North Carolina Maritime Museum

Ecology informs the planning of a new, waterfront location for a historic but expanding maritime museum

Surrounded almost entirely by water, the coastal town of Beaufort, North Carolina has a rich maritime history dating back to the time of Blackbeard in the 1700s. Much of that history is celebrated and showcased in the North Carolina Maritime Museum. To accommodate the museum’s plans for additional capacity and programs, including a waterfront park and an education building. the Maritime Heritage Foundation of Beaufort sought to relocate and expand the museum on a 31-acres of state-owned land on the shores of Gallant’s Channel on the town’s western border.

As the ecological expert on a master planning team led by joint venture partners Clark Nexsen & VIA Design, iohabitats analyzed the site’s ecological conditions and climate vulnerability. Biohabitats characterized and mapped vegetation, and identified plant communities that most likely existed before settlement in order to recreate native plant assemblages. Using various techniques, including the North Carolina Coastal Resilience decision-making support tool, Biohabitats estimated flooding scenarios and analyzed shoreline protection alternatives. Biohabitats performed a site analysis and mapped environmentally sensitive areas and areas more suitable for development. Biohabitats also crafted integrated water quality and quantity management strategies for three development scenarios. By highlighting ecology in the earliest phase of project planning, the new museum is poised to boost the regional economy, and also enhance local ecology, recreation, and learning opportunities.