Posts by Bates Whitaker
Charlotte Says Yes to Wildlife-Friendly Gardens
The Charlotte City Council has unanimously approved a change to local vegetation rules that makes it easier for residents to garden for wildlife. This week’s vote marks an important step…
Read MoreNCWF In The Field – January, 2026
North Carolina Wildlife Federation staff and Community Wildlife Chapter volunteers kicked off the New Year eager to make a difference for wildlife across the state. They connected people to the…
Read MoreUnderstanding the 2026 Charitable Tax Law Changes – and How to Adapt Your Giving
What the new rules mean for donors — and how your generosity can continue to make a lasting difference for wildlife in North Carolina. Quick takeaway: While tax rules are…
Read MoreDigging Deeper for Pollinators: NCWF’s Butterfly Highway Seed Trials
Creating habitat for pollinators is about more than scattering seeds – it’s about understanding what works, where it works, when it works, and why. As interest in pollinator conservation continues…
Read MoreTracks, Feathers, and Fun: Exploring Winter Wildlife with ecoEXPLORE
During the winter months, shorter days and cooler temperatures can cause many species of wildlife to slow down. Our reptiles and amphibians enter a dormancy period known as brumation, many…
Read MoreNCWF In The Field – December, 2025
North Carolina Wildlife Federation staff and Community Wildlife Chapter volunteers embraced the cold weather during the month of December. They connected people to the outdoors through a variety of wildlife…
Read MoreTracks, Trails & Telltales: How to Read Wildlife Stories
From the backcountry, to suburban backyards, to the small flower beds of busy city streets – wildlife is everywhere. While some habitats are healthier or more hospitable than others, you’d…
Read MoreFollowing the Signs: How Lynda Mastronardo Helps Young People Learn to Read the Wild
For Lynda Mastronardo, conservation begins with curiosity. “It’s not about sitting behind a screen,” she says. “There is so much you can do outside. Kids want to learn – you…
Read MoreNCWF In The Field – November, 2025
North Carolina Wildlife Federation staff and Community Wildlife Chapter volunteers opened their doors and went outside during the month of November. They connected people to the outdoors through a variety…
Read MoreWild Connections – NCWF’s 2025 Year in Review
When you step outside – and if you look closely – you’ll notice something that exists everywhere: connections. Walk into the woods and, beneath your feet, a vast network of…
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