WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WECT) - The Town of Wrightsville Beach, an area school and others were recently honored as conservation heroes in Wilmington by Audubon NC, according to a press release from a spokesperson on behalf of the group.

Marlene Eader received the Volunteer of the Year award after logging hundreds of volunteer hours for Audubon NC. She has contributed to conservation efforts in Wrightsville Beach.

The Town of Wrightsville Beach was awarded as Honorary Warden, and Alderman Bob Sisson accepted the award on the town’s behalf. The town has worked with Audubon NC for years and has helped protect nesting terns, skimmers and oystercatchers.

Wrightsville Beach Elementary School and Cissie Brooks won the Bird-Lore Conservation Education Award, which is for their efforts to educate the public about birds, their habitats and more.