WILDLIFE FE Derationjjournalournalwild LIVES WILD PLACES Fall 2017

North Carolina WILDLIFE FE DERATIONJJournalournalWILD LIVES WILD PLACES Fall 2017

HIGH COUNTRY TRIUMPH They’re back—and as majestic as ever!

Conservation Award Winners A Stand for the Coast Hunting for the Hungry 8 10 11 pathways in conservation

Sweet Sound of Success BY TIM GESTWICKI , NCWF CEO

he primal bugling that resounds through the valleys of western North Carolina is the triumphant sound Tof success. This is the call of an iconic and majestic species, deep in the wooded wilds, but this is also a note that speaks to the human spirit—a spirit that will overcome challenges and conquer difficult conservation issues. The bugling of elk from the folded valleys of the Great Smokies and beyond trumpets not only another breeding season for these native animals, but trumpets a success story in North Carolina wildlife conservation. It may come as a surprise to many citizens across the state that North Carolina is home to a thriving elk herd. It’s not been an easy journey back for this species, and this issue of the NCWF Journal tells the story of our elk, their reintroduction, the people and organizations behind the efforts, and ongoing work to ensure that the species survives and thrives. We need a heart-warming success story these days. News both global and local is disheartening. And in an era of bitter political division, the story of the elk return is a good reminder of the possibilities of action when well-intentioned and determined people dig in and work to solve problems. Putting together our minds, resources, and commitment to cooperate, the American spirit and ability to meet challenges rarely fails. The story of the elk in North Carolina is about solving a problem. It’s about figuring out the various pieces of the puzzle to get this species back on the landscape and it’s about a commitment to cooperate. From hunters and wildlife viewers to nature photographers and land conservationists, an initial interest was needed before a plan to succeed. The elk are the story here, but this story resonates much more broadly than just in our mountain landscapes. Issues such as habitat fragmentation, genetic diversity, isolated species, agency management, and co-existing with wildlife are all components of the elk story in North Carolina. And for those whose passions do include restoring native species, the story of the elk is still a huge win. I offer that this is a story about survival for all of us. Humans acting together for the greater good and for stewardship of species is a tie that binds us all. If we can keep species from extinction, there’s probably a better chance that we humans may survive and certainly our quality of life will improve. The lands protected for elk will benefit many wildlife species, and they are a huge component of clean water and clean air. Local businesses win thanks to the flocks of people who flood into the Great Smokies for a chance to see or hear the elk. And the restoration success story is also about our American heritage, a story we sorely need in light of recent proposals to roll back federal protections of America’s public lands and wildlife. We can point to the naysayers and say: This is how it can work. This is how it should work. After all, there is a moral obligation to protect our outdoor heritage and preserve wild lands and treasured species for future generations. North Carolina is now home to elk. Can we do similar work for bison and cougars? The same collateral benefits will come if we work for these species, too. In fact, this NCWF Journal is packed with inspiring stories, from elk restoration to our Conservation Achievement Award winners to our scholarship winners. It’s all evidence that we can move forward, protect our natural resources, and put into place programs and people that will achieve great successes in the future. While I subscribe every day to the mantra that every bluebird nest box erected matters, as does each milkweed planted and every child’s first cast, the elk reintroduction was a large undertaking that needs to be translated to other large landscape-scale efforts to support the iconic monarch butterfly and ecosystem management to stave off further marine fisheries collapse in North Carolina. Can we muster the means and overcome the fears and myths? For the answer, I invite you to turn your face to the west for a moment, and listen deeply. The echoes of a bugling bull elk in our very own mountains NC holds the answer, and the promise. WF STAFF Tom Bean, Government Affairs Mary Bures, Great Outdoors University Director North Carolina Dom Canavarro, Development & Operations Director Dr. Louis Daniel, Marine Technica l Specialist WILDLIFE Tim Gestwicki, Chief Executive Officer ournalournalFall 2017 Richard B. Hamilton, Camouflage Coalition Coordinator JJWILD LIVES WILD PLACES Dan Harris, Marketing Manager FE DERATION Fred Harris, Natural Resource Specialist Official publication, North Carolina Wildlife Federation (Affiliate of National Wildlife Federation) Dr. Angel Hjarding, Pollinators & Wildlife Habitat Program Director Sarah Hollis, Membership & Outreach Coordinator Davi d W. Knight, Policy Consultant T. Edward Nickens, Communications Editor FEATURES Christopher North, Conservation Coordinator BREAK OUT THE BUGLES Dr. M.E. “Liz” Rutledge, Wildlife Specialist 2 Greta Salem, Office Manager The successful restoration of elk to the North Carolina mountains OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE begs a question: What else can we do? Dr. Bob Brown, Chair, Cary Bill y Wilson, Vice Chair , Mooresville John Hairr, Vice Chair , Charlotte 8 GOVERNOR’S CONSERVATIO N ACHIEVEMENT AWAR D WINNERS Pinkney Bynum, Treasurer, Charlotte Ann B. Somers, Secretary, Greensboro Prepare for inspiration. John Robbins, Immediate Past Chair, Concord

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jennifer Alligood, Pantego John Crumpler, Raleigh Sterling Freeman, Durham DEPARTMENTS John Fuller , Hickory Phil Hinton , Sunbury INSIDE FRONT COVER Pathways John Hislop , Hubert / Stev e Jester, Charlotte PAGE 10 / Federation News Joyc e Shepherd, Charlotte Erin Singer McCombs, Asheville PAGE 12 / Chapters Update Lloyd ‘Jock ’ Tate, Southern Pines The Season Norwood West ,Warsaw BACK COVER / Carol Buie-Jackson , NWF District 3 Director, Matthews

PRESIDENTS EMERITUS Alan D. Baker, Huntersville Dr . John Benbow, Concord C.B . Brown, Burlington John Crutchfield, Huntersville Bill Kane, Cullowhee Dale Mosteller , Lincolnton Terry Pratt, Merry Hill Gary Shull, Vale NORTH CAROLINA WILDLIFE FEDERATION Brya n Upchurch , Raleigh MISSION To protect, conserve and restore North Carolina wildlife and habitat. Harr y Wilfong, Newton VISION Our stewardship will result in a North Carolina with bountiful and diverse wildlife, DIRECTOR EMERITUS Mike Thomas, Crouse including all species of wild flora and fauna, that is valued by its citizens and elected officials, and sustainably managed for future generations. GENERAL CORPORATE COUNSEL Robinson Bradshaw & Hinson Our strength is derived from values driven leadership – science-based decision making; MARKETIN G/COMMUNICATIONS non-partisan approach to policy; stewardship of North Carolina’s natural resources; Walker Marketing, Inc. inclusivity of broad wildlife interests and perspectives; and partnering with organizations and individuals who share our vision and our passion for wildlife. DESIG N/ PRINTING Designed by: Kimberly KC Schott, Red Gate Design Printed by: Progress Printing, Lynchburg, VA GOALS Toward that vision, we will: Published by: North Carolina Wildlife Federation POLICY AND PROTECTION – Strongly influence state and federal policy that affects wildlife and habitat in North Carolina using established conservation models to ABOUT TH E COVER guide our positions. Cover photographs A ringing cry centuries old, the bugling of elk reverberates again in the North Carolina mountains. NETWORK OF IMPACT AND INVOLVEMENT – Foster a diverse, robust network / Lisa Santore, iStock.com. Black bear / jadimages, © Can of chapters, members, affiliates and partners; a network fortified by a variety of Stock Photo. Kayaker / digidreamgrafix, © Can Stock Photo. wildlife and outdoor interests. Deer / satori13, iStock.com. All other photos, unless EXPERIENCE AND LEARN – Enhance and expand opportunities for youth and adults noted, are courtesy of NCWF. that foster awareness and appreciation of wildlife and the important role healthy habitat CONTACT plays in sustaining wildlife and humanity. NCWF Raleigh office: ( 919) 833- 1923 SIGNATURE PROGRAMS – Sponsor and support programs for the enjoyment and 1024 Washington Street, Raleigh, NC 27605 NCWF Charlotte office: (7 04) 332-5 696 conservation of wildlife and habitat, including ethical and sustainable outdoor 1346 St. Julien Street, Charlotte, NC 28205. recreation pursuits.

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W G Keeping Up with the Wapiti

Bringing back the elk was hardly easy, from either a biological or political perspective. Initially, state veterinarians in North Carolina and Tennessee were resistant to the idea. Gov. James Hunt set a goal of having the animals reintroduced before he left office in early January of 2001. He persuaded N.C. Commissioner of Agriculture Jim Graham to allow the reintroduction to go through. While Hunt couldn’t make his initial deadline, elk were released in Cataloochee Valley just two days after he left office—a victory nonetheless.

After introducing elk back into their ancestral range on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2001, the Park Service declared the stocking a success and turned over management of all elk residing off the Park’s boundary to the Wildlife Resources Commission in 2008. The estimated number of elk outside the Park boundary was estimated at about 80 animals. Elk are wanderers and somewhat migratory, moving with the influence of season and food supply. Elk are opportunist grazers, as well, consuming a wide variety of vegetation including pasture grasses, hay, crops, and ornamental plants. That puts them in potential conflict with many of the land uses in western North Carolina.

To develop a management plan consistent with the capabilities of the available habitat and the interests of the local people, the Wildlife Commission undertook an extensive study of the elk, its positive contributions, and its problem behaviors. These are some of the findings.

jThe presence of elk has a signifi cant jA Human Dimension Survey found that the positive impact on the economy of majority of landowners in western North Caro- North Carolina that is driven by addi - lina support wild, free-ranging elk. However, tional tourism spending by visitors support for elk within 5 miles of their property coming to see the animals. Estimated diminished with landowners who owned greater increases in wildlife-viewing tourism, than 15 acres in areas where elk were more however, have the potential to add highly populated. Small landowners generally substantially to economic activity in supported the elk introduction citing oppor- North Carolina, including statewide tunities to view the elk and returning the © CAN STOCK PHOTO / TMAINIERO increases in output, employment, and animals to their ancestral home. labor incomes. The additional jobs created ranged from 82 to 409 based on the jPopulation growth models yielded information low and high scenarios for visitation. Statewide about the feasibility of special permit hunting. economic output is estimated to increase by The result was that hunting would depress the approximately $9.6 to $48.1 million per year, growth of elk populations and would not add depending on the scenario considered. significantly to the economic benefits of intro - duction. Hunting is not generally considered jIn virtually all scenarios and all study areas, bene - until the core population reaches 200. fits of the elk herd are estimated to exceed the costs of the elk herd throughout the 25-year study jWRC discovered a strong tendency on the part period. Benefits are projected to be experienced of some landowners to destroy marauding elk by a relatively large number of individuals; costs, under the depredation laws that allow such however, are higher on a per-incident basis and action when wildlife is encountered in the act of are incurred by a relatively small number of indi - destroying private property. To discourage that viduals, who have farms located near areas that practice and to document its extent, a Rule was elk favor or drivers who have a collision with an passed to require persons killing an elk with or elk. The greatest cost factors are vehicle colli - without a depredation permit to report the sions and fence damage. occurrence to WRC within 24 hours.

North Carolina is blessed with a significant opportunity to restore the impressive elk to the mega-fauna of western North Carolina that will give us and generations to come the chance to see and hear these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. We must all commit to ensuring that this opportunity is realized.

Journa l Fall 2017 • 4 NCW F www.ncwf.org An Eye Full of Elk RESTORATION TIMELINE When readers imagine the sound of a breeding elk bugle cutting through the fall air, or picture continued the sight of two mature bulls battling for dominance, most envision a backdrop reminiscent of the western Rocky Mountains. Most outdoor enthusiasts have little idea just how visible elk are in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you have even the slightest interest in seeing 2002 wild elk, the Smokies is the place to be to witness this wildlife success story. Not only are elk 27 elk from Elk Island National visible throughout the year, but the Park offers what might be the most consistent and accessible Park in Alberta, Canada are opportunity to see elk throughout their entire Southern Appalachian range. released into Cataloochee Valley, GSMNP. There are two primary locations where visitors can view elk on an almost daily basis. The first is the original release site at Cataloochee Valley in the southeast portion of the Park. The 2008 most direct route is by taking exit 20 from Interstate 40, then travelling 0.2 mile to Cove Creek The NPS declares the experi- Road on the right. Follow Cove Creek Road for approximately 11 miles into the Park, and this mental stage of the North will lead you directly into Cataloochee Valley. Carolina elk release complete. Responsibility for manage - The second highly recommended location is the area surrounding the Oconaluftee Visitor ment of elk outside GSMNP Center in the Park. This location can be easily reached from Cherokee by travelling north on boundaries is transferred to U.S. 4 41 for approximately 3 miles. When you reach the fields along the right, you are in elk the NCWRC. country, so keep your eyes open! 2010 Throughout the year, the best times to view elk are in the early morning and late evening. While elk are readily visible in the national park, remember that these are wild animals and GSMNP Elk Management Plan 2010-2025 is published. behaviors can be unpredictable. Use binoculars for an up-close experience, and never approach elk in the fields. Doing so could ruin the experience for other viewers, while putting you in danger. 2011 If you’re looking for a truly memorable experience, make certain to plan an elk viewing trip during GSMNP concludes finding of September when bugling and rutting activity is at its peak. It is nothing short of unforgettable. no significant impact for the establishment of elk. This announcement paves the way for long-term support for the STEPHEN DOBEY continued monitoring of elk in the Park. 2014 NCWRC identifies property outside GSMNP near Maggie Valley that could be purchased for permanent land protection efforts to benefit elk and other wildlife. 2014 NCWF starts a long-term lease on parcel of land that elk fre - quent and landowners value. 2015 NCWF makes elk habitat a conservation priority for the revision of Nantahala-Pisgah forest management plan. 2016 NCWRC removes elk from the state list of special concern species and approves proposal to establish framework for a future elk hunting season in the state.

• Journa l Fall 2017 www.ncwf.org NCW F 5 W Careful Crossings

With the success of the elk re-introduction program in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the issues of wildlife corridors and habitat fragmentation are real and present. Providing safe passage for elk and ensuring sufficient habitat en route is the key to a new collaborative. The immediate goal of this project is to use GPS-collared elk to help identify key places along major roads adjacent to GSMNP that could be targeted for wildlife road crossing structures (or other mitigation activities). Such structures could significantly reduce the risk of dangerous and costly elk-vehicle collisions, and could greatly improve the degree of connectivity for elk living inside and outside of the national park, in addition to likely benefits for many other species that would use the crossings. Imagine you're zooming down Interstate 40 west of Asheville, and as you start your descent down the steep and narrow Pigeon River gorge on your way to the Tennessee line, suddenly a 1,000-pound bull elk steps onto the highway in front of your car! It’s not a pretty picture— © CAN STOCK PHOTO / KELLYVANDELLEN collisions between elk and vehicles rarely end well for either party. With the elk population continuing to grow in western North Carolina, this could become an issue for public safety and wildlife conservation. Fortunately, there are proven solutions for helping wildlife cross highways safely. The North Carolina Wildlife Federation, Wildlands Network, National Parks Conservation Association, the National Park Service, and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission are all working together in the early stages of a project designed to find the best ways to help elk get across major roads near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. One of the best techniques available for reducing wildlife-vehicle crashes is to install special bridges and overpasses. Many Americans have seen pictures of such structures from Banff National Park in Canada, and from various European countries as well, where the idea has really caught on. But wildlife crossings are also increasingly popular in the United States, particularly in the West where they have been shown to be highly successful in helping elk, mule deer, and prong - horn cross roads without getting hit. Here in North Carolina, there are a set of three prominent wildlife crossings along U.S. 64 on the way to the Outer Banks, and more than 30 crossing structures are due to be installed on that highway if the widening project from Columbia to Manteo eventually proceeds. © CAN STOCK PHOTO / KELLYVANDELLEN

Back in the mountains, it seems like a no-brainer that we should think about installing wildlife crossings along I-40 as it wraps between the national park and the national forests.

STEPHEN DOBEY There have also been several recent elk-vehicle collisions on U.S. 19 as it passes through Maggie Valley, so that highway is also of concern. But the question is where exactly to put the underpass or overpasses to have the maximum benefit for wildlife? That’s where the collaborative project comes in. We’re working on a team effort to install GPS collars on a set of elk in and around the national park, to try to pinpoint where the animals are crossing or attempting to cross major roads. Two elk were recently collared in September, and another 11 collars are set to be deployed later this year. (Want to sponsor an additional collar for $3,000? Ask how at [email protected].) We hope the resulting data will be very informative as we seek to identify the key pathways for elk as these magnificent animals leave the national park and migrate to surrounding habitats across the North Carolina mountains.

Journa l Fall 2017 • 6 NCW F www.ncwf.org Silver Linings RESTORATION TIMELINE Since 2001, a small but growing population of elk has lived in Great Smoky Mountains continued National Park. As the number of elk increases, so does the need to ensure adequate habitat for these large animals to roam and thrive in western North Carolina. In 2014, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission identified lands adjacent to the Great 2016 Smoky Mountains National Park and Blue Ridge Parkway in Maggie Valley that could provide The Conservation Fund, with habitat for elk and other wildlife species. With the WRC’s priorities in mind, The Conservation support from The Clean Water Fund, a national non-profit conservation organization, got to work, along with its partners the Management Trust Fund and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, North Carolina Wildlife Federation and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF). purchases over 1,900 acres of Together with local partner the Maggie Valley Sanitary District (MVSD)—winner of the private land near Maggie Valley 2016 Municipal Conservationist of the Year Governor’s Conservation Achievement Award— and conveys this to NCWRC for The Conservation Fund engaged local conservation-minded landowners. management and permanent Since water security and wildlife habitat protection are compatible goals, the Fund and MVSD ownership. have teamed up to protect Maggie Valley’s drinking water supplies in Jonathan Creek and Campbell 2017 Creek. In September 2 014, the Fund acquired 5 61 acres valued at almost $2,700,000 on Sheepback On September 1, the NCWRC Mountain. In 2 015, the Fund conveyed the property to WRC with the support of grants from opens the recently acquired the Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF), Fred and Alice Stanback, Duke Energy Maggie Valley land acquisition Water Resources Fund, the Pigeon River Fund, and the Pittman-Robertson Fund. to the public as the William H. The Fund acquired an additional 1,364 acres in 2 015 and 2 016, valued at almost $6,700,000 Silver State Game Land. from the descendants of William Harvey Silver, including Thornton Hawkins, Sharon and Lynn 2018 Smith, and Robert Williams, Sr., and from local businessman Sammy Carver. These properties Rocky Mountain Elk Founda- help protect Mashie Stomp Creek, Rough Ridge, Deep Gap Branch, Chestnut Ridge, and Indian tion and The Conservation Creek. With the transfer of these land to WRC—with the support of the CWMTF, Fred and Fund continue land acquisition Alice Stanback, Brad and Shelli Stanback, RMEF, Pigeon River Fund, and WRC funds—the efforts to protect additional acres adjacent to the William William H. Silver Game Land was established. H. Silver Game Land. Ongoing efforts to expand the new game land continue throughout 2 017. In addition, the MVSD and the Fund have protected about 1,250 acres in the Jonathan and Campbell Creek watersheds across the valley from the William H. Silver Game Land that also provide additional habitat for the North Carolina elk to flourish. Partnerships are key to ensuring a healthy future NC for both wildlife and communities in western North Carolina. WF STEPHEN DOBEY

The following contributed to this piece along with Federation personnel: Steven Dobey, Conservation Program Manager Eastern U.S. Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Bill Holman, North Carolina State Director The Conservation Fund Ron Sutherland, Ph.D. Conservation Scientist Wildlands Network

• Journa l Fall 2017 www.ncwf.org NCW F 7 Working for Wildlife The North Carolina Wildlife Federation presented its 54th Annual 2016 Governor's Conservation Achievement Awards to 20 winners dedicated to conservation in North Carolina. This year's winners are exceedingly notable conservation devotees who work for wildlife from elk to amphibians to fish and marine resources. They are water quality GOVERNOR’S advocates, land stewardship champions and leaders in the preservation of unique eco - CONSERVATION systems. The award winners include agency professionals, elected officials, academia, ACHIEVEMENT non-profit leaders and organizations rising to the challenge. By recognizing, publicizing and honoring these conservation leaders—young and old, AWARD S WINNERS professional and volunteer—the North Carolina Wildlife Federation hopes to inspire all North Carolinians to take a more active role in protecting the natural resources of our state. The awards were presented at the Annual Governor's Conservation Achievement Awards banquet and celebration held September 9 at the Embassy Suites RTP in Cary, NC. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

WILDLIFE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER OF THE YEAR CONSERVATION ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR NCWF AFFILIATE OF THE YEAR Bra nden D. Jones, Denton Z Master Officer Resource Institute, Winston-Salem Z From Carolina Wetlands Association, Raleigh Z Jones is the epitome of a hardworking and restoring wetlands, streams, and river systems In the face of research elimination in agency dedicated officer. He excels in his investigative to establishing greenways and removing dams, budgets, scientists and biologists formed CWA work being particularly good at detecting the non-profit Resource Institute fosters col - to increase public awareness and appreciation egregious acts that jeopardize the state’s laboration and innovation while working for of wetland ecosystems and their vital functions natural resources or threaten public safety. functioning ecosystems and water quality. for habitat, water quality through filtration, and While investigating a poaching ring, he uncov - One example of its work is the Ararat River flood control. The group became a leader ered a massive drug lab. He, along with other restoration effort near Mt. Airy that turned for policy and technical expertise across the law enforcement agencies, arrested the a muddy river into a delayed harvest trout Carolinas, while CWA’s Wetland Treasures suspects, who have since been indicted on waterway with conservation easements and program highlights important wetlands and numerous felony charges. miles of greenway construction. includes public field trips.

MARINE FISHERIES NATURAL RESOURCES SCIENTIST OF THE YEAR NCWF CHAPTER OF THE YEAR ENFORCEMENT OFFICER OF THE YEAR Fritz Rohde, Wilmington Z As a fisheries Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists, Bill Register, Wilmington Z From patrolling biologist for the National Marine Fisheries Mooresville Z Building community for heavily-fished coastal waters to monitoring Service, Rohde is a staunch defender of fresh- conservation is the hallmark of this wildlife pollution levels, nursery areas and endan - water, estuarine, and marine resources. He is chapter. Over the last year, the group has built gered species, Officer Register made a huge known for his work on Cape Fear River fish and deployed nesting boxes, heron rookeries, impact on southeastern North Carolina’s passage and the Roanoke River fish restora - and osprey nesting platforms while stabilizing sounds and rivers. A former Navy SEAL, tion plan. Currently serving as president of shoreline habitat and establishing fish habitat Register helped develop and implement the North American Native Fishes Association, in and around the largest aquatic ecosystem in a Water Survival course for Marine Patrol Rohde’s many publications and volunteer work the state. The chapter coordinates an island and Division of Marine Fisheries employees, well describe the uncommon breadth of his habitat program and provides a robust com- ensuring safety for countless officers and contributions to fish resources. munity education effort via its popular pro - staff in the future. grams, wildlife boat tours, and events.

HUNTER SAFETY EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR BUSINESS CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR Joe Darden, Fayetteville Z Joe Darden has Garrett Wildflower Seed Farm, Smithfield Z instructed tirelessly through the years, amass - Don Lee and his family run Garrett Wildflower ing over 2,500 volunteer hours teaching hunter Seed Farm, where they grow and harvest education courses and related events. Darden seeds from as many as 50 species of native is recognized as a pioneer and champion North Carolina plants each year. Most are of hunter education, setting a remarkable used in restoration projects that seek to example of dedicated volunteer service. replant the sprawling Piedmont and Coastal Plain quail habitats that once blanketed the WILDLIFE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR state. Others are scientific and testing plots, Donald Funderud, Asheville Z As a lifelong such as current efforts to grow certain friend of fish and wildlife resources, and milkweeds for use as pollinator plants. an avid fisherman and waterfowl hunter, But all the efforts of Garrett Wildflower Seed Farm seek to restore a balance long lost in Funderud has supported countless fishing modern agriculture. Seeds from the company are now growing in wetlands mitigation proj - events for youth, veterans, and the physically ects, utility right of ways managed for wildlife, and on conservation plots planted by private and mentally challenged. He has held many landowners large and small. And the word is getting out. Lee is consulting with landowners leadership roles with the Western North Car - in North Carolina, Alabama, and Mississippi. Garrett Wildflowers is growing, and Lee has olina Muskie Club including his service as plans so auspicious that some of his family members are starting to wonder just who he president, treasurer, and event coordinator, thinks is going to do all this work! providing fishing opportunities for many Don Lee planted his first field of wildflowers in 1991. They were daisies, and they sprouted people that would not otherwise have them. in the same field where his grandfather had a heart attack and fell over dead in the tobacco plants. His name was Garrett. His ethic of work and community live on in the family named Lee.

Journa l Fall 2017 • 8 NCW F www.ncwf.org MUNICIPAL CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR WILDLIFE CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR Maggie Valley Sanitary District Z Protecting Jeff Hall, Greenville Z You don’t have to go far to witness one of drinking water for the citizens of Maggie Valley the great natural wonders of the world. You won’t believe you’ve in Haywood County, the MVSD has a vision and missed it all these years. You’ll find this National Geographic a commitment to conservation. It works with worthy experience on the banks of a small pond, on most any partners to conserve 2,000 acres that it owns warm night in June. You can stand there in the dark and listen and manages in the Campbell Creek water- to a stunning symphony of calling, groaning, croaking, bellow - shed, and is spearheading the establishment ing, and singing frogs. Bullfrogs and cricket frogs, green frogs, of a nearly 3,000-acre game land to protect Fowler’s toads, American toads, spring peepers. For sheer awe, elk and the Jonathan Creek watershed. find you a good frog pond in June. Jeff Hall has introduced many people to this wonder, as they FOREST CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR volunteer to monitor frog calls, part of a Citizen Science project Megan Sutton, Asheville Z Sutton is the Blue Hall operates. The experience helps open your ears to the wonders right under our earlobes. Ridge Program director with The Nature Con - Science makes a difference. A biologist with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, Hall servancy. Through her work, thousands of acres is coordinator of the Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation program, and he’s served of forests have benefited from prescribed as president of the N.C. Herpetological Society. Respected for his work on ephemeral pool burning and restoration. She was recently creation for Carolina gopher frogs, bog turtle swamps and for research on the last remaining appointed to the National Advisory Committee populations of eastern diamondback rattlers in the state, Hall also excels in leading citizen for the Implementation of the National Forest science research. System Land Management Planning Rule.

LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR to advocate for the cleanup of the contami - Larry Yarborough, Roxboro Z Representative Kim Kelleher, Chapel Hill Z Upon constantly nated site, finally prevailing when the EPA Yarborough is a champion for public trust witnessing children flounder due to absences, ordered the toxic Superfund site be cleaned. resources, wildlife, and sporting issues. His lack of motivation, and learning disabilities in staunch support for marine fisheries manage - her Title 1 school, this school counselor spear - LAND CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR ment and conservation leads the charge for headed an award-winning nature trail in the David Schnake, Durham Z As the Forest reform and brings to bear the serious issue of woods surrounding her school. Bringing envi - Research Operation Manager for the N.C. fish stock decline in N.C. coastal waters. ronmental education to the forefront of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer school, the trail now has a guide with dozens Services, Schnake is responsible for more YOUTH CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR of trail markers, a covered outdoor classroom than 25 land projects spanning 17,000 Sean O’Donnell, Apex Z North Carolina lost a and a butterfly garden. diversely forested acres. Developing com- true conservation champion with the passing prehensive land conservation and restoration this year of Sean O’Donnell. O’Donnell was an WATER CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR planning for shortleaf pine and oak savanna avid sportsman whose enthusiasm for sharing, Lee Ann Smith, Arden Z As her Asheville ecosystems are among Schnake’s efforts. volunteering, and practicing in all things out - community was plagued with health issues, doors was boundless. At an early age he began Smith became a fierce advocate upon learning SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR volunteering with groups like Quality Deer Man - her young son also had cancer. Her investiga - Allen E. Gant, Jr., Burlington Z Gant spear - agement and NC Bowhunters Association. He tions led to the discovery of toxic contaminates headed an effort that took a new approach to also led efforts to feed the needy with venison in the soil, groundwater and surface water in marine resource conservation. Rather than and participated in hunter education events the area due to an old electroplating facility. fighting over how to re-allocate a shrinking and youth hunting and fishing days. She co-founded the POWER Action Group NC resource, he supports reforms that would grow the number of fish for all by taking a conservation based approach to fisheries CONSERVATION COMMUNICATOR OF THE YEAR management with a focus on the economic Bonnie Monteleone, Wilmington Z You’ve probably run into benefits. Through his efforts, the debate on Bonnie Monteleone, or her work, somewhere. Perhaps it was fisheries management reform has shifted to at a museum where her interactive art sculpture, What Goes conservation, providing a possible path to Around Comes Around, brings awareness to the menace of resolving this decades-long dispute. one-time-use plastics. That art project has been installed at UNC-Wilmington, Rutgers University, the University of Nevada— CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR Reno, and the Aquarium of the Pacific in California. Richard Hamilton, Raleigh Z A life-long Maybe you read about her in The New York Times. Or maybe wildlife and conservation giant with a huge you’ve seen the movie she was in, A Plastic Ocean. That was impact on North Carolina’s landscape for more also her on those ships collecting marine debris samples from than four decades, Hamilton served North the South Pacific, the North Atlantic, the Caribbean. And for Carolina’s wildlife agency as Statewide Wildlife sure, you can run into Monteleone on the North Carolina coast, where she walks her talk Research Project Leader, Chief of the Division about ocean debris impacts by leading and participating in litter cleanups year-round. of Game, and Chief of the Division of Inland In the words of her nomination for this award, the span of work that Monteleone undertakes Fisheries before his promotion to Deputy is astounding. She is a scientist, an advocate, an artist, a prophet, a seer. She is a thinker and Director in 1986 and subsequent role as a doer. She has chosen to tackle an environmental calamity nearly indescribable in scope Executive Director from 2004 until retirement and heart-breaking in impact. But the hope she exudes, and the promise she symbolizes in in 2007. Hamilton has worked for all wildlife the impact of a single, purposeful, passionate life, might just be big enough to help turn the species, game and nongame alike, and now tide on the scourge of ocean plastics. advocates for them and for sporting and NC outdoor heritage issues. WF

• Journa l Fall 2017 www.ncwf.org NCW F 9 federation news

Reso lv ed to protec t mar ine resou rces Sohe uNornth Cdaro lSina oWildulife tFedieoratinon s: Tboard of directors recently approved two resolutions that formalized support for marine resource management and marine habitat protection. These resolu tions focus on the goals of NCWF’s Sound Solutions Campaign, and confirm the deep commit - O

ment of the organization to protect North T O H P

Carolina’s coastal habitats and their wildlife. E R O

In focusing on coastal habitat protection O M

and marine fisheries management reform, Y N O T

the resolutions lay out the rationale and /

M O

goals of these major components of the C . K C

Sound Solutions Campaign. The NCWF O T S board directly requests that the governor, I president pro tempore, speaker of the ion to protect juvenile fish from huge, protect, and restore North Carolina’s house, and DEQ secretary act on the corporate shrimp trawlers by restricting coastal water quality and estuarine habitats. recommendations put forward . them in the fisheries’ nursery area within The CHPP proposes and supports Best North Carolina’s 2.5 million acres of state waters. Man agement Practices, such as low-impact estuarine waters provide critical habitat development, pollution reduction devices, for hundreds of species to feed, seek No other state allows the level of and living shorelines construction. shelter, and grow until they mature and shrimp trawling that North Carolina Unfortunately, politics have prevented are old enough to spawn or migrate to does, and it has created a looming the agencies and their respective com- offshore spawning grounds. NCWF collapse of fish stocks because of the mis sions from appropriately carrying out created the Sound Solutions Campaign to hundreds of millions of fish caught their obligations. The resolution calls on ensure that our sounds and estuaries are as bycatch in the shrimp trawl nets. the agencies and commissions to actively protected to sustain both recreational The conservative estimate of 4 pounds support the CHPP, and implement its and commercial uses of these resources. of bycatch to 1 pound of shrimp ratio recommendations in a timely manner. NCWF has looked to work with all has negatively impacted the $2 billion Sound Solutions has attempted to interested parties to improve the state’s commercial and recreational fishing move beyond the historical divides that oversight and management of our marine industries. have limited progress in marine resource resources. After talking and meeting with protection, such as those between the com - hundreds of stakeholders, including fisher - After 20 years, the Fisheries Reform mercial fishing industry and recreational m en, seafood dealers, scientists, govern - Act has failed to deliver on its promises to anglers, and between land developers and ment, and community and business leaders, sus tain North Carolina fisheries. While envi ron mentalists. We continue to work we determined that our approach needed most thought the FRA would create a man - with stake holders, the governor, legislative to be comprehensive and multi-faceted in age ment system that would systematically leadership, the Division of Marine Fish - scope. This decision allows the campaign conserve and protect the state’s fisheries, eries, and the MFC to move these public to utilize all legal, regulatory, and proce - it has done just the opposite, by creating policy recom mendations forward. This dural options, as well as different types an allocation system that is unsustainable. campaign, how ever, has confirmed that of public outreach through media and Politics and socio-economics have con - status quo is not the solution. the internet. trolled the process, not science. The people of North Carolina deserve for their marine resources to be protected The Marine Fisheries Reform Resolution is The Coastal Habitat Protection Resolution and sustained, not vulnerable and degraded. necessary because North Carolina’s marine confirms NCWF’s commitment to defend - The Sound Solutions Campaign will fisheries continue to decline among the ing North Carolina’s coastal resources. continue to work with the public and most important fish stocks, including Natural resource agencies took a big step stakeholders to do what is right for the weak fish, spot, croaker, and southern some years ago by creating the Coastal resource, because that is what is best for flounder. After years of decline, NCWF Habitat Protection Plan that serves as a North Carolina. petitioned the Marine Fisheries Commiss - road map to comprehensively conserve,

Journa l Summer 2017 • 10 NCW F www.ncwf.org federation news

’Tis the Hunting NCWF Scholarships and Helping Season or more than 50 years, North Carolina Wildlife Federation has A Half- nd Com NCWF’s Farmers and

s a m

provided scholarships and grants to help hundreds of North

r Communities Manage

Century m i

Carolina students pursue their dreams of study ing and working in Deer (FCMD) program

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a s

continues to serve local the conservation field. To date, more than 300 students have been A N of Support P O R I O T G A R R E farming communities A aided on their journey to work as professional conservationists. M D E

O F F E T F H LI E LD NO I RT A W and the hungry through M H IN Each year through our financial aid program, we provide up to seven grants to full-time CAROL r an ee students (graduate or undergraduate) who are enrolled in and attending an accredited age D offering new deer dona - North Carolina college or university, including 2-year programs. Eligible students must tion sites. These sites provide individuals and hunt clubs with an outlet for be majoring in the areas of wildlife, fisheries, forestry, conservation, or the environment. donating venison to manage local deer herds and Congratulations to our 2017 scholarship recipients. feed the hungry. Many individuals and families struggle with food insecurity throughout the WILLIAM (C HRIS ) T HAXTON • Chris is NICHOLAS GOULD • Nicholas is a doctoral year and can benefit from the generosity of the recipient of our $2,500 Conservation student at North Carolina State University hunters, landowners, local civic groups, and food Leader ship Scholarship. He is a graduate in the Fisheries, Wildlife and Biology pro - relief organizations through the FCMD program. student in biology at East Carolina Univer - gram, examining population ecology of As we approach the holiday season, please ity with a focus on fisheries. His research in black bears in urban/suburban environments consider donating deer at new and existing sites phenology, the study of natural patterns in conjunction with the Wildlife Resources or make a financial contribution to organizations such as flowering or migration, is considered Commission to identify factors of bear supporting those in need in North Carolina. The a key indicator in the effects of climate colonization of the Piedmont. Nicholas FCMD program is a collaborative effort between change on eco-systems. Chris is interested has contributed to the success of wildlife the Federation and N.C. Hunters for the Hungry, in the politicization of sea level rise in North students locally and internationally as a a 501(c) 3 non-profit, which utilizes individual Carolina and aspires to publish a literature mentor and speaker, and seeks to share his and corporate donations to process venison for the hungry. All deer donated to the FCMD pro - review of the issue in an academic journal. research findings with other professionals. gram are harvested, processed, and distributed Chris’s love of the outdoors began at an early WHITNEY ROBERTS • A graduate student at locally through charitable organizations. age in Eagle Scouts. His affinity for nature Duke University in coastal environmental Please call each site directly for further led him to academic pursuits including field management, Whitney’s education focus is instructions regarding deer donation. Check work as a NOAA Hollings Scholar, an creating grassroots networks for sustainable out the “Programs” tab at www.ncwf.org or Honors Thesis on the phytoplankton of the seafood policy that originates in coastal www.nchuntersforthehungry.org for a full list Tar-Pamlico River Basin, and research on communities. Her background working in of deer drop-off locations. To help support the poisonous frogs in the Peruvian Amazon. lower-income areas gave her a strong foun - program or receive more information, please send an e-mail to [email protected], or call (919) CHRISTOPHER MOORE • Chris is a doctoral dation in the connection between science, 833-1923. The Farmers and Communities student in interdisciplinary biological policy, and social justice, which she seeks Manage Deer program is a sponsored project sciences at East Carolina University, to apply professionally with a non-profit of the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. research ing the use of marine parasites for or research aquarium that will allow her to expedient and cost-efficient assessment of actively engage with coastal communities NEW DEER DONATION SITES: the health of marine systems. Chris aspires to promote sustainable practices from to a career as a research biologist and science ocean to plate. Cumberland County Jones County communicator to integrate human use of the Noble Meats Pollocksville Volunteer DANIEL CHOI • Daniel is a rising junior in landscape with the best scientific practices. 2469 Lillington Hwy, Fire Department fisheries, wildlife and conservation at North Spring Lake 209 Beaufort Rd., JOSEPH FADER • Joseph is a doctoral student Carolina State University who is inspired by (910) 436-6022 Pollocksville (252) 224-4681 in marine ecology and conservation at Duke the intersection of research, fieldwork, and Gaston County University studying conflicts surrounding storytelling. These passions, combined for The Deer Shack Wayne County protected marine mammals and North Caro - his love of photography, lend themselves to 216 Helms Dr., Whitetail Creations lina commercial fisheries. Joseph’s broad his aspiration to become a field biologist for Mt. Holly Taxidermy per spective includes field work and first- National Geographic. Daniel is involved in (704) 718-9135 504 Foxwood Dr., Goldsboro hand experience of the dynamics of marine service projects on and off campus that set Harnett County (919) 581-8760 resource management as a protected species him apart as a leader. South Wake observer at a fishery. His goal is to be a Conservationists conservation biologist who promotes the 4503 Ross Road, Lillington viability of both wildlife and livelihoods. (919) 250-8441

• Journa l Fall 2017 www.ncwf.org NCW F 11 NCWF CHAPTERS UPDATE

CHECK OUT OUR CHAPTERS! For more infor ma tion on how you can participate, con tact Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists proves Christopher North at [email protected]. ‘if you build it, they will come’ Building community for conservation is the hallmark of this wildlife chapter that Capital Chapter is celebrating its 10th year anniversary. Over the last year, the group has built and deployed nesting boxes, heron rookeries, and osprey nesting platforms while stabilizing shoreline habitat and establishing fish habitat in and around the largest aquatic ecosystem in the state. The chapter coordinates an island habitat program Community Alliance for Wildlife and provides a robust community education effort via its popular programs, wildlife boat tours, and events. The prestigious award of “Chapter of the Year” was given to the Lake Norman Wild - Concor d Wildlif e Alliance life Conservationists during the Governor’s Conservation Achievemen t Awards banquet. From planting trees to putting on their annual Shrimp and Oyster Festival, the Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists do it all. With a large number of volun - teers and dedicated leadership, the team makes an impact throughout all of the Lake CR OWN CROWN (Charlotte Norman communities and habitats. The evening’s master of ceremonies described Reconnecting Ourselves the dedication and commitment of this year’s “Chapter of the Year” award winner: With Nature) “In the words of my grandmother, a phrase she used whenever she was watching us grandchildren, the Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists just makes me tired. Listen to all this: Each year the group plants 900 gallons of buttonbush shrubs to HAWK (Habitat and control island erosion on Lake Norman, builds and erects nest boxes for prothon - Wildlife Keepers) otary warblers, brown-headed nuthatches, and tree swallows. Over the last 4 years they’ve built 7 artificial reefs with hundreds of tons of rock barged into place. In the last 7 years they’ve sunk 300 fish attractors. Over the same period, they’ve worked Lake James Are a Wildlife with Boy Scouts to build 27 wooden basking platforms for turtles. Building stuff— and Nature Society stuff for wildlife, and building community for wildlife lovers—is what the Lake Norman Conservationists has always been all about. When you care enough about a turtle to spend your weekend building reptilian tanning beds, let me tell NC you: That makes you an NCWF Chapter of the Year.” WF Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists

MAKING A PLACE FOR WILDLIFE AND HABITAT PAWC (Pamlico Albemarle ALONG LAKE NORMAN Wildlife Conservationists) SHORELINES.

PAWS (Gaston County Piedmont Area Wildlife Stewards)

River Hawks (Wake Forest)

South Wak e Conservationists

The Albemarle Conserva tion and Wildlife Chapter

Journa l Fall 2017 • 12 NCW F www.ncwf.org Charlie Shaw Society: A message from the Chair

Members in the Charlie Shaw Society are our most dedicated supporters—generous members who have made a minimum annual commitment of $1,000 to the work and programs of the North Carolina Wildlife John Robbins, Owner of Greathorn Federation. We are so very grateful. Properties in Concord and committed philanthropist and sportsman, is the current Chair of the Charlie Shaw Society. With the year almost over, I am asking our Shaw He encourages others to join him in support Society members—and everyone else— to begin of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation. thinking about a year-end gift. If you’ve always made cash gifts to NCWF, why not consider a gift of appreciated stock this year? With the various stock indices at or near all-time highs, it’s a great time to think about a stock gift. As most of you know, when you contribute appreciated securities, you receive a tax deduction for the fair market value and you avoid tax on G long-term capital gain you would otherwise incur on a sale of those et the m f ost im assets. It’s the most tax efficient donation approach there is, and or NCW pact F, whic turn be h in a win-win for you and for NCWF. nefits Pleas you. e consi If this tax efficient approach to giving appeals to you, our Development stock der a gift thi Director, Dom Canavarro, can assist you with a stock gift to NCWF. s year. Cal l (919) 833-1923 or e-mail Dom at [email protected]. And, as always, my deepest thanks. —JOHN ROBBINS

• Journa l Fall 2017 www.ncwf.org NCW F 13

E North Carolina Wildlife Federation 1024 Washington Street H Raleigh , NC 27605 insert T progress indicia SSe a son GUID E TO NATURAL NORT H CAROLINA

DECEMBER Dece m bVer 1: Witch-h aze l, o ne of o ur lat est- bloomin g wildflo wers, is still in bloom, often after the tree has dropped its leaves. G Decem ber 2-3: 30th annual Core Sound Decoy Festival, Harkers Island. For more information, call 252-8 38 -F8818 or visit : http://deco ygu ild.c om/

December 3: Scaup migration peaks. White-tailed deer ru t Gis peaking in the Mountain s.

Dece m ber 4: Hummingbirds seen in North Caro - lina d uring w in ter are o ften vagrant individuals of sp eci e Rs oth er tha n our u sua l ruby-throats. The rufous hummingbird is the species most o ften s een, but oth ers turn u p as w ell. Re po rt late fall and winter hummingbird sightings to [email protected] or 91 0-949-3 207. J Good fishing for striped bass in December 9: reser voirs like Kerr and L ake Gaston. The large s December 13-14: Geminid meteor shower will peak in th e w ee ho ur s of the morn ing. Bund le up JAN UARY Janu ary 11: Buck whit e-ta iled deer are shedding and find a Rdark beach o r o pen fiel d Ten-lined for the s Junehow. New Y ea r’s resolut ions? How about their antlers. January 1: These b spending mo re time out doors? Or learning more f G reat hor ned ow ls a re nestin g. December 14-January 5: Annua l Christmas Bird January 12: about what’s going on in the real world? Barred owls be gin n esti ng. Coun ts are held ar ound the st ate. Fo r inf ormation January 14: on h juvenilesow you c willan p dispersearticipat einto in t terrestrialhe world’s habitatslargest January 2: Most b utterfli es hav e mig rated, h iber - Bald eagles beg in ne sting. and oldest organized wildlife survey, contact your nated, or been killed by freezing temperatures, but January 15: o B local Audubon chapter or the Carolina Bird Club, on warm January days, especially in the Coastal Plain, January 16: Mourning doves are beginning their www .carolinabirdclub.org. linger ing adults of a few hardy species, including the cour tship flights.

monarch, common buckeye, variegated fritillary, red January 20: Most flycatchers and other heavily December 15: Tiger and Mabee’s salamanders— two of our rarer e phe meral-p ond-bre ed ing admiral, and A m er ican la dy may be s een flyi ng. inse c tivo rou s bir ds wint er in the tro pics, b ut the easte rn p hoe be hangs ar ound all y ear, swi tching its salamander species—begin breeding with the Janua ry 3-4: Quadra ntid meteo r shower— first warm or heav y winter rain s in the S andh ills the first major meteor shower of the season— w inte r diet to b erries along with whatever winter insects it can find. and Coasta l Plain. metamorphs peak s i n preda wn ho urs. B w Black b ears begin their wi nter W at ch for rare visits from winter Jan ua r y 21 : Th e huge flocks of red-winged December 16: January 5: black birds and other blackbirds overwintering sleep , but they may be active during warm periods. finch es lik e r ed cro ss bills a nd com mo n r e dpol ls. O alon g ou r coast are impressive spectacles. The In the big coastal refuges, whe re food is plentif ul, W aterfowl po pulatio ns ar e pea king Januar y 6 : large coastal refuges, like Pocosin Lakes, Alligator bear s m ay sta y a ctive virtual ly a ll w inter. along the coast; Pea Island and Lake Mattamuskeet River, and Mattamuskeet, are good spots to view Mig ration peak s for Ca nada National Wildlife Refuges are especially good December 18: this phenom Nenon. gee se and snow geese. wate r fo wl vie w ing are a s. Swan q Theseuart e rbeautiful and Ced ar January 25: Watch for humpback whales and Wi nt er is coming ! In fact, it’s here! iIslan d f erri es p rovid e go o d vi ewi ng opp ortun ities December 21: for sea d uck s. other marine mammals along the coast, particularly Solst ice i s at 11:28 a.m . Eastern S tan dard Tim e the Outer B ank s. (16:28 Universal Coordinated Time). Ha rbor se als, and oc casiona l Thesely other Janu ary 8: The Carolina Bird Club will hold lseal s peci es, may be see n al ong o ur coast in win ter, Janu ary 26 - N27: Ursid meteor shower peaks its winter meeting at Wrightsville Beach. For more Dece mber 23-2 4: more reg ularly in rece nt year s. Oregon Inle t is a tonight—best viewing should be between midnight information, visit www.carolinabirdclub.org. These goo d place to se e these small ma rine m ammals, and d awn . u either swimming or hauled out on spoil islands. G Ra ccoons and opossu ms are ma ting. M ost herbaceous plants have been T Janu ary 28: Decem be r 2 5: Wood frogs breed during winter killed by frost, b ut the frond s of Christmas fern add Janu a ry 9: M any s ma ll m ammals s leep d urin g Janua ry 30: rains. Like many winte r-breeding amphibians, these a bright green holida y tou c h t o the forest flo or. much o f the winter, but shrews remain active in B hand some frogs of ou r M oun tains and Foothills American underground tunnels or beneath the snow. Their December 28: Mink and muskrat fur is prime. high me tabolism require s that these t iny p red ators are highly freeze-tole ran t. B Take a kid (or a grown-up) Black bear cubs are being born. eat more than their weight in insects, earthworms, Chorus frogs have begun calling cDecemb Visiter 2 9 http://www.nwf.org/Great-American-: Jan uary 31: Big flocks of yellow-rumped and other food daily to survive. over much of the state: upland chorus frogs in the CDecember 3 0 : R warblers can be seen in the red-cedar and wax- Migration is peaking for mal lards Pied mon t; Brimley’s , sou thern, and ornate chorus C Janua ry 10: myrt le th ickets along the coast. It can pay to check S frogs in the Coastal Plain; and spring peepers over and blac k ducks. those flocks carefully for occasional overwintering much of the state. warblers of other species.