Digging in the Dirt: June Chapter Highlights
North Carolina Wildlife Federation staff and Community Wildlife Chapter volunteers did a whole lot of environmental educating, pollinator monitoring, water paddling, wildlife watching, nature exploring, habitat restoring and more in June to promote healthy wildlife habitat and inspire people to get outside. In total, 200-plus volunteers were engaged. Over 350 people were given the opportunity to connect with nature through one of NCWF’s various opportunities this month.
Thanks to partners such as the Duke Energy Foundation, Jandy Ammons Foundation and Burt’s Bees for helping make these habitat restoration workdays, educational programs and nature outings possible. 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.
Wild on the Water, June 3. What could be better than a beautiful morning out on the lake?? The Charlotte Wildlife Stewards hosted their signature fundraising event at Mountain Island Lake. Naturalist, Laura Domingo, guided the paddlers around the lake while identifying various plant and animal species. Afterwards, the group enjoyed fellowship with one another while listening to live music and eating fresh sandwiches.
Native Plant Sign Installation, June 6. The South Wake Conservationists installed an interpretive sign at Yates Mill Park in front of one of their premier pollinator gardens. The sign focused on native plants and their importance to the ecosystem. Families were already lining up to read the sign before it was even in the ground.
Red Wolf & Pollinator Field Trip, June 7. NCWF hosted a field trip at the Red Wolf Center in Columbia. Participants learned about the history and biology of red wolves. They even had the opportunity to visit the live red wolves at the center. The group also took a tour of the Red Wolf Center garden which is filled with native plant blooms and pollinators.
Wildlife Paddle at Merchants Millpond State Park, June 10. NCWF welcomed their newest chapter, Wildlife Habitat Stewards of Northeastern NC, at a fun and wild paddle outing at Merchants Millpond State Park in Gatesville. The outing was led by one of the rangers at the park and participants learned all about the wildlife in the area.
Bird Tour at Martin Marietta Park, June 17. The New Bern Wildlife Chapter partnered with the Lower Neuse Bird Club to host a bird tour around Martin Marietta Park on the outskirts of New Bern. The group saw 44 species of birds including wood ducks, anhingas, green herons, ospreys, bald eagles, orchard orioles, indigo buntings, northern parulas and more!
Bluebird House Installation, June 19. The South Wake Conservationists installed five bluebird houses at Pine Springs Preparatory Academy in Holly Springs. The school is super excited to see chicks next spring! The bluebird houses will serve as a valuable tool to educate students about avian nesting cycles and the ecosystem at large.
ecoEXPLORE Herpetology Check-In, June 24. NCWF, Pocosin Lakes NWR, and Tyrell County Public Library hosted a reptile and amphibian ecoEXPLORE program. ecoEXPLORE is a citizen science program where children of all ages learn how to identify wildlife, help real scientists track wildlife activity and earn fun badges and prizes all at the same time!
NASH County Pollinator Presentation, June 24. The Neuse River Hawks Conservationists presented about attracting pollinators to your yard at the Nash County Celebration of Pollinators Event. This was one of many outreach events that the NRHC have participated in this year. The chapter also helps maintain multiple pollinator gardens all across Wake Forest.
Symphony in the Park, June 24. The Lake Norman Conservationists hosted their annual fundraiser to support the chapter’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts.
Caswell Beach Cleanup, June 24. Island Wildlife volunteers gathered on a hot and muggy morning to clean up the beach! 15 volunteers removed 71 pounds of garbage in record setting time! The event also served to spark a partnership between Island Wildlife and the Caswell Conservation Group.
Annual Bee Day at Durham Central Park, June 24. NCWF hosted a pollinator activity for kids at Durham Central Park in celebration of National Pollinator Week and Bee Day.
Bee Hotel Workshop, June 24. The Charlotte Wildlife Stewards in partnership with the City of Charlotte, hosted a bee hotel workshop. Participants learned about what bees need (and don’t need) to overwinter and to protect and nourish their young in urban pollinator habitats. Afterward, participants were able to build their very own bee hotel!
Mountains-to-Sea Trail Cleanup at Falls Lake, June 27. The North Carolina Wildlife Federation in partnership with the Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail cleaned up a section of trail in need of a litter sweep. The volunteer crew removed 300 pounds of trash.
Nature Walk at B.W. Wells Rockcliff Farm, June 28. The Neuse River Hawks Conservationists hosted a walking tour around B.W. Wells Rockcliff Farm. The chapter basked in the native flora and fauna while celebrating B.W. Wells’ legacy as one of North Carolina’s pioneer ecologists and conservationists.
Hemlock Bluffs Compost & Garden Workday, June 29. NCWF in partnership with Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve hosted a compost workshop and invasive plant removal workday. Participants were teenagers in Activate Good’s Learn & Serve Program.
Garden & Pollinator Monitoring, June 30. NCWF in partnership with the City of Charlotte offered a hands-on workshop where participants had the opportunity to monitor pollinators and their habitat.
Written by:
– Tara Moore, NCWF Director of Conservation Partnerships
– Luke Bennett, NCWF Conservation Coordinator
– Laura Frazier, Refuge Community Organizer