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Calendar Citizen Science Community Conservation Events

Volunteer for Bats: Help Monitor Species in NC

NC Wildlife Resources Commission Community Science Program is looking for volunteers interested in helping with NABat (a bat acoustic monitoring survey) around Roxboro, NC. You will be acoustically recording their echolocation calls, which allows us to determine what species are in the area. Bats are extremely important parts of ecosystems and provide essential functions such as pollination and agricultural pest control. Volunteers will help collect valuable data that get input into a continent-wide database used by scientists all over the country to conduct research. The survey consists of attaching a microphone to the top of the volunteer’s vehicle and running it to a tablet in the car to record acoustic signals from bats. The route spans about 20 miles. All equipment and training are provided.  The route window takes place July 1-11th and the volunteer should survey two nights within that window.

You should join us if you’re interested in:

•     Aiding in the collection of scientific data

•     Looking for volunteer credit hours

•     Seeing what bat species live in your area!

•     Learning how to use an acoustic recording device

•     Joining a community of volunteers spanning across the state

Here is a link to our NABat homepage: https://nc-wild.org/nabat/

And here is a link to the Orientation materials on that website: https://nc-wild.org/nabat/training/

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Calendar Community Conservation Events

Save All We Can Training: Chinese Wisteria

Last fall, NC-IPC held four Save All We Can trainings, covering plant identification, tool techniques and tips for organizing events. This year, we will hold more specialized trainings. On May 3rd, Steven Feuerstein will do a training that focuses on techniques for dealing with the dreaded Chinese Wisteria, with an added focus on event management.

Chinese wisteria is a real tree killer. It’ll quickly wind its way up the trunks of trees, big and small, tightening as it grows, damaging the trunk. And it spreads out across branches and crowns, covering it with thick foliage and heavy flowers. Given enough time, it will snap 30 foot tall trees in half – and kill them.

REPLACE

And that’s not all. It sends out runners into the understory, accelerating the “takeover” of an entire forest. It grows in bush form (when there’s nothing nearby to climb), limiting mobility of animals through the woods.

REPLACE

Techniques for effectively dealing with Chinese wisteria (and other invasive vines like kudzu) differ from those used with trees and shrubs, like Chinese privet. In addition, the different forms of the plant offer a variety of opportunities for volunteers to help (for example, kids can pull up runners).

This training will cover how to deal with:

Vines growing up trees: you’ll learn how to not only save the trees in the short term, but also have the most enduring impact (because it’s gonna be growing back!).

Runners spreading into the woods: follow the leader and roll ‘em up. It’s fun, fast and has a big impact!

Bushes filling the understory: don’t try to fight your way through. Instead, follow Steven’s patented (😎) back-step technique.

In addition to tips on dealing with this species, we’ll also explore how to assess a wisteria horror-scape and plan out an event, making the best use of your volunteers.

We provide all the tools and gear used during the training. You come dressed for outdoor work (close-toed shoes, long pants, long-sleeved shirt) and with a bottle of water. All attendees are enrolled in the Dauber Exchange (and go home with a dauber).

For more information and to register: https://rewildearth.net/ords/r/rewildearth/re/about-this-event-non-modal?p66_event_id=7834

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Calendar Community Events Partner Organizations

Grand Opening of NC’s 1st Certified Forest Therapy Trail

The Rocky Water Path is now a fully Certified Forest Therapy Trail at the Confluence Natural Area (4214 Highland Farm Rd, Hillsborough, NC 27278) and on Saturday April 18th, the Eno River Association will celebrate the grand opening with a Guided Forest Bathing Walk with Aimee Vandemark. This will be the first Certified Trail in our area and only the fourth in the state (the others are all in Western NC).  The Rocky Water Path is a winding path through open fields, dense forest with beautiful birdsong, and travels alongside the West Fork of the Eno River. This self guided forest bathing experience will provide visitors with a variety of opportunities for rest, reflection and connection with nature. 

Register at:

Register on Eventbrite
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Calendar Community Conservation

Durham Wildlife Stewards Friends Events

In our second year, we have adopted Sandy Creek Park — a perfect home base because of its rich wildlife and healthy wildlife habitat. You can see some of it in the video, “The Wildlife of Sandy Creek Park.

Join us this April for a  “walk and talk” program with experts on three wild animals — details below.  All are welcome, including children. 

We’re also renovating the park’s pollinator garden, and could use your help.  

Last, we’re also looking for members, volunteers and donors. 

Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 4:30 to 6:00 pm – Sandy Creek Park — 3510 Sandy Creek Drive, Durham – carpooling encouraged

Beaver Stroll in the Park with wildlife biologist Falyn Owens. Perfect for children after school. 

Falyn will tell the surprising and unique story of beavers in North Carolina, with a focus on their ingenious engineering! We’ll cover how beavers impact waterways, wildlife, and people through their industrious activities.    

Registration Required – Register here: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/beavers_040826

Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 7:45 to 9:00 pm – Sandy Creek Park — 3510 Sandy Creek Drive, Durham – carpooling encouraged

Frog Night in the Park – with herpetologist Dr. Nicolette Cagle of Duke.  Children will love this one too.

We’ll don waders provided for the event, put on our headlamps, grab our nets, and go searching through the shallow night waters for all kinds of frogs. Dr. Cagle will help us identify what we catch and explain their sounds, habits and spring mating activity.

Register here:http://weblink.donorperfect.com/dwsfrogs_032626

Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 9:00 – 11:00 AM – Sandy Creek Park — 3510 Sandy Creek Drive, Durham – carpooling encouraged

Family Bird Walk in the Park – for all ages. Join David Anderson of the New Hope Bird Alliance for a quiet stroll along the park paths, where we might see wood ducks or mergansers, great blue herons, grackles, purple martins, robins, several kinds of woodpeckers, a belted kingfisher, and many other kinds of birds. Bring a bird ID guidebook or app, and binoculars if you have them.

Register here: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/birdwalk_041926

Tuesday. April 7, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm— Moondog Meadery, 1104 Broad Street, Durham – in the basement under Joe Van Gogh. 

DWS Leadership meeting. Come check us out — meet some friendly, diverse, like-minded folks — & get involved.

RSVP to durhamwildlifestewards@gmail.com, or just show up. 

Today: sign up as a member and come to one of our programs! Click the JOIN tabon our website and tell us about yourself, Or email us at durhamwildlifestewards@gmail.com. 

Yesterday: Volunteer and / or join our leadership team. Get to know us. Come up with ideas. Help weed and plant our pollinator garden. Help remove harmful invasives from city parks and land preserves. Help create content for our website, newsletters, Facebook page, Instagram page, and possibly start a Bluesky or a BullCityReddit account. Do publicity. Recruit volunteers and donors. Plan fundraising events. Create online and physical posters, flyers, videos, and signs with us. Help with our database. Amass a subgroup of construction-savvy volunteers who can build and repair things with wood. Help us improve and grow. 

– Fill out our “JOIN” tab 

– email us at durhamwildlifestewards@gmail.com,  AND/OR 

Categories
Calendar Citizen Science Community Conservation Events

Join the NC Moth Project’s Exciting Meet & Greet

Join us for a special Mothy Meet & Greet with the NC Moth Project on Saturday, March 14 at 7:30 PM, for an evening designed to introduce you to the magic and mystery of moths and to share how you can take part in our Monthly Mothing program happening March through November.

This one-hour presentation will offer an entertaining introduction to moths, why they matter, and why scientists and community members survey them. We’ll explore how moth surveys are conducted, what equipment is used, and how everyday nature lovers can contribute valuable data to science. You’ll also learn more about the NC Moth Project itself and how it connects people across the state through citizen science.

Monthly Mothing nights provide ongoing, hands-on experience that builds real field skills over time. With regular participation, you’ll learn valuable identification skills, document a variety of nocturnal insects, and experience the seasonal changes and rhythms of moths, all while beginning your lifelong journey of becoming a moth’er!

And if the weather is suitably “mothy” after the presentation, we’ll step outside to set up a light sheet and see which late-winter moths come in to visit. It’s a relaxed, welcoming way to learn, connect, and maybe meet your first moth of the season! 

Visit https://www.backyardbutterflies.org/mothy-meet-greet-rsvp/ to register for the Mothy Meet & Greet and to learn more about the Monthly Mothing program.

Event flyer for the Mothy Meet & Greet with the NC Moth Project, featuring details about the event, date, time, and activities focused on moth observation and photography.

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Calendar Community Conservation Events

Tri-County Conservation Events

Join us for more native tree plantings in Brumley South Preserve in Chapel Hill! See 3 separate dates below. This is a collaboration between our chapter, Triangle Land Conservancy, ReWild Earth, and Project Pando.

We have cleared, fenced, and started planting in 7 areas designated as “Oases”. We will be continuing to plant the over 500 native trees and shrubs we have procured for this winter season. Kids are welcome!

There is also an invasive plant removal in Pittsboro set for March 17th.

Sun, Feb 8, 2 PM – 4 PM – Brumley South Preserve, Chapel Hill

Location: Brumley SchoolHouse of Wonder Entrance (3223 New Hope Church Rd Chapel Hill, NC 27514)

Register here: https://triangleland.volunteerhub.com/vv2/event/d62ac0a2-3713-4140-90e5-17d12f65e149

Sun, Feb 15, 2 PM – 4 PM – Brumley South Preserve, Chapel Hill

Location: Brumley SchoolHouse of Wonder Entrance (3223 New Hope Church Rd Chapel Hill, NC 27514)

Register here: https://triangleland.volunteerhub.com/vv2/event/d8cf2565-250d-4d4f-bf7c-23c4ede14961

Invasive Plant Removal Workday – Haw River, Pittsboro, Mar 17th

Join Friends of Lower Haw invasive plant removal workday with State Parks biologists Tuesday Mar 17.  Volunteers do not have to stay the entire time, even though the biologists and their crew will be working until 3:00 pm.

Date: March 17, 2026

Time: 9:30 am to 3:00 pm (or whenever you need to leave)

Location:  Haw River Access at 4551 US Hwy 15-501 N, Pittsboro

Register: No registration needed but you need to watch the video below if you want to paint with herbicide.

Directions: Meet in the large parking lot on US 15-501 at the Haw River between Chapel Hill and Pittsboro. If headed south on US 15-501 from Chapel Hill, the parking lot is on the right before crossing the Haw River. If headed north on US 15-501 from Pittsboro, make a U-turn after crossing the Haw River, then head south on US 15-501 and the parking lot will be a short distance on the right.

Meet in the parking lot at 9:30 am and stay however long you want to help. We will be working in the Pegg Tract area of the Lower Haw River State Natural Area, located upstream of the Bynum Dam by US Hwy 15-501. Invasive plant workdays involve identifying and removing non-native plants using clippers, pruners, saws, and other non-motorized hand tools. Learn about invasive plants and removal techniques. Bring your own loppers or hand pruners, work gloves, insect repellent, and water. Wear long pants, long sleeve shirt, and closed toe shoes. There are no restroom facilities at this location. Youth volunteers ages 12 to 17 are welcome to participate if accompanied by an adult.

Based on new regulations, volunteers who may be interested in applying herbicide are now required to watch the new NCDA required training video (34 minutes) for non-licensed pesticide applicators before attending the workday.  Link to 34-minute video on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsjgHmolqgE.  If you are not interested in applying herbicide, then you are not required to watch the training video in order to volunteer for the workday.

THANK YOU for your ongoing support!

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Calendar Community Events

Nature Walks and Hikes in Triangle Region

Orange County

Chapel Hill Public Library

The 3/21 hike is titled ‘Faces or the Forest’ and is part of a Spring equinox event at Chapel Hill Public Library.

If people are new to bird watching and want to learn the basics (how to use binoculars, id birds, and more), check out the Bird Watch program at CHPL on 12/13, 1/10, 2/14, 3/14, & 4/11 from 3-4pm. https://www.chapelhillpubliclibrary.org/explore-more

The library is also offering a Winter Solstice Forest Bathing walk on Dec. 21 at CHPL. It’s a short contemplative walk led by a certified Forest Therapy guide. https://www.chapelhillpubliclibrary.org/event/winter-solstice-walk

Triangle Land Conservancy

Two Plants & Poles hikes are tentatively scheduled on 3/7 & 4/7 at Johnston Mill Nature Preserve. Sign up will be through the TLC site. https://triangleland.org/explore/events

TLC offers monthly birding hikes at Brumley North. It’s listed on the TLC events page.

Occoneechee State Park 

The Park Rangers and/or volunteer trail guides sometimes offer a geology & nature hike. You may be able to request a special date for the Master Naturalist group.

https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/occoneechee-mountain-state-natural-area

Orange County Parks

Blackwood Farm Park and Seven Mile Creek nature Preserve are county parks and would be great for tree id or herpetology.

https://www.orangecountync.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Blackwood-Farm-Park-2

https://www.orangecountync.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Seven-Mile-Creek-Nature-Preserve-20

Chatham county

TLC also offers a great hike focused on the 5 different pine trees at White Pines Nature Preserve. They have one scheduled on Dec. 20. White Pines is a great location for a hike but there are no facilities available.

The Lower Haw River State Natural Area is a great sight for birding and wildlife viewing. They have new restroom facilities, a paved parking lot, and a foot path that leads to the old Bynum Bridge. You may be able to request a special program through Friends of Lower Haw River (FLOHA). https://www.lowerhaw.org/activities

Alamance county

The Native Plant Society offers hikes across our state. One to watch for is a hike on a private reserve in Alamance Co.

Speaking of Alamance Co., they just recently opened a new park and trail system called Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area. They have an observation tower! I haven’t been there yet but hope to go this weekend. It would be cool to have a forest ranger (or Mart) lead a hike there and use the tower as a fire lookout.

Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area
Durham County

Start the year right on January 1st with the Eno River Association’s Hike the Eno event. More information on their events page: https://www.enoriver.org/events-on-the-eno/

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Calendar Community Conservation Events

Help Restore Wetlands: Invasive Removal & Planting Event

Invasive Removal & Native Planting Event

Join Carrboro Sustainability & Stormwater Division for a weekend of invasive removal and native planting to help restore the wetland at Dr. MLK Jr. Park.

Invasive Removal: November 15th, 12-3PM

&

Native Planting: November, 16th 12-3PM

Attached flyer for details

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Calendar Citizen Science Community Conservation Events

Join the Great Southeast Pollinator Census in Durham

Join the Extension Office (721 Foster St, Durham, NC) to participate in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census. The Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteers of Durham County and community partners will be on hand August 23 to share information about pollinators and native plants. Stop by between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. to learn about pollinators and help us collect pollinator counts. More information

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Calendar Community Conservation Events

Join Our Wildlife and Fire Workshop – July 15, 2025

🔥 Managing Wildlife with Fire

Discover how prescribed fire, different firing techniques, and the timing of burns can support wildlife and help manage healthy ecosystems!

Hosted by NC State Extension
 📍 Location: Bonnie B. Davis Ag Center (Multi-Purpose Room)

1020 US-70

Hillsborough, NC 27278

(Across the street from Hillsborough DMV)

 📅 Date: July 15, 2025
 🕠 Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Audience: Landowners, relatively new beginners to fire

✅ Agenda (Draft)

6:30 – 6:45 PM | Welcome, Introductions and Resources

  • Welcome by Triangle PBA (Mart, Andy, Hope) and NC State Extension (Sarah and Jenn)
  • Introduce speakers: Kristin Cathey, Jeff Hall, Chris Jordan

6:45-6:50 | Private Lands Assistance

  • Introduction and information on technical guidance, financial opportunities, site visits, other resources.
    • Promote Wildlife Conservation Land Program
    • Field restoration, pollinator habitat

Presenter: Kristin Cathey

6:50 – 7:20 PM | Why Fire Is Good for Wildlife

  • Overview of the role of fire in shaping habitat
  • Benefits for game and nongame species
  • Different firing techniques
  • Restoration vs. maintenance burning
  • Burning for the population, not for the individual

Presenter: Chris Jordan

7:20 – 7:50 PM | Wildlife Diversity and Fire: A Closer Look

  • How a wide diversity of wildlife respond to prescribed fire including: birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates
  • Importance of burn timing, intensity, and frequency

Presenter: Jeff Hall

7:50– 8:15 PM | Panel Discussion: Burn or Not to Burn?

  • Group discussion: tradeoffs in burn timing and wildlife goals
  • Landowners can ask questions they may have

8:15 – 8:30 PM | Evaluation and Informal Networking

  • Quick workshop evaluation (paper or QR code)
  • Time for attendees to connect with speakers and each other
  • Sharing resources- materials table