Eagles Island Nature Park (EINP) has appointed Dana Sargent to its board of directors.

Sargent serves as director of community building for Audubon North Carolina and previously led Cape Fear River Watch. Her experience includes environmental education, conservation advocacy, community engagement, strategic communications, fundraising, public outreach and partnership development, according to a news release.

Her appointment comes as Eagles Island Nature Park advances plans for its first public-access initiative, the release stated. The nonprofit is developing a network of kayak landing platforms, raised walkways, observation platforms, interpretive signage and paddle trails intended to provide access to portions of Eagles Island, according to the release.

“Dana brings exactly the kind of leadership, credibility, and regional conservation experience that we need as we begin turning our vision into reality,” said Larry Sackett, president of Eagles Island Nature Park, in the release. “She has spent her career helping people understand the importance of protecting our waterways, wetlands, and wildlife. Just as importantly, she understands how to bring people together around a common purpose.”

Sackett said Sargent’s appointment adds to a board that includes members with backgrounds in conservation, government, education, law, planning, business and community development.

“Our board is fortunate to include individuals with deep expertise in public policy, environmental science, municipal leadership, recreation planning and nonprofit management,” Sackett stated in the release. “Dana adds another important dimension to the team. Her understanding of conservation partnerships, public engagement, and regional environmental issues will be invaluable as we move forward.”

Sargent previously participated in Eagles Island Task Force discussions and has long been familiar with efforts to preserve and provide access to the island, which includes tidal marshes, historic rice fields, Gullah Geechee heritage sites, wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities, according to the release.

“I have always believed that people protect what they understand and experience,” Sargent stated in the release. “Eagles Island is one of the most important landscapes in the lower Cape Fear region. I am excited to join the board and help advance a vision that combines conservation, education, heritage interpretation, and responsible public access.”

The organization’s current focus is developing paddle trails and related access facilities that would allow visitors to explore portions of the island by kayak and canoe while learning about its ecological and historical significance, according to the release. The project is intended as the first phase of a broader effort to expand public access and awareness of Eagles Island, the release stated.

Eagles Island Nature Park is a nonprofit organization focused on conservation, education, heritage interpretation and low-impact recreation on Eagles Island, located between the Cape Fear and Brunswick rivers.