Volunteers gather on Carolina Beach for annual dune replenishment event

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Carolina Beach was looking festive this weekend as over a hundred volunteers gathered for the annual dune replenishment event.

Participants planted over 60 Christmas trees along the beach, with all trees donated.

The Surfrider Foundation, Cape Fear chapter hosted the event, with each tree approved by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and Coastal Management. The trees help combat coastal erosion, a growing issue due to rising sea levels and climate change.

Vice Chair, Sam Athey, shares why every bit helps:

“Beach nourishment costs millions of dollars, so this is one small way we can help protect the dunes and fight coastal erosion.”

Local volunteers, including middle school students from Holly Shelter, also expressed how rewarding it was to contribute to the cause.