Eagles Island’s story stretches back to the late 1600s and is shaped both by Gullah Geechee rice culture and its role as a vital maritime hub for shipbuilding and the transport of goods. Today, it is equally significant for its ecological value: recognized by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, its surrounding waters serve as important primary nursery habitats. However, this landscape faces mounting challenges, including sea level rise, saltwater intrusion and port expansion. This talk explores both the island’s rich heritage and the environmental pressures that are transforming it.
Roger Shew has taught at UNCW for nearly two decades, both in the Department of Environmental Sciences and the Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences. He is actively involved with local organizations, including Cape Fear River Watch, the Cape Fear Arch Conservation Collaboration and the Nature Conservancy.