The Cape Fear Parks Association works to preserve, maintain, and celebrate the parks and public green spaces across the greater Wilmington area — so every family can enjoy them for generations to come.
Support Our ParksThe Cape Fear Parks Association is dedicated to protecting, improving, and promoting the parks and public green spaces of the greater Cape Fear region. From the live oak canopy at Airlie Gardens to the dunes of Carolina Beach, these parks are the heart of our community.
We organize volunteer cleanups, advocate for park funding, host community events, and work with local government to ensure our parks remain vibrant, safe, and accessible to everyone.
Founded in 2026 by lifelong Wilmington residents who believe every family deserves access to beautiful, well-maintained outdoor spaces.
Get Involved
Captain Wilmy the Pirate Monkey and his crew — Nigel, Woody, and Allie — are the official mascots of the Cape Fear Parks Association. Their adventures take kids through the real parks of Wilmington, teaching them to love and protect the outdoors.
Meet Captain Wilmy →From urban nature preserves to coastal beaches, we support green spaces across three communities in the Cape Fear region.
A peaceful neighborhood park along the Cape Fear River — and the home base of Captain Wilmy and his crew of park protectors.
Home to the iconic 470-year-old Airlie Oak and acres of stunning formal gardens, walking trails, and wildlife habitat.
A Civil War-era earthwork fort and state historic site with trails, a museum, and protected coastal habitat.
Coastal marshland, hiking trails, and home to the rare Venus flytrap — found naturally only within a 75-mile radius of Wilmington.
Public beach access, dune preservation, and the iconic Johnnie Mercer's Pier — the first all-concrete pier on the East Coast.
An urban cypress swamp with walking trails, paddleboating, wild alligators, and a lakeside amphitheater for live music.
Whether you have an hour or a weekend, there are ways to help protect the parks of the Cape Fear.
Join our park cleanup crews, trail maintenance teams, and community planting days. All ages and abilities welcome.
Sign Up to VolunteerFrom family-friendly park days to educational nature walks with Captain Wilmy, we host events throughout the year.
Upcoming EventsYour donation helps fund park cleanups, trail maintenance, community events, and conservation efforts across the Cape Fear region.
Donate NowThe Cape Fear Parks Association has applied for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status with the IRS. Donations are not yet tax-deductible pending IRS determination.
Captain Wilmy the Pirate Monkey and his crew — Nigel the Squirrel, Woody the Wolverine, and Allie the Alligator — are the official mascots of the Cape Fear Parks Association. Follow their adventures as they explore and protect the parks of the Cape Fear.
Visit CaptainWilmy.com