Digging in the Dirt: September Chapter Highlights
North Carolina Wildlife Federation staff and Community Wildlife Chapter volunteers did a whole lot of reptile and amphibian searching, red wolf programming, nature walking, backyard nature exploring, kids in nature promoting and more in September to promote healthy wildlife habitat and inspire people to get outside.
In total, 100-plus volunteers were engaged. Over 250 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.
Eno River Herpetology Outing, September 3. The Tri-County Conservationists in partnership with BeWild Reptile Rescue had a herp load of fun along the Eno River! Over 20 enthusiastic participants searched the river and surrounding area for amphibians and reptiles (herps). The group spotted turtles, frogs, snakes, salamanders and more!
Red Wolf & Habitat Ecology Program, September 7. NCWF staff led the ecology programs for a camping group of 80+ students and their chaperones at the Eastern 4-H Center in Columbia. These programs were centered around red wolf ecology and the unique pocosin ecosystem in Eastern North Carolina.
Backyard Nature, September 7. The South Wake Conservationists hosted Jerry Reynolds, Head of Outreach at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, for a hybrid presentation about all things backyard nature. Jerry captivated the audience with tales of possum holes, backyard ghosts, least brook lampreys and more!
59th Annual Governor’s Achievement Awards, September 9. Chapter leaders and members gathered alongside fellow conservationists at the Embassy Suites in Cary. The event was characterized by uplifting stories of conservation heroes in their quests to learn more, do more, protect more, work hard and fight harder for North Carolina’s wild lives and wild places.
Weekend of Service: Cleanup Event, September 11. NCWF in partnership with Activate Good and Wake County Big Sweep hosted Franklin Academy students for a cleanup at Millbrook Exchange Park in Raleigh. With a full tank of energy, the students removed over 400 pounds of trash!
Reptiles & Amphibians of NC, September 12. Concord Wildlife Alliance investigated the world of reptiles and amphibians. Participants learned about native species of reptiles and amphibians, their vital role in the environment, conservation concerns and efforts, and what they could do to help support their survival. Live meet-and-greets with native animals including snakes, turtles, and frogs concluded the engaging presentation.
ecoEXPLORE Introduction to Arachnology, September 12. NCWF and Pocosin Lakes NWR led an Introduction to Arachnology ecoEXPLORE program with Tyrrell County Library. Participants learned all about local arachnids, how to obtain this season’s badge and played a fun web engineering game to see what type of web was most effective at catching paper insects.
Lower Cape Fear Wildlife Outreach Events, September 16 & 26. The Lower Cape Fear Wildlife Chapter hosted multiple outreach events in September. On the 16th they participated in the 8th Annual Native Plant Festival at the New Hanover County Arboretum. On the 26th they hosted a lecture in Southport as a part of Southport’s Naturefest Lecture Series.
Beaver Marsh Scavenger Hunt, September 17. NCWF and the Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association searched for wildlife around Beaver Marsh Nature Preserve in Durham. The findings were incorporated into NCWF and ECWA’s iNaturalist Bioblitz.
Sunset Walk at Horton Grove Nature Preserve, September 21. NCWF and the Triangle Land Conservancy hosted an evening walk around the Horton Grove Nature Preserve in Durham. The preserve is typically closed to the public after dusk, so this was a unique opportunity to watch the sunset on the preserve.
Concord Kids in Nature Day, September 23. Ranger Rick led the way, and kids had the time of their lives at Kids in Nature Day hosted by Concord Wildlife Alliance. The event featured activities such as fishing, hiking, nature crafts and numerous outdoor learning opportunities. The focus of the event was to get kids and families an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
NCPCA Pollinator Field Day, September 23. The NC Pollinator Conservation Alliance hosted their annual field day in Asheville. So many exciting activities happened, including presentations discussing native habitat installation, bumble bees in NC, and monarch butterflies…along with guided tram tours of the research station…as well as tables hosted by Asheville GreenWorks, Bee City USA, Buncombe and Henderson County Beekeepers Association, the NC Wildlife Federation, the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, the NC Department of Agriculture, Duke Gardens, NC State University, and more!
Native Plant Sale at Wild Birds Unlimited, September 23. The Tri-County Conservationists hosted a native plant sale at Wild Birds Unlimited in Chapel Hill. The chapter offered plants such as butterfly weed, stokes aster, purple coneflower and more! The focus of the sale was to get people excited about native plants and gardening for wildlife.
Joyner Park Nature Walk, September 27. The Neuse River Hawks Conservationists laced up their hiking shoes and nature walked through Joyner Park in Wake Forest. The group witnessed the meadows and seasonal changes throughout the park while learning about the park’s rich history.
Creating Anthotypes with Pocosin Lakes NWR, September 27. NCWF and Pocosin Lakes NWR partnered with Pocosin Arts to lead a program on identifying commonly found trees and shrubs where participants had the opportunity to forage for natural materials to use in their anthotype art project.
Written by:
– Seana Finn, NCWF Community Organizer
– Luke Bennett, NCWF Conservation Coordinator
– Laura Frazier, Refuge Community Organizer