Join the North Carolina Wildlife Federation, National Parks Conservation Association, the Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife, MountainTrue, and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission with support from the U.S. Forest Service to help with a cerulean warbler and avian diversity survey project focused on the last remaining patches of old-growth forests and maturing second-growth forests within the Craggie Mountains – Pisgah National Forest where presence of ceruleans and many other avian species is largely unknown.

Our goal is to fill area-specific knowledge gaps to provide best available information for future decision making in forest management and conservation efforts. To achieve this goal, we are using acoustic recording units (ARUs). The units are mounted to trees within suitable habitat and automatically record songs at dawn and dusk everyday for weeks at a time.

The North Carolina Wildlife Federation is looking for volunteers to join us in the field. The Craggie Mountains are known for their rugged terrain, steep slopes and mature forests. Volunteers will be expected to hike 5 + miles off trail in sometimes physically challenging conditions to reach target sites and install ARUs. Volunteers will start with a team lead and training will be provided.

NCWF will be leading volunteers in the field on –

Thursday – May 1
Monday – May 12
Thursday – May 29
Thursday – June 5
Thursday – June 19

We’ll start by 9AM and spend 6 to 7 hours in the field. Carpooling from the Asheville area will be available. More dates are available for volunteers who are not able to participate on the dates above. Please email Luke Bennett luke@ncwf.org if you are interested in volunteering and we’ll be in touch with more information – what to bring, where to meet, etc. See you out there!