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Climate and Sustainability Academy

In Focus: Down East Resilience Network Fall Gathering (Coastal Futures Hub)

October 21, 2025

Written by Rebecca Ward, Climate and Sustainability Science Engagement Postdoctoral Scholar

On September 23–24, the Down East Resilience Network (DERN) brought together more than 60 participants for its Fall Gathering on Harkers Island and in Davis, North Carolina. Researchers and state agencies came together with community members and local leaders to share ideas, spark new collaborations and explore ways to strengthen the resilience of Carteret County’s Down East communities.

DERN is a grassroots collaboration led by the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center. The network connects researchers working—or eager to work—in the Down East region, spanning projects from environmental monitoring to social science studies. By building connections across disciplines, DERN helps coordinate research, share lessons learned and ease the burden on local residents who are often called on to participate in multiple studies.

Creek at low tide in Beaufort, NC
Low tide reveals oyster shells at the bottom of a creek of Taylor Creek outside Beaufort.

Rebecca Ward (CaSA’s Climate and Sustainability Science Engagement Postdoctoral Scholar) helped plan and facilitate the gathering and Chris Osburn (CaSA’s Director of Coastal Research and Innovation) joined virtually to share updates on water quality research. Erin Seekamp (CaSA Executive Director), a DERN member, supports the network’s mission to link research with community priorities across the coast. Other researchers from NC State attending the 2025 DERN Fall Gathering included: Katherine Anarde (College of Engineering), Corey Davis (NC State Climate Office), Timberlyn Duncan (College of Sciences), Ryan McCune (College of Engineering), and Sarah Spiegler (NC Sea Grant).

The gathering focused on turning research into action—making ongoing projects more useful and accessible to the people who live and work in Down East. Conversations with county officials, state representatives and community members highlighted opportunities to connect science with local decision-making and resilience planning. Meeting participants also joined a boat tour to view the changing landscape from the water. The experience underscored how closely the community is tied to its surrounding environment.

View of seawall from a boat in Downeast, NC
Boat tour of Downeast.

CaSA is proud to be part of this collaborative effort, supporting DERN’s vision to bridge research and practice and to advance resilience in North Carolina’s coastal communities.

To learn more about DERN, visit www.downeastresiliencenetwork.com.