St James | Wetlands Conservation North Carolina

PERMANENT PROTECTION FOR A UNIQUE 510-ACRE NATURAL AREA IN RAPIDLY DEVELOPING BRUNSWICK COUNTY

Unique Places to Save is coordinating with the Town of St. James to protect 510 acres of vital wetlands and forest in Brunswick County, North Carolina. This land is part of a unique ecosystem that filters water, helps to protect neighborhoods from flooding, and provides a home for dozens of native species and migrating birds.

These 510 acres include over 430 acres of “Exceptional” wetlands, headwaters of Jump and Run Creek, and habitats for dozens of species. By protecting this land now, we’re preventing potential commercial and residential development along a rapidly growing corridor.

The land will eventually be owned by the Town of St. James, with long-term protection in place and stewardship supported by Unique Places to Save. We’re securing a mix of public and private funding to make this project a reality—including a request for support from the North Carolina Land and Water Fund.

CONSERVE

This project will permanently protect 510 acres of ecologically rich wetlands and forest with an area that includes over 430 acres of “Exceptional” wetlands that filter water, reduce flooding, store carbon, and support rare wildlife like the Mimic Glass Lizard.

By conserving this land, Unique Places to Save and its partners are preserving vital habitat, protecting the headwaters of Jump and Run Creek, and maintaining the natural systems that sustain biodiversity—ensuring long-term environmental resilience in one of the state’s fastest-growing regions.

photo of conservation easement in brunswick county nc

photo of land conservation project brunswick county nc

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HABITAT

This project safeguards critical wildlife habitat across significant wetlands and forests in coastal North Carolina. The protected area has the potential to support rare and vulnerable species, including the Mimic Glass Lizard.

Its diverse ecosystems—pond pine woodlands, wet pine savannas, and high-quality wetlands—provide food, shelter, and breeding grounds for a wide range of plants and animals. By protecting this land, we ensure these species continue to thrive in a region under intense development pressure, preserving an essential piece of North Carolina’s natural heritage.