South Wake Conservationists partnered with NCWF VP of Outdoor Engagement Mary Bures and Conservation Coordinator Kara Solomon to run a three-day workshop leading to certification as an NWF Habitat Steward. We had a wonderful setting to hold the workshop, provided by Wake County’s Historic Yates Mill County Park in Raleigh, as well as beautiful spring-like weather. This is the first of several Habitat Steward training workshops NCWF is running this year across the state.
A wide variety of information was presented by thirteen different experts in their field, kicked off by Basil Camu, author of the book Wasteland to Wonder. Topics ranged from an overview of human impact on our natural world to elements of a healthy habitat for wildlife, native plants and trees, invasive plants, herps, butterflies and moths, bees, arthropods, birds, and mammals. As a bonus, we were treated to a full tour of the adjacent Yates Mill Aquatic Conservation Center. The class planted a native plant garden together at the park and broke into five project teams to design a wildlife-friendly landscape design in different assigned locations. A guided bird walk led by Larry Zoller of Wake Audubon got everyone moving on Sunday morning, as well.
All twenty-nine students received their Habitat Steward certificates Sunday afternoon, and many reported needing a nap after a fun, but intense, three days! To maintain this certification, each Habitat Steward needs to perform a minimum of thirty hours of conservation work each year. A number of SWC members were part of the workshop, but we also had many new people participate, and they completed an interest survey to get involved with local SWC activates and projects. We look forward to new friendships and everyone working together on many more projects on behalf of wildlife in Wake Country ahead!
South Wake Conservationists 