"Habitat Happenings" 

News for NC Wildlife Federation Stewards and Habitat Volunteers

Volume 2, Issue 10

October 2005

Volunteer Announcement from National Wildlife Federation

We are currently preparing the November/December issue of the Volunteer Spirit. All stories are greatly appreciated. Help us get the word out about what's happening in your region, or contribute an article about a particular volunteer's efforts.  News, stories, and event announcements are all welcome!

Please send a one to three paragraph summary of any news or information that you would like to share to volunteerspirit@nwf.org.  Be sure to include the details of who, what, where, when, how, and why!  We welcome photographs, but we must have the written permission of those appearing in the photo (an image release form) and the individual who took it. 

Deadline for materials: October 12th
Issue coverage: November/December
Contact address: volunteerspirit@nwf.org

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!!Get Your Car Washed and Support Wildlife Conservation!!

Support the North Carolina Wildlife Federation - Saturday, October 22nd - At all NC sites, AUTOBELL Car Wash will donate $1.00 from all Polyprocess packages to the NC Wildlife Federation. AUTOBELL Car Wash strongly believes in the conservation and enrichment of our environment. To learn more visit www.autobell.com -Rain date- October 29^th

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Black-eyed Susans Available for Schoolyard Habitat Projects

NCWF Regional Office still has some black-eyed Susans available in one-gallon containers. Contact Tim at (704) 332-5696

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Fall Habitat Steward Training

On October 15, 16 and 22 the NC Wildlife Federation and Bass Lake Park will be hosting Habitat Steward Training.  Bass Lake Park is located in Holly Springs, NC, outside of Raleigh.  Space is limited and registration is required.  Please contact Sabrina Thompson at (919) 557-2496 or email sabrina.thompson@hollyspringsnc.us

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 Citizen Owl Monitoring

The Regional Office is looking for a few dedicated volunteers (dusk to evening hours) to help monitor the Barred Owl population in Charlotte.  The banded owls are located around the Plaza-Midwood, Myers Park areas of town.  If you are interested in learning more about this exciting opportunity, please call.

Thank You!!!!!

Project Opportunity 

Oakhurst Elementary in Charlotte is eager to have a Steward assist them with their habitat.  They have support from parents and principal and are anxious to begin.  If anyone is looking for a project, please contact NCWF at (704) 332-5696.

Cleaning Up Waterways for Wildlife

November 4th from 3-4pm

Join NCWF staff for 1 hour cleaning refuse from Briar Creek in Charlotte.  NCWF has been a participant in the Adopt-A-Stream program for over 10 years.  Volunteers are needed to walk the banks picking up debris and for getting in the creek to pull out larger garbage.  Bags and gloves will be provided.  We will meet at Regional Office in Charlotte-please let us know if you plan on helping.  *If you are interested in adopting your own section of stream, contact Mecklenburg County Water Quality Program at 336-5500 or in Raleigh area for the Stream Watch program call (919) 715-5433.  Help keep our waterways clean for wildlife!

Volunteers needed for Youth Fishing Event

NCWF is hosting a youth fishing event in Huntersville, NC on Saturday Nov. 5^th.  A few volunteers are needed to assist the children with baiting hooks, releasing fish, and invariably untangling lines.  If you want to help out from 8:30 until 11:30 that day contact NCWF at (704) 332-5696 for more information

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Office of Environmental Education News

*UNC Charlotte researchers and Weyerhaeuser's Cool Springs Environmental Education Center Coordinator (Craven County) publish national article on using schoolgrounds, backyards, and other areas to teach students the importance of reptile and amphibian diversity. Also remember to check out the EE Events and Workshops Section and the updated EE Grants page. Several new grants and contests have been added.

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NCWF is thankful to our Conservation Partner sites that host the trainings throughout the year.  They are Reedy Creek Nature Center in Charlotte, Western North Carolina Nature Center in Asheville, and Bass Lake Park in Holly Springs.   These great educational sites offer perfect locations for Steward Trainings.  In your travels, stop by and say hi.

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October Seasonal Calendar

October 2: Last loggerhead sea turtle nests are hatching

October 3: Chimney swifts are leaving

October 4: Peak surface activity for hognose snakes

October 5: Runs of bluefish and red drum provide good surf fishing

October 8: Peak sea duck migration

October 9-15: National Wildlife Refuge Week. Contact your favorite National Wildlife Refuge for listings of special activities http://www.fws.gov/refuges/index.html For NC refuges click here: http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/ByState.cfm?state=NC

October 10: Tail end of migration peak for many shorebird species

October 11: Ruby-throated hummingbirds are leaving for Central and South America. Hummingbird feeders may be taken down (or leave them up for potential of seeing unusual winter hummers) Report late fall or winter hummingbird sightings to: ncaves@earthlink.net

October 15: Mud turtles and chicken turtles begin hibernating. Unlike most aquatic turtles, these species usually leave their ponds to hibernate on land

October 16: Red bats are mating

October 23: Acorns are mature for most oak species

October 25: Persimmons are ripe

Best wishes to all and much appreciation for your efforts on behalf of wildlife and conservation! 

 Every Acre Matters…

-North Carolina Wildlife Federation