The Town of Duck invites residents and Duck business owners to participate in Roots in Duck, a community effort to foster and grow native trees that will help protect and strengthen our coastal environment.
FIfty Bald Cypress trees will be available for participants to adopt and foster in 2026. Each participant will receive a young Bald Cypress tree in a 3-gallon pot to care for over the next two years.
By fostering a tree, you will help grow a stronger tree canopy, support local wildlife, and contribute to nature-based solutions that protect Duck’s shoreline for generations to come.
This program supports Duck’s commitment to environmental sustainability and nature-based solutions that protect the shoreline of the Currituck Sound. By growing and planting native trees, residents can play a direct role in improving water quality, enhancing wildlife habitat, and increasing the resilience of our coastal landscape.
Participants will receive a young Bald Cypress tree in a 3-gallon container and will care for the tree for approximately two years before it is ready for permanent planting.
Why Bald Cypress?
The Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) is a native coastal tree well-suited to the environmental conditions found in Duck and along the Currituck Sound.
Bald Cypress trees provide several environmental benefits:
Shoreline Protection
- Their strong root systems help stabilize soils and reduce shoreline erosion.
- Trees slow wave energy and help protect coastal edges from storm impacts.
Water Quality
- Roots help filter runoff and capture sediment, improving water quality before it reaches the sound.
Wildlife Habitat
- Bald Cypress trees provide habitat and nesting areas for birds and other wildlife.
- They support healthy coastal ecosystems.
Climate Resilience
- These long-lived trees tolerate flooding, salt spray, and wet soils.
- They are well adapted to coastal environments and changing climate conditions.
Because Bald Cypress thrive near water and tolerate periodic flooding, they are an excellent choice for shoreline planting and living shoreline projects.
What Foster Parents Do
Participants of this program become “Foster Parents” for a young tree.
Foster parents will:
- Care for the Bald Cypress tree in its 3-gallon container for approximately two years.
- Provide regular watering and basic care as the tree grows and establishes a healthy root system.
- Keep the tree in a sunny outdoor location where it can thrive.
- Follow simple care guidelines provided by the Town.
Town staff will provide tree care guidance and educational materials to help participants successfully raise their trees.
Planting for the Future
After approximately two years of fostering, participants will be encouraged to plant their Bald Cypress tree in a permanent location.
Planting options may include:
- Along appropriate shoreline areas of the Currituck Sound within the Town of Duck, helping strengthen the natural shoreline.
- On private property near the participant’s home, provided the location is suitable for the tree’s long-term growth.
The goal of the program is to grow trees locally and plant them locally, helping expand Duck’s tree canopy while protecting the health of the sound.
Growing a Stronger Coastal Landscape
Through this program, residents and business owners can take part in a simple but meaningful action: growing a tree that will help protect Duck’s environment for decades to come.
By combining community stewardship with native tree planting, the Town of Duck is investing in nature-based shoreline protection, healthier ecosystems, and a more resilient coastline.