Statewide Conservation in Action – Meet the NCWF Outreach Team!
Are you new to NCWF or looking to learn more about our dedicated outreach team? We’ve got you covered.
Protecting, conserving, and restoring wildlife across the state requires a collective effort, which is why NCWF takes an on-the-ground approach to conservation, from the mountains to the coast, through our grassroots Community Wildlife Chapter network.
These chapters work locally to restore wildlife habitats by removing invasive species, planting native plants, cleaning up landscapes, and creating pollinator gardens. They also offer a variety of educational programs about wildlife and conservation, both through online webinars and in-person events.
NCWF is fortunate to work with such passionate volunteers, and our Outreach Team partners with them to provide programming support and guidance, building community collaborations to enhance our efforts for wildlife.
We asked our outreach teams some questions about wildlife and their conservation work. Here’s what they had to say!
NCWF Outreach Team
- Natalie Bohorquez, VP of Conservation Partnerships
- Alden Picard, Conservation Coordinator – Charlotte
- Laura Neitzy, Conservation Coordinator – Northeast NC
- Kara Solomon, Conservation Coordinator – Raleigh
- Page Turner, Conservation Coordinator – Wilmington
- Luke Bennett, Conservation Coordinator – Asheville
- Mary Bures, VP of Outdoor Engagement
- Katerina Ramos, Red Wolf Education and Outreach Coordinator
Natalie Bohorquez, VP of Conservation Partnerships:
What is your favorite native wildlife and plant species?
Right now (and this is constantly fluctuating) my favorite native wildlife is the Great blue heron. It is always so exciting to see them quietly glide through the air when I’m sitting on my kayak on Mountain Island Lake. My favorite plant species is the northern red oak. I have one in my backyard and I love watching the wildlife she attracts! I get to see everyone from red-tailed hawks to eastern swallowtails hang out in or around the tree throughout the year.
What are your favorite types of chapter events?
This is so hard to choose! It really depends; invasive species removals are incredibly cathartic, but there’s something very special about visiting a space where you have planted trees or pollinator plants and seeing the place grow and flourish throughout the years.
What do you love the most about your work in your area of the state?
I get to work all over the state, so despite the long travel times, I love that I get to experience all the different types of ecosystems of North Carolina on a regular basis (sometimes all in one day haha).
Anything else you may want to add?
Finding community is especially important during difficult times. NCWF became my community in 2021, and I am happy to continue to both volunteer my time with my local chapter and work day to day for wildlife!
Alden Picard, Conservation Coordinator – Charlotte:
What is your favorite native wildlife and plant species?
My answer to this question is constantly changing. I love seeing a hermit thrush and their iconic tail flick this time of the year. Joe-Pye weed is one of my favorite native perennials. It’s a fall bloomer that produces valuable nectar. Planted in mass with milkweed, you are almost guaranteed to attract monarch butterflies.
What are your favorite types of chapter events?
Native planting events are a blast. I love seeing folks get their hands in the soil and ask all kinds of questions.
What do you love the most about your work in your area of the state?
I meet so many people working in the Charlotte Metro Region. Folks from all walks of life. I love getting them connected to their local wildlife chapter and to our local partners who are all doing great work for wildlife.
Anything else you may want to add?
As a Conservation Coordinator, my main goal is to bring people together and build community. That is more important now than ever. It’s very empowering to see the direct impact we can have when we organize at the grassroots level.
Laura Neitzy, Conservation Coordinator – Northeast NC:
What is your favorite native wildlife and plant species?
My favorite native wildlife species is the American Alligator. I’ve been fascinated with them since I was little and I’m on a mission to finally view the ones that live at Merchants Millpond State Park this spring.
My favorite native plant species is the Pawpaw tree. I find their expansive root network very interesting and they’re the larval host plant for one of my favorite NC butterflies, the zebra swallowtail!
What are your favorite types of chapter events?
My favorite types of chapter events are nature outings and plantings! I love seeing folks connect with a new natural area and identify species that they’ve never seen before (or spot a familiar favorite). It’s amazing watching people of all ages feel the joy and accomplishment that comes from planting native plants on the landscape, knowing their impact is providing food and shelter for wildlife. For many folks, these opportunities are their first time experiencing nature in this way, and it’s so rewarding to see that spark light up in someone.
What do you love the most about your work in your area of the state?
We have some of the most incredible species of wildlife in Northeastern NC, and I continue to be in awe of the diverse ecosystems that support them. I’m based at Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, which allows me the opportunity to connect our local communities with the expansive tracts of public land out here and implement projects that will leave a lasting positive impact for wildlife and humans alike. One of my favorite projects is our Atlantic white cedar restoration work at the refuge. I also have the pleasure of working on projects that strengthen habitat for species like our endangered Red Wolf, and I continue to be inspired by these resilient animals.
Anything else you want to add?
I have the pleasure of working with NCWF Wildlife Habitat Stewards of Northeastern NC Chapter! The chapter was officially chartered last June, but this dedicated network of wildlife advocates and volunteers has been making a positive impact on wildlife and habitat in NE NC for years now. Their partnerships with our state parks, local organizations, national wildlife refuges, and other natural areas have helped connect hundreds of people with nature and allowed for numerous habitat projects such as native educational pollinator gardens, tree plantings, invasive species removal, and nature outings including hikes and guided paddles!
I feel honored to work with such wonderful and passionate people! I always wanted to work in wildlife conservation and being with NCWF has provided me with incredible opportunities to protect, conserve, and restore our state’s unique wildlife and ecosystems and help connect people with the natural world around them. I feel so grateful to be doing what I love!
Kara Solomon, Conservation Coordinator – Raleigh:
What is your favorite native wildlife and plant species?
I absolutely love green treefrogs! Their loud call will always remind me of summer. Growing up, these frogs could reliably be found clinging to the window on our front door or tucked behind the shutters on any given summer night. I am always delighted when I spot their little stripe of white and folded front legs hunkered down on a leaf.
It’s probably easier for me to tell you the plants that I don’t like (I’m looking at you sweetgum balls!) than for me to pick a favorite. Right now, the red maple (Acer rubrum) stands out. Their red flowers have always been a welcome sign that spring is coming, and their bright red leaves in the fall are always stunning. These trees are not only beautiful, but they also support hundreds of wildlife species, including pollinators, birds, and mammals. Win-win!
What are your favorite types of chapter events?
I am particularly fond of nature walks or any kind of outdoor guided tour. I love exploring new places on every nature walk I participate in. These walks always include a knowledgeable guide that provides fascinating insights into the natural world. I always come away with an appreciation for the range of habitats and wildlife here in the piedmont.
What do you love the most about your work in your area of the state?
The piedmont of North Carolina is my home. Getting to work in some of the natural spaces I grew up visiting is so beyond wonderful. I see places I’ve visited before in a completely new light, and I am always learning something new. Not only that, but I still am discovering new places and wildlife every day. And, of course, the people here are wonderful. Their enthusiasm makes all the difference in the world.
Anything else you may want to add?
I have been amazed by the incredible passion, determination, and dedication to conservation that I witness from chapter leaders, volunteers, and community partners every day. I am constantly awed by the conservation community here in North Carolina, and I am proud to be a part of it.
Page Turner, Conservation Coordinator – Wilmington:
What is your favorite native wildlife and plant species?
I love Cope’s Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis) and Purple Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata).
What are your favorite types of chapter events?
Habitat projects! Whether it’s increasing biodiversity with a pollinator garden or creating a structure like a bird house or nesting tower, I love when our work has a direct benefit for local wildlife and creates a lasting impact.
What do you love the most about your work in your area of the state?
The birds…and the birders! Between rivers, swamps, savannas, estuaries, and shorelines… the complexity of our coastal plains supports an incredible diversity of feathered friends.
Anything else you may want to add?
I’m grateful that three Native American tribes have a presence on their ancestral land here in southeastern NC. The Coharie, Lumbee, and Waccamaw Siouan are great partners and set the example for how to be in reciprocal relationship with the land. Whether it’s river restoration, native plant gardens, ethnobotany, cultural burns, or restoring landscapes from decades of malnourishment, our tribal partners are leading the way. Their mentorship is invaluable and shapes how I approach projects across the region.
Luke Bennett, Conservation Coordinator – Asheville:
What is your favorite native wildlife and plant species?
Favorite native plant is definitely jewelweed (Impatiens capensis). My grandmother’s garden was filled with jewelweed, which means… it was also filled with ruby-throated hummingbirds!
Favorite native wildlife species is the pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus). My borderline obsession with all things bird started with that red mohawk and maniacal laughter on a warm summer morning along the Eno River.
What are your favorite types of chapter events?
I love the weekend habitat restoration events where an army of volunteers come together in one place for one purpose. I love when volunteers are sweaty, muddy, and yet… laughing and having a blast. Tree plantings and river cleanups in particular will always have a special place in my heart. The camaraderie during habitat restoration events is always inspiring.
What do you love the most about your work in your area of the state?
Oh wow… I could write a book about this one. It’s an honor and a labor of love working in the North Carolina Mountains. A place so rich with wildlife and habitat diversity. Ancient old-growth forests, mountain bogs, high-elevation spruce-fir forests, bugling elk, trout-filled streams, hidden hellbenders, flying squirrels… need I say more?! I also love working with the tight-knit communities here in the Mountains or as we like to say… “good people.”
Anything else you may want to add?
I’ve had the incredible privilege of living in North Carolina my entire life. I’ve spent considerable time in each and every region and I love them all! But everytime I see those Blue-Ridge Mountains on the horizon there’s always one word that comes to mind… home.
Mary Bures, VP of Outdoor Engagement:
What is your favorite native wildlife and plant species?
My favorite wildlife is the River Otter and plant species is the Oak Tree
What are your favorite types of chapter events?
I love the Kids in Nature Day events it is great to see families out enjoying our natural world together relaxing, smiling, having fun wonder filled time together making cherished memories.
What do you love the most about your work in your area of the state?
I love the opportunities to share wildlife and the many benefits our natural world provides with people of all ages through our Great Outdoors University programs, Nature Outings and Wildlife Habitat Steward Trainings.
Katerina Ramos, Red Wolf Education and Outreach Coordinator:
What is your favorite native wildlife and plant species?
Obviously, I love the Red Wolf, which is the most endangered canid in the entire world! But I also really love hellbenders and mulberry trees!
What are your favorite types of outreach events?
When I get to present to our grassroot network of chapters across the state! I love being able to inspire them about the Red Wolf and give them information on ways to better advocate for the species!
What do you love the most about your work in your area of the state?
As a wildlife person, I actually really love the work I do with people. The Red Wolf can be a pretty intense topic filled with lots of emotion and I love being able to connect with people about their concerns, excitement, and fears over the species. Truthfully, I just love speaking with people to help them better understand what exists in their backyard!
Anything else you may want to add?
Inspiring the next generation of wildlife advocates has to be my all time favorite aspect of what I do. Nothing makes me happier to meet a kid that says their favorite animal is the Red Wolf or when I am told they want to be me someday. It is heartwarming and continues to drive me to do the best job I can in conserving and protecting our native wildlife!