Supporting Birds Through the Seasons Using Native Plants
2025-02-09 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Dismal Swamp State Park
You are invited to join NCWF Wildlife Habitat Stewards of Northeastern NC Chapter and NCWRC Wildlife Biologist, Falyn Owens, for a presentation discussing the importance of incorporating native plants into your landscape to provide essential food sources for birds and offer much-needed shelter for nesting sites.
Native plants are the ideal bird feeders, providing seeds and berries, as well as supporting healthy insect populations. Baby birds require a consistent supply of insects to grow and thrive. By incorporating native plants into your yard, you offer the food sources needed to support birds of all ages throughout the year.
Following the presentation, enjoy a guided walk along the boardwalk trail at Dismal Swamp State Park to identify native plants and understand their role in supporting birds.
REGISTER HERE

Prescribed Fire Effects on Southern Pine Tree Growth and Forest Structure Webinar
2025-02-12 13:00 - 14:00 | virtual via Zoom
ire is an integral component of southern forests. Especially in some pine systems that have developed adaptations to frequent fires and even depend on it to thrive. Fires can naturally occur but can also be intentionally set as a forest management tool. Prescribed fire is a planned and controlled application of fire to achieve specific goals. But what can prescribed fire be used for and how does it help southern pine systems? In this webinar, Dr. Doug Aubrey will discuss prescribed fire in southern pine forests including its benefits, impacts on forest health, and the effects of excluding fire from an ecosystem.

Who Will Fill My Shoes: Succession Planning for Landowners and Business Webinar - Module 4
2025-02-12 14:00 - 15:00 | virtual via Zoom
5-part webinar series on succession planning. Module 1 begins on January 22nd with recurring webinars each Wednesday following until February 19th. Topics include communication and conflict in succession, key players in succession, road mapping and goals in succession, and planning and coordination in succession.
Jan 22, 2025 – 01:00 PM Central Time – Module 1
Jan 29, 2025 – 01:00 PM Central Time – Module 3*
Feb 5, 2025 – 01:00 PM Central Time – Module 2 *
Feb 12, 2025 – 01:00 PM Central Time – Module 4
Feb 19, 2025 – 01:00 PM Central Time – Module 5
*Please note modules 2 & 3 presentation dates have been interchanged and will be presented on the dates indicated above.
Hosts include Purdue University, NC State University, North Central Regional Center for Rural Development, and Southern Rural Development Center.

Invasive Wild Pigs and Their Behavior
2025-02-13 18:30 - 20:00 | online
Wildlife Biologist and Regenerative Farmer Lindsay Dyal joins NCWF Union County Wildlife Chapter to discuss behavioral state resource selection of wild pigs in the US Southeast. Linsday will discuss the home ranges and interactions between wild pigs and their environment including foraging, resting, and traveling.
Invasive wild pigs are generalists and have the potential to alter ecosystems across broad spatial scales. Lindsay will share the results of research that tracked 49 collared wild pigs in the Southeast United States and interpret how this information can aid in the advancement of management strategies for controlling populations of this important invasive species.
The event is free and open to the public. You may attend online or in-person in MONROE.
You will receive the meeting link and full event details upon successfully submitting this registration form.
REGISTER HERE

Bird Hike
2025-02-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, 240 Park Entrance Road, Seven Springs, NC, 28578, United States
Join us at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park for a beginner bird hike! During this hike we will discuss common birds in the area and beginner birding tips as we look for birds along the trail. Binoculars will NOT be provided on this hike, so please bring your own.
This program will include a half mile hike on the Bird Trail.
Meet at the cliff overlook at 10am.
Please email rebecca.browder@ncparks.gov to register.

North Carolina Bird Count
2025-02-16 13:00 - 15:00 | Lake Norman State Park, at 759 State Park Road, Troutman, NC, 28166, United States
Fly on over to the park Visitor Center to take part in the 2025 NC Bird Count! This community citizen science opportunity is open to all ages and birding skill levels. We will collect park bird data for the Great Backyard Bird Count. Bring your binoculars and dress for the weather!

Winter Tree ID
2025-02-16 13:00 - 15:00
You are invited to join NCWF Concord Wildlife Alliance Chapter and Central Carolinas Master Naturalist Tori Strunk for a crash course in native winter tree identification. Tree enthusiasts of all ability levels are welcome to attend this slow-paced winter tree walk.
Trees and other native plants are the foundation of the terrestrial food web. Trees like oak, maple, and birch host hundreds, if not thousands, of different insect species. They also provide critical food, shelter, and places for wildlife to raise young.
Practice identifying trees using features like bud and leaf arrangement, leaf scars, twig size, bark, and more. Magnifiers and tree guides will be provided.
REGISTER HERE

Great Backyard Bird Count
2025-02-17 09:00 - 11:00 | Hanging Rock State Park, 1790 Hanging Rock Park Road, Danbury, NC, 27016, United States
Join a Park Ranger on a hike along the Riverbluff’s Trail to identify and count birds. All bird sightings will become part of a national database used by scientists to track changes in bird populations over time. The hike is 1.2 miles in length and will take around 2 hours to complete. To sign up for the program please email Jonathan.buie@ncparks.gov.

Eagle Nest Hike
2025-02-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Pilot Mountain State Park, 1792 Pilot Knob Park Road, Pinnacle, NC, 27043, United States
Weather permitting, we will be meeting at the end of the road at Bean Shoals at the picnic shelter. Learn about our nation’s national bird, the Bald Eagle, their home in the park, and what makes them so special!
Please sign up by emailing pilot.mountain@ncparks.gov

Owl Prowl
2025-02-18 17:30 - 18:30 | Hammocks Beach State Park, 1572 Hammocks Beach Road, Swansboro, NC, 28584, United States
Who gives a hoot? You will learn about some of our owl species, their habitats, and tips of what you can do to help these night watchers.
Optional: Bring your own flashlights to use on the trail. Trail: < 1/2-mile, easy Meet on the back deck at the Visitor Center.
PROGRAM IS WEATHER DEPENDENT. Contact Park office for program update: 910-326-4881.

Who Will Fill My Shoes: Succession Planning for Landowners and Business Webinar - Module 5
2025-02-19 14:00 - 15:00 | virtual via Zoom
5-part webinar series on succession planning. Module 1 begins on January 22nd with recurring webinars each Wednesday following until February 19th. Topics include communication and conflict in succession, key players in succession, road mapping and goals in succession, and planning and coordination in succession.
Jan 22, 2025 – 01:00 PM Central Time – Module 1
Jan 29, 2025 – 01:00 PM Central Time – Module 3*
Feb 5, 2025 – 01:00 PM Central Time – Module 2 *
Feb 12, 2025 – 01:00 PM Central Time – Module 4
Feb 19, 2025 – 01:00 PM Central Time – Module 5
*Please note modules 2 & 3 presentation dates have been interchanged and will be presented on the dates indicated above.
Hosts include Purdue University, NC State University, North Central Regional Center for Rural Development, and Southern Rural Development Center

Discovering Nature with Technology
2025-02-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Hammocks Beach State Park, 1572 Hammocks Beach Road, Swansboro, NC, 28584, United States
Discover how to explore nature with amazing apps on your phone! 10am. No limit on participants.

Learn to Fish NC - Introductory Fishing Workshop
2025-02-22 09:00 - 14:00
Join our comprehensive Introductory Fishing Workshop designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge for a successful start in fishing. NCWRC instructors will guide you through a variety of topics, ensuring you feel confident and prepared for your fishing adventures.

Topics Covered Include:

Licensing & Regulations
Equipment & Tackle
Fishing Knots
Rigging and Bait Selection
Finding Fish

This workshop includes both hands on classroom instruction and on-the-water fishing, providing a well-rounded learning experience.

Join us and embark on your fishing journey with confidence!

This workshop is open to those 12 years and older. All minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Prescribed Fires in State Parks
2025-02-22 11:00 - 13:00 | Hanging Rock State Park, 1790 Hanging Rock Park Road, Danbury, NC, 27016, United States
Join a park ranger to learn about prescribed fires and the equipment wildland firefighters use. Appropriate for all ages and registration is not required. For further information or questions please email mitchell.mckenney@ncparks.gov.

Bears
2025-02-22 14:00 - 15:00 | Jones Lake State Park, 4117 N Carolina 242, Elizabethtown, NC, 28337, United States
Join a park ranger for a discussion on Jones Lake State Park’s largest mammal: the black bear. Learn about the biology and habits of the king of the forest.
Participants should meet at the visitor center at 2 p.m.

Orienteering
2025-02-24 14:00 - 15:00 | Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, 240 Park Entrance Road, Seven Springs, NC, 28578, United States
Join us at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park for a beginner orienteering program! During this program we will discuss how to use a compass and how to navigate with the compass over terrain. We will complete a short navigation course at the end to tie our skills together!
A limited number of compasses will be provided, but feel free to bring your own!
Meet at the cliff overlook at 2pm.
Please email rebecca.browder@ncparks.gov to register.

Learn To Hunt (LTH) Turkey Hunting 101 Webinar #1
2025-02-25 19:00 - 20:30 | virtual via Zoom
Webinar #1 Biology for Hunters, Regulations, Where to Hunt and Scouting
WEBINAR MUST READ!
1. Webinar login link will be emailed to all registrants following the close of registration.
2. Do not share your webinar link with anyone as capacity is limited.
3. Post-webinar Q&A sessions will be limited to topic only.
4. Webinar recordings will be distributed to all registrants following processing; please be patient.

NOTE: For webinar related questions only, email lth@ncwildlife.org

Learn To Hunt (LTH) Turkey Hunting 101 Webinar #2
2025-02-26 19:00 - 20:30 | virtual via Zoom
Webinar #2 Firearms, Ammo, Clothing, Footwear and Misc. Equipment

WEBINAR MUST READ!
1. Webinar login link will be emailed to all registrants following the close of registration.
2. Do not share your webinar link with anyone as capacity is limited.
3. Post-webinar Q&A sessions will be limited to topic only.
4. Webinar recordings will be distributed to all registrants following processing; please be patient.
NOTE: For webinar related questions only, email lth@ncwildlife.org

Black Bears: Looking for the Signs
2025-02-27 15:00 - 16:00 | Hammocks Beach State Park, 1572 Hammocks Beach Road, Swansboro, NC, 28584, United States
This program will go over everything Black Bears discussing the type native to North Carolina, habitat, and most importantly the signs of black bears. Meet in the auditorium for a 30-minute indoor session followed by a 45-minute outdoor potion where guests look for the different signs.
Target audience – adults and children 8 yrs & up. There is no signup.

Learn To Hunt (LTH) Turkey Hunting 101 Webinar #3
2025-02-28 19:00 - 20:30 | virtual via Zoom
Webinar #3 Hunting Techniques and Strategies

WEBINAR MUST READ!
1. Webinar login link will be emailed to all registrants following the close of registration.
2. Do not share your webinar link with anyone as capacity is limited.
3. Post-webinar Q&A sessions will be limited to topic only.
4. Webinar recordings will be distributed to all registrants following processing; please be patient.
NOTE: For webinar related questions only, email lth@ncwildlife.org

Learn TO Hunt (LTH) Turkey Hunting Workshop
2025-03-01 08:00 - 17:00
Learn TO Hunt (LTH) Turkey Hunting 101 Workshop
Saturday, March 1 (8 A.M. – 5 P.M.) Waynesville NC. NOTE: Attendee requirements noted below MUST be completed prior to attendance and additional workshop details (including actual address) will be distributed to all qualifying registrants 3 or more days prior to the event.
NOTE: While all are welcome to attend, this course was specifically developed with the following people in mind:

Individuals who have never hunted or have not actively hunted for more than 3 years.
Individuals who lack the social support to hunt (i.e. have no readily available hunting family members or friends).
Individuals whose licenses may have lapsed (inactive hunters), including those who have never harvested big game.

ATTENDEE REQUIREMENTS:

Hunter Safety Certification
Valid North Carolina Hunting License NOTE: Big game tags required for big game LTH (e.g., deer, turkey and bear)

For LTH-related questions email lth@ncwildlife.org
For Licensing questions contact Customer Service @ 833-950-0575

Carnivorous Plant Hike
2025-03-01 10:00 - 11:00 | Carolina Beach State Park, 1010 State Park Road, Carolina Beach, NC, 28428, United States
Join park staff on a guided hike through the captivating ecosystems where carnivorous plants, including Venus flytraps, thrive in their natural environment. As you explore the terrain, we will share insights into the unique adaptations that allow these plants to trap and digest insects. You’ll have the chance to observe the flytraps, along with other fascinating species like sundews and pitcher plants. This immersive experience offers a deeper understanding of these extraordinary plants and the delicate ecosystem they inhabit.

Reding Trees: Winter Tree and Bud Identification Workshop
2025-03-15 14:00 - 15:30 | Gorges State Park, 976 Grassy Ridge Road, Sapphire, NC, 28774, United States
Carrie Blair uses slides, books and samples of leaves & twigs to illustrate how you can determine the genus, and often the species as well, of all of our locally growing native trees, with some ornamental and introduced trees. After watching her power point program, a walk outside will guide participants to identify common trees up close. Carrie will share a long list of tree field guides (beginner to advanced) that she recommends. You are welcome to bring your own tree identification books and a long twig (at least foot long) recently cut from a living tree showing buds and leaf scars to identify.
The workshop is free and open to the public but classroom space is limited so please register to attend at this link: https://northcarolinanativeplantsociety.wildapricot.org/event-5995874

N.C. Bradford Pear Bounty Tree Exchange: Elizabeth City
2025-04-05 09:00 - 11:00
This program encourages homeowners to remove their landscape Bradford pear or other planted cultivars of Pyrus calleryana (e.g., Chanticleer, Cleveland Select, Aristocrat) and replace them with free, native trees. Homeowners who want to participate in this event must pre-register and bring proof of tree removal to the event. Replacement trees are in 3-gallon containers and there are many native species to choose from. Up to 5 pear trees can be removed for up to 5 free replacements. First come first serve for tree species selection.
This exchange is free and open to the public, pre-registration is required to ensure tree pick-up runs smoothly.

Party for the Pine: The Old Tree is turning 477!
2025-04-05 10:00 - 15:00 | Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve, 1024 Ft. Bragg Road, Southern Pines, NC, 28387, United States
Join the celebration for the oldest known living longleaf pine, learn how prescribed fire keeps the longleaf forest healthy and appreciate the natural beauty of the Sandhills of North Carolina.
Explore an Old Growth Forest, speak with local educators and conservationists, eat food, listen to live music, and so much more!

Birthday Cake
Guided Hikes to the Old Tree
Live Music
Live Prescribed Burn
Games
Raffles
Vendors

Hurricane Helene Forest Recovery Workshop: Hendersonville
2025-04-07 13:00 - 16:00 | Henderson County Extension Office, 100 Jackson Park Road, Hendersonville, NC, 28792, United States
Forest landowners suffered a tremendous loss of investment when Hurricane Helene leveled 822,000 acres of forestland. Many have been scrambling to determine what options are available to restore their forests to something desirable and manageable. In this workshop, N.C. State Extension Forestry will present information on the following topics to help landowners more successfully recover:

Taxes and Investment Decisions in the Wake of Hurricane Helene
Cost Share Opportunities and Resources Available for Recovery
Forest Management After Hurricane Helene
Fire Prevention and FireWise After Hurricane Helene

There is no cost for this event. Seating is limited to 50 attendees. All participants must register by calling the Henderson County office at 828-697-4891. For more information, please contact Western Area Forestry Agent Nathan Gatlin via email at npgatlin@ncsu.edu or by phone at 336-651-7330.

Frog Frenzy
2025-04-08 15:00 - 16:00 | Hammocks Beach State Park, 1572 Hammocks Beach Road, Swansboro, NC, 28584, United States
Batrachology or bust! It’s not easy being green, but frogs sure love it! In this program you will learn about some of the frogs we get to see and hear around the park, their life cycles, and some of their natural features that make them so unique. We will experiment with different objects to recreate our own frog sounds, their jumping habits, and so much more! Ribbit! Registration required.

Night Hike at Gorges
2025-04-10 20:00 - 21:00 | Gorges State Park, 976 Grassy Ridge Road, Sapphire, NC, 28774, United States
Learn all about the nocturnal animals in Gorges State Park! We will be exploring the trail after dark with flashlights to look for animal eye-shine and to listen for sounds in the night. Stay at the Park Visitor Center after the hike for a small campfire and smores. We will be meeting at the Outdoor Amphitheater behind the Visitor Center building.
This program is being presented in collaboration with the 2025 NC Science Festival.

Burn, Baby, Burn!
2025-04-11 15:30 - 17:00 | Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area, 625 Virginia Cates Road, Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
Join a Ranger on a one mile hike around the site of a prescribed burn at Occoneechee Mountain to learn about prescribed fire, how we use it to improve the ecosystem, and how it can make future wildfires less dangerous. Meet at the Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area parking lot. Wear hiking shoes and bring water; this program may include hiking off trail.
Spaces are limited, and registration is required. To sign up, call (984) 250-1370 or click the Register button to email eno.river@ncparks.gov. Please include the number of guests in your party and a phone number where you can be reached if the event is changed or canceled.

Mushroom Science for Beginners
2025-04-11 18:00 - 19:30
Mushroom science, or mycology, is a fascinating subject with a dab of mystery, beauty, and… slime? These hardy forest dwellers aren’t animals, plants, or molds—so what are they? Whether you like mushrooms on your pizza or have been spooked by a fairy ring, kids of all ages will enjoy learning more about fungal science at this program.
Attendees should come ready for quiet observation and active analysis, and they are welcome to bring in samples of mushrooms from their own property. Place any samples in a paper bag, and do not ingest any mushrooms found, as they may be poisonous.
Please note: collecting mushrooms is prohibited in North Carolina State Parks. There will be no foray as part of this program.
