Over 100 acres on Topsail Island to be protected under Acres for America grant program

TOPSAIL ISLAND, N.C. (WECT) - Walmart and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation announced funds to help preserve acres of local barrier island habitat.

As part of their $34.5 million Acres for America program renewal, 149 acres on Topsail Island will be protected. This includes preserving dunes, maritime shrug forests, and over a mile and a half of shoreline home to multiple endangered species, including sea turtles and piping plovers.

The funding will secure permanent public access to recreational opportunities and natural spaces for residents and visitors.

The program began in 2005 when Walmart made its $34.5 million commitment and has so far protected more than 2 million acres of wildlife habitat.

“Acres for America was a simple idea in the beginning, a way for Walmart to play a part in preserving key natural habitats across the U.S.,” said Hunter Hart, senior vice president of Walmart Realty. “What we’ve achieved since then has gone far beyond what was first imagined, and we’re excited to continue this commitment and working alongside NFWF.”