Author: David Barber

Final 2026 Spring Invasive Removal at C. H. Johnson Environmental Education Park with The Audubon Society.

May 28, 2026

On May 14 these groups met to remove as much privet, and other invasives, as they could before the heat, ticks and humidity arrive, at this species rich park. The event was attended by 10 volunteers and 3 members of the Fuquay Varina Park Systems landscaping team. The weather was perfect and everyone was experienced … More Final 2026 Spring Invasive Removal at C. H. Johnson Environmental Education Park with The Audubon Society.

It’s Time for Another Invasive Removal with The Audubon Society 5/14/26, 9:00-11:00 am.

May 3, 2026

Privets at this time of year are beautiful, have a pleasent aroma, but are deadly to forests! The good thing is that they’re easy to spot this time of year! South Wake Conservationists is assisting The Audubon Society in ridding them from the Carol H. Johnson Educational Park. Meet us at 301 Wagstaff Road, in … More It’s Time for Another Invasive Removal with The Audubon Society 5/14/26, 9:00-11:00 am.

Third Successful Invasive Removal With The Audubon Society

April 27, 2026

April 23 was our third invasive assault assisting our conservation allies, The Audubon Society.   Our ultimate plan is to restore Carol H. Johnson Environmental Education Park. The weather was perfect and our crew experienced. The City of Fuquay-Varina generously aided us by providing a park employee who helped with debris removal from the site. … More Third Successful Invasive Removal With The Audubon Society

Joint Spring Invasive Assault with the Audubon Society at Carol H Johnson Environmental Education Park

April 9, 2026

April 23, 2026 between 9:00am – 11:00am at Carol H Johnson Environmental Education Park, 301 Wagstaff Rd; Fuquay-Varina, 27526 We’re asking for volunteers for our third ‘invasion’ on invasives in this incredible park full of numerous species of plants, birds and animals that are being choked out by privette, bradford pears and other unwelcome plants. … More Joint Spring Invasive Assault with the Audubon Society at Carol H Johnson Environmental Education Park

SWC Annual Native Plant Sale at Simple Gifts Community Garden April 18th!

March 30, 2026

Come to our third native plant sale and invite your friends and neighbors. Numerous beautiful, native herbaceous-plant species to choose from! It’s all happening at SWC’s annual native plant sale hosted at Simple Gifts Community Garden’s open house. Expand your pollinator garden collections while helping support the conservation work of our chapter, choosing from more … More SWC Annual Native Plant Sale at Simple Gifts Community Garden April 18th!

Successful First Trash Trap Clean Out on Walnut Creek at Lake Johnson

March 29, 2026

Much appreciation to all the volunteers who showed up for our trash trap training and SWC’s initial clean-up of the trap. They braved the cold weather and the deepish water to remove 16 pounds of trash (it appeared another group may have have been there recently).  Our instructor, Madison, is a volunteer with the Great … More Successful First Trash Trap Clean Out on Walnut Creek at Lake Johnson

Invasive Removal with Wake Audubon at Carol Howard Johnson Environmental Park in Fuquay-Varina

March 21, 2026

South Wake Conservations teamed up with Wake Audubon and the city of Fuquay-Varina for a second swipe at removing invasive privette from this nature preserve. We achieved our main objective of being able to see a natural forest, down to the stream along Honeysuckle Trail, upon arrival at the parking lot. While there, we also … More Invasive Removal with Wake Audubon at Carol Howard Johnson Environmental Park in Fuquay-Varina

Switch Cane Restoration – 3rd Time’s the Charm!

March 20, 2026

After delays due to freezing weather and a sick snake, our eager team of South Wake Conservationists, and volunteers from the NC State Dept. of Environmental Quality, were able to remove a canopy of mostly invasive plants to allow sun to shine on what we now know is native switch cane. The additional chlorophyll will … More Switch Cane Restoration – 3rd Time’s the Charm!

Walnut Creek/Lake Johnson Trash Trap

Let’s Go Wading to Remove Trash in Walnut Creek!

March 15, 2026

Trash traps are cages that collect and trap trash as it floats down a waterway. South Wake Conservationists, in partnership with Sound Rivers and The Great Raleigh Cleanup, has the opportunity to monitor and clean a new trash trap installed in Walnut Creek at the mouth of Lake Johnson. We will be provided with 7 … More Let’s Go Wading to Remove Trash in Walnut Creek!

SWC Teams Up with Big Sweep and Siemens to Preserve Farm Land

March 8, 2026

This family farm has been nurtured by several generations, and is now surrounded by encroaching suburbia near Wendell, NC.  The team, along with family members, collected 5200 pounds of trash, 52 tires, 2 utility trailer chassis and decades worth of vapor barrier material used in seeding.  These efforts support the family’s application for an agricultural … More SWC Teams Up with Big Sweep and Siemens to Preserve Farm Land