Page 12 - 2021 The Barefoot Guide

DUNE PRESERVATION
Here are four easy tips to keep in mind while enjoying the beach:
1. Look for Signs – Signs show you the best way to the beach and remind us to stay off the dunes.
2. Respect the Fences – Fences protect dune plants and collect blowing sand for dune growth. Keep to your side of the fence to let plants grow.
3. Look After the Plants – Feet do kill plants. Please exercise caution and educate children to stay off the dunes and play on the beach.
4. Look After the Dunes – Sandy beaches are great places to have fun. Educate all people to preserve the environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL TIPS
TRAVEL
GREEN
EASY STEPS TO MAKE YOUR STAY MORE ECO-FRIENDLY
• Shorten your time in the shower.
• Shut off the water while brushing your teeth.
• When you leave a room, turn off the lights, TVs and any other
electrical appliances.
• Make sure all windows and doors are closed if either the AC or
the heat is on. Thermostats should be set at 78° in the summer
and 68° in the winter.
• Use the glass and flatware provided in your home instead of
disposable paper and plastic products.
• Please dispose of your trash properly.
• Please recycle. A recycling bin is provided for each vacation home.
COASTAL CARE TIPS TO PROTECT OUR DUNES
Walk along the beaches of Bogue Banks and you will find one of the highest and most extensive naturally occurring dune systems in all of North Carolina. The stabilized dune system you see actually acts as a flexible barrier to ocean storm surges and waves, protecting and preserving the thick forest cover and dune ridges positioned in the interior portion of the island. Climbing on dunes, removing dune vegetation, allowing pets on dunes and similar activities are unlawful and will result in a civil violation and a $100 fine. Residents and homeowners have made a concerted effort to establish and stabilize our dunes by using dune grasses and sand fencing to stimulate new dune growth. Because sands are readily moved by wind and water action, dune plants provide a tremendous tool for stabilization by permitting dunes to build up, protecting land and homes during storms. Dunes also provide a nice habitat for insects, birds, lizards, turtles and other animals. Although dune plants can handle harsh weather conditions, foot and vehicular traffic kill dune plants, thereby causing the dune to become unstable and vulnerable to being washed away by storms and high tides. What can you do to preserve our dunes?
It is more important than ever for travelers to minimize their environmental footprint on earth. Taking an environmentally friendly approach to travel is a simple and necessary way to preserve the places you love to visit. In addition, it often makes for a more gratifying, authentic travel experience, encouraging more meaningful connections with the people and places you and your family visit.
Following these recommendations will help protect Emerald Isle’s natural beauty, while minimizing the environmental impact you have on this earth.
SEA OATS ARE BEAUTIFUL, BUT PLEASE DON’T PICK THEM
Sea oats are a beautiful and important part of the environment at Emerald Isle. Their roots help anchor our sand dunes, and the plants are protected by law. Please do not pick live or dead sea oats.
CHARITY FOOD DROP
Don’t let that extra food go to waste! Emerald Isle Realty is proud to partner with The Sonder Project, a global non-profit organization fighting hunger around the world. When your vacation is over, please bring all unopened, non-perishable food items to our office and place them in the baskets located in our lobby. Emerald Isle Realty is proud to support Caroline’s House, the domestic violence “safe house” sponsored by Carteret County. Last year your donations of food and beverages totaled more than 3,000 pounds of groceries that went into the pantry of Caroline’s House. We truly appreciate your continued generosity and thank you for your support of this worthwhile cause. For more information on The Sonder Project, visit thesonderproject.org.
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