Volunteers, grants fuel tree and garden upgrades in Carolina Beach

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — A local nonprofit and its volunteers are pushing ahead with several tree canopy and garden projects designed to keep Carolina Beach greener and more inviting.

The Friends of Carolina Beach Parks and Greenways, a 501(c)(3) organization, is partnering with the Cape Fear Garden Club on a series of beautification efforts this winter, including new trees, expanded wildflower gardens and improvements along the Island Greenway.

Former Town Councilman Mike Hoffer chairs the Carolina Beach Tree Project, a subcommittee of Friends of CB. The Tree Project began in 2022 and has already led to the planting of 72 future canopy trees, along with additional grasses, palms, shrubs and wildflowers.

“Like most people, it saddens me to see mature trees come down in the name of development,” Hoffer said. “Our best solution to offset this is to continue planting the canopy trees of tomorrow, so that’s what we’re doing.”

The group’s work this winter focuses on three goals:

• Expanding the wildflower garden along the Island Greenway at the Alabama Avenue entrance
• Planting 30 canopy trees in the median of Harper Avenue
• Enhancing the gardens and Friends Nursery along the Island Greenway near Carolina Beach State Park

Goal one was completed in early November. The wildflower garden now spans roughly 8 feet by 125 feet and is being developed into a larger perennial pollinator garden.

Goal two is being supported by the Cape Fear Garden Club’s Tree Endowment and its “Plant 100 Trees” effort, part of the club’s 100-year anniversary celebration across Wilmington and the Cape Fear region in 2025. The garden club has donated 12 live oaks for the Harper Avenue project, and Hoffer is seeking community donations for the remaining 18 trees.

Goal three is funded through a $7,500 Cape Fear Garden Club Azalea Garden Tour Grant that Friends of CB secured in 2025. Beginning in early winter 2026, the Friends Nursery area near the state park will see additional beautification, including native plants, pollinator-friendly shrubs, fruit trees and a much-needed irrigation system.

Tree planting along Harper Avenue is already underway, and more volunteer workdays will be announced.

Residents can sign up to volunteer or donate here.