Save the Date for the Fifth Annual Johnston Symposium
Johnston Fellow, Gabie Kruger in the field conducting research
Since 2022, the Bald Head Island Conservancy has hosted the Johnston Coastal Sustainability Symposium each spring, inviting experts and community leaders to explore the environmental, social, and economic issues shaping the future of barrier island sustainability. We hope you will join us for the Fifth Annual Johnston Coastal Sustainability Symposium on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. This year’s theme, “Coastal Sustainability through Stewardship,” emphasizes the shared responsibility we all have in protecting Bald Head Island for generations to come.
The annual Symposium is a cornerstone of the Conservancy’s Johnston Center for Coastal Sustainability, established in 2021 to serve as a hub for sustainability initiatives on Bald Head Island. The Center’s mission is to promote the conservation and preservation of our coastal resources, a mission that depends on an informed and engaged community prepared to meet the challenges facing our island.
Dick Johnston provides concluding remarks following the 2024 Symposium’s round table discussion
The day will begin with a morning session from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM at the BHA Generator Society Hall. This session will feature guest speakers and an interactive conversation with university researchers, Village of BHI management, environmental writers, and regional community leaders. Attendees will also hear from the 2025-26 Johnston Graduate Fellow in Coastal Sustainability, Gabie Krueger, a Ph.D. student at Georgia Tech, who will share insights from her research. There is no cost to attend the morning session, but registration is required. Please RSVP by April 2 by emailing BHIC Executive Director Dr. Chris Shank at shank@bhic.org, as space is limited.
The Symposium will conclude with a dinner lecture at the BHI Club from 5:15 PM to 8:00 PM. Lindsay Addison, Coastal Biologist with North Carolina Audubon, will present “An Abundance of Birds: Waterbird Stewardship on the Cape Fear River.” Doors will open at 5:15 PM for drinks, the lecture will begin at 6:00 PM, and dinner will be served at 7:00 PM. Reservations for the dinner lecture must be made separately through the BHI Club. Members should use the ClubNow app, and both members and non-members may also reserve by emailing bhicreservations@bhiclub.net or calling (910) 457-7300. Please RSVP by April 3.
Check out our Johnston Center for Coastal Sustainability webpage for more information.
Many thanks to Pat and Dick Johnston for sponsoring the Conservancy’s Coastal Sustainability Initiative.
