Environmental Outreach

St. James Cares

 St. James CARES, formerly know as St. James P.R.I.D.E., is a civic organization started back in 1997 when several St. James residents responded to a call for help with a statewide program called N.C. Litter Sweep. Litter sweep means picking-up unsightly roadside litter. We are still active in that annual springtime cleanup event. Those early volunteers worked alongside community leaders and volunteers from Southport and Oak Island. Most everyone agrees that keeping your home area clean is important, especially since we live in a tourist area. Clean communities also enjoy higher property values.  

 The organization became officially known as St. James P.R.I.D.E. when Steve Cherry was completing a registration form to join the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Adopt-A-Highway Program. In 2019, the name was changed to St. James CARES - Community Action for Recycling and Environmental Services.

 St. James CARES. continues its strong growth of volunteer members and earth-friendly community projects such as… 

  • Clean the Highway (Adopt-A-Highway) . . .we do this 4-5 times per year.

  • Clean the Beach (St. James Beach Club on Oak Island) . . .2-3 times each year.

  • Projects to assist St. James groups with recycling and environmental efforts.

St. James CARES welcomes feedback on existing programs since we’re always seeking ways to be more efficient and new projects for consideration.

 Need more information? Have something to share?  Please contact . . .

Jim and Claire Lavin, stjcares@gmail.com; 910-454-8599


Town of St. James Living Shoreline Project

A Community, a Town, and a University Protecting the Coast Together

The St. James Living Shoreline is one of North Carolina's strongest examples of what happens when people work with nature--not against it. For more than 20 years, St. James residents, Town leadership, and the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) have partnered to protect our coastal habitats and strengthen the natural buffers that safeguard our community. 

A Natural Solution With Powerful Results

Instead of hard structures that can worsen erosion, the Living Shoreline uses bagged oyster shells and native marsh grasses to create a living, self‑sustaining coastal barrier. This natural system:

  • absorbs wave energy
  • reduces boat-wake damage
  • stabilizes the shoreline
  • improves water quality
  • restores habitat for oysters, blue crabs, shrimp, fish, and waterbirds

To date, 540 feet of shoreline at Waterway Park have been restored, with 2,360 additional feet planned. Because of tis ecological importance, Waterway Park is designated a UNCW Research Sanctuary, serving as a living laboratory for coastal science and resilience.

A Multi-Generational Volunteer Effort

Each July, more than 180 volunteers come together to build oyster‑shell reefs, plant marsh grasses, and clean the waterway. Participants include St. James residents, UNCW students, high‑school students from the national Ocean‑17 program, Scouts, church groups, the Lake Waccamaw Boys & Girls Home, and South Brunswick High School teachers and students. UNCW graduate students use drone‑based monitoring to measure erosion and track ecological recovery, contributing valuable data to statewide shoreline science.

A Recognized Model of Partnership

UNCW has honored the project for Excellence in Community Engagement, recognizing its long-term impact, educational value, and unique collaboration between a town, a university, and committed citizen scientists.

A Coastal Success Story Still Being Written
The St. James Living Shoreline stands as a model for North Carolina--a testament to what can be achieved when a community unites around stewardship and science. It is a story of resilience, partnership, and hope, built one oyster shell and one volunteer at a time.

For more information and to volunteer, please contact Rose Tiani at rose.tiani530@gmail.com