Digging in the Dirt: December Chapter Highlights
North Carolina Wildlife Federation staff and Community Wildlife Chapter volunteers did a whole lot of birdhouse installing, native planting, nature walking, invasive removing, wildlife educating, kids in nature inspiring, litter sweeping, and more in December to promote healthy wildlife habitat and inspire people to get outside. In total, 150-plus volunteers were engaged. Over 200 people were given the opportunity to connect with nature through one of NCWF’s various opportunities this month.
Explore our Events Calendar to discover where NCWF and our Community Wildlife Chapters are hosting in-person and virtual events near you. Check out a few highlights below from our conservation outreach team.
Hemlock Bluffs Invasive Removal, December 5. The South Wake Conservationists removed Japanese honeysuckle at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve in Cary. After the workday was complete, park staff treated the volunteer crew with a special opportunity to see a batch of marbled salamander eggs that have taken refuge at the preserve!
NCPCA Bird Garden Planting, December 7. The North Carolina Pollinator Conservation Alliance (NCPCA) alongside South Wake Conservationists and park staff joined forces to install a native plant habitat garden at Crowder Park in Apex. The crew planted a variety of natives including maidenhair fern, red buckeye, sweet pepper bush, American holly, winterberry, spicebush, coralberry, sassafras and more!
Stonemill Falls Invasive Removal, December 9. The Neuse River Hawks Conservationists completely transformed a site that was once plagued with Chinese privet. Eleven volunteers spent over three hours pulling out saplings and sawing larger plants at the base. What was once a site heavy with privet is now open space, with plenty of room and resources for the return of native plants. This will subsequently allow for the return of wildlife species that depend on these native species for survival.
ecoEXPLORE Mammalogy Check-In, December 9. NCWF, Pocosin Lakes NWR and Tyrrell County Library partnered to offer an ecoEXPLORE Mammalogy Check-In event featuring a special red wolf program and activity from NCWF’s Red Wolf Education and Outreach Coordinator, Katerina Ramos. Participants had the opportunity to ask any and all red wolf questions and take home their own red wolf paw print ornaments.
Holiday Habitat Trash Party, December 9 & 16. Wildlife Habitat Stewards of NE NC chapter are in the midst of their Holiday Habitat Trash Party, a series of cleanups throughout multiple communities across Northeastern NC. So far, volunteers have collected over 825 lbs of harmful litter from local wildlife habitat!
Millbrook Garden Workday, December 12. The South Wake Conservationists enjoyed a garden workday at Millbrook Elementary in Raleigh. The chapter was assisted by enthusiastic students who happily filled numerous wheelbarrows with weeds and pruned plant material.
Croasdaile Retirement Community Birdfeeder Workshop, December 12. NCWF visited Croasdaile Retirement Community to discuss the importance of sharing outdoor spaces with birds. Residents of Croasdaile and the staff created pine cone bird feeders to hang on the trees around their campus.
Simple Gifts Community Garden Birdhouse Installation, December 13. The South Wake Conservationists installed two new homes for bluebirds at Simple Gifts Community Garden in Apex. The chapter has installed 31 bluebird houses this year in Wake County!
Wintering Wildlife, December 13. NCWF, Pocosin Lakes NWR and Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft partnered to offer a program on Wintering Wildlife. Participants learned about the many ways that wildlife slow down during the winter months and painted their own wintery landscape.
Raleigh Rain Garden Installation, December 15. NCWF hosted volunteers on a beautiful day to install a rain garden in Raleigh. The crew planted many different native species including pawpaw, beautyberry, buttonbush, river oats, scarlet rose mallow, ninebark, sweet pepperbush and more to support wildlife and habitat in a highly urbanized area. We can’t wait to see all the plants spring to life in a few months!
Written by:
– Seana Finn, Community Organizer
– Luke Bennett, Conservation Coordinator
– Laura Frazier, Refuge Community Organizer
– Natalie Bohorquez, Director of Conservation Partnerships
– Alden Picard, Conservation Coordinator