Grassroots campaign to save Sledge Forest marks nearly two years of advocacy

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — After nearly two years of advocating to protect Sledge Forest from development, members of the grassroots organization leading the effort gathered Thursday evening to celebrate the community support that has fueled their campaign.

More than 50 people attended an appreciation event at Katy’s Grill and Bar on College Road, where organizers thanked volunteers, supporters and advocates who have backed the effort to preserve Sledge Forest, the largest remaining old-growth forest in New Hanover County.

Rather than focusing on raising awareness, organizers used the event to recognize the thousands of people who have joined the campaign.

Co-founder Kayne Darrel announced that a petition calling for the protection of Sledge Forest had surpassed 18,000 signatures earlier that day.

Among those speaking at the event was Wilmington resident Ryan Seals, whose kayaking trips through the forest—and the photos and videos he shared online—helped bring increased public attention to the property and its ecological significance.

“It’s very quiet, you’re not hearing sounds of the highway, you’re not seeing boaters constantly going across,” Seals said. “The wildlife that you see is notably different. You see more of it. It’s kind of hard to explain, but it’s a special feeling.”

The celebration comes just over a week after Copper Builders and the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust announced a new agreement that could permanently protect more than 3,000 acres of the Sledge Forest property, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing conservation effort.

However, Darrell said she is not thrilled by the agreement, as most of the land that would be protected was already unsuitable for development.