A 3-hr in person course that is a shortened version of the Living Shoreline Academy.

Audience: Geared towards landowners who are interested in building their own living shoreline. 

The Living Shoreline Primer Course offers an introductory exploration into the world of living shorelines. Students will gain a foundational understanding of living shorelines, as well as the construction and permitting processes involved. The course covers a range of natural shoreline stabilization techniques currently in use across coastal North Carolina. Through case studies, students will learn about various living shoreline projects and designs. By the end of the course, students will have a solid grasp of shoreline dynamics and will be equipped with the knowledge to design and permit their own living shoreline projects. 

7-day hands on course (21 hours) 

Audience: The Academy is geared towards aspiring or seasoned marine contractors, providing them with the foundational knowledge needed to integrate living shorelines into their service offerings. 

The Living Shoreline Academy offers an immersive, hands-on experience in shoreline assessments, planning and design strategies, substrate and material selection, construction techniques, and the permitting process for living shorelines. Participants will develop a comprehensive understanding of North Carolina’s coastal ecosystems and explore plant species that thrive in saltwater marshes, tidal zones, and upland areas. Students will learn to identify native, estuarine, and salt-tolerant species ideal for coastal landscaping, helping to reduce erosion and create natural buffers between upland properties and the water. The program will also provide planting guides and local sources for native plants. Throughout the course, students will engage in case studies, fieldwork, and discussions focused on current challenges in shoreline management, all while prioritizing the sustainability and ecological health of North Carolina’s coast.