below for full details and registration links as they become available. 

For Details: Cape Fear Native Plant Festival Website

Featured Native Plant

Carolina Jessamine - Gelsemium sempervirens

Looking to brighten your garden with a native vine? Consider Carolina jessamine over invasive vines, like English ivy. This evergreen vine blooms with fragrant yellow flowers starting in late winter, adding a cheerful pop of color after the gray months to signal that spring is near.

Plant in an area with full sun to maximize the number of flowers. Add to garden trellises, fences, or other vertical items to add charm to any space (just not too close to your house due to its flammability).

While Carolina jessamine is toxic to humans and pets, the sweet smells attract many pollinators, including bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.