Session 3 - Environment

For the third session of the Leadership Wilmington 2025 program, our group had the opportunity to learn of Wilmington’s region environment and how it correlates to systems in place and urban ecosystems.
With that in mind, and after a quick cup of coffee, the group kicked off the day with Hoop Morgan and Rick Olsen from the Forte Institute. The main discussion focused on how leaders learn to adapt to the demands of their environment and the use of each individual strengths and motivators to find a solution that make challenges less conflictive. All this information is part of a series of monthly updates to each member's adapting profile on communication styles.
After learning that as leaders we can adapt to our work environment, it was time to move to a different one, more connected with nature. The group arrived at the New Hanover County Arboretum, located on the corner of Greenville Loop Rd. and Oleander Dr. We divided into two groups to tour the 7-acre facility, where we learned about the Arboretum history. It formally opened in 1989 on the old grounds of Bradley Creek Elementary School and currently supported by a cooperative effort between N.C. State University, New Hanover County, the Extension Master Gardeners volunteers, and many other volunteers. Besides being an incredible urban oasis with gardens dedicated to pollinators, contemplation for our troops, camellias, roses, Japanese gardens, and stormwater infiltration zones, the Arboretum offers Extension programs to the community at no charge. One of the most popular programs is the Therapeutic Horticulture program through the Ability Garden, whose mission is to empower the underserved through gardening, inclusion, and community engagement.
It was time to travel to the Sweeney Water Treatment Plant, located near downtown Wilmington. During our time there, we continued to be connected to the outdoors from the classroom by learning about one of the most important pollinators, honeybees. Chip Rajca, NHC Beekeeper, gave the group a great talk about the crucial role of honeybees and other pollinators (bats, flies, butterflies) in the natural environment. Did you know that Bees can travel a 3–5-mile radius to collect honey? While doing so, bees also transport pollen to other plants, completing their reproduction cycle. Without a doubt, the group understood the importance of pollinators in our environment and how we can protect them.
Our natural environment is vital for our city to thrive, but so is the built environment. Jennifer Adams, Corning NA Regional Environmental Performance Leader, discussed with the group the different entities that regulate air, water, and waste at the federal and state levels. One very important group is the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), which leads stewardship efforts for the protection of North Carolina's environmental resources and enforces the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules at the state level. Some of the rules that NCDEQ oversees are related to industry emission levels and what gets released into the air (Clean Air Act, 1970), in addition to setting quality standards for contaminants in water (Clean Water Act, 1972). Discussing the Clean Water Act set up the stage for Erin Tremblay from CFPUA to discuss with the group the organization's approach to providing clean water to the City of Wilmington, along with educating the public on disposing of contaminants in the water, like fats and oils. The group toured the Sweeney Water Plant, where Kevin Denson and Allan Southerland explained the plant process to deliver clean water to the area. This plan currently uses ozone, granular activated carbon (GAC) filters to target PFAS and UV to treat water that benefits around 200,000 customers. As of October of 2022, water treated at this plant is safe to drink and free of PFAS.
After a great day of learning, the group headed back to the Chamber of Commerce for committee updates and action items. Once done, we met Capt. Doug Springer of CF River Watch/Wilmington Water Tours for a tour of the Northeast Cape Fear River. This put us back in touch with nature, gave the group another chance to connect with the outdoors, reaffirming that Wilmington is a great place to live, protect, and cherish.
Everything good must come to an end, and it was time for this session to wrap up. A few members enjoyed spending time together talking about today’s topics over a cold one at Rally Point Bar and Arcade. Until next time!