Please join us at our March 3 rd CWA members meeting for a Wildlife at Work Presentation. Denise Hallett, our presenter, serves as the Manager of Community and Government Relations for Vulcan Materials Company.
Denise will speak about Vulcan’s local involvement with the Cabarrus Education Foundation’s LINK Program at Patriots Elementary Owl Habitat and with Wildlife Conservation Projects at the Carolina Raptor Center, local quarries, and the National Wildlife Federation WAIT (workplace stewardship) program.
Denise manages Community and Government Relations in NC for Vulcan Materials Company, the nation’s largest producer of construction aggregates and a major producer of aggregates-based construction materials. Denise assists 22 Vulcan operations in NC with developing a community relations program that addresses earth science education, environmental stewardship, and employee engagement. In addition, she manages Vulcan’s Government Affairs programs at the local state and federal level. Denise will be joined by Audrey Blackburn, Community Engagement Director with the Carolina Raptor Center.
Denise will speak about Vulcan’s local involvement with the Cabarrus Education Foundation’s LINK Program at Patriots Elementary Owl Habitat and with Wildlife Conservation Projects at the Carolina Raptor Center, local quarries, and the National Wildlife Federation WAIT (workplace stewardship) program.
Denise manages Community and Government Relations in NC for Vulcan Materials Company, the nation’s largest producer of construction aggregates and a major producer of aggregates-based construction materials. Denise assists 22 Vulcan operations in NC with developing a community relations program that addresses earth science education, environmental stewardship, and employee engagement. In addition, she manages Vulcan’s Government Affairs programs at the local state and federal level. Denise will be joined by Audrey Blackburn, Community Engagement Director with the Carolina Raptor Center.
Wild at Work
Research and History of the St. Francis Satyr Butterfly Presented By Madison Tesh
The Saint Francis Satyr is one of the rarest butterflies in the United States and is only found on FortBragg in North Carolina. It lives in wetlands that are historically created through beaver dams which cause flooding and through ecological disturbances by fires. While the St. Francis Satyr is seemingly an insignificant species, it fills a niche in the ecosystem that is often overlooked. From food to predators to
indicating a healthy ecosystem, this butterflies presence (and absence) is studied not only to increase the St. Francis Satyr population numbers but also to assist in developing conservation plans that can be
applied to save other endangered butterflies as well.
Our presenter Madison Tesh, is from Concord, NC. In December 2019, she graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture Science and a minor in Environmental Science and a minor in Biological Sciences. Her interest in horticulture helped to spark her passion for ecology which led her to apply for the St. Francis Satyr research technician position. She learned a great deal about conservation efforts during her time working with the endangered butterfly. She has become inspired to apply for graduate school in the future to study conservation ecology.
indicating a healthy ecosystem, this butterflies presence (and absence) is studied not only to increase the St. Francis Satyr population numbers but also to assist in developing conservation plans that can be
applied to save other endangered butterflies as well.
Our presenter Madison Tesh, is from Concord, NC. In December 2019, she graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture Science and a minor in Environmental Science and a minor in Biological Sciences. Her interest in horticulture helped to spark her passion for ecology which led her to apply for the St. Francis Satyr research technician position. She learned a great deal about conservation efforts during her time working with the endangered butterfly. She has become inspired to apply for graduate school in the future to study conservation ecology.
Greenhouse Hemp Clone Production Tour
Hemp Production and Regulation in North
Carolina
Hemp, which was banned in the '70s, became legal federally in 2014 under the Hemp Pilot Program. Under the 2018 Farm Bill, it was further legalized. This reemerging crop is used worldwide for fiber and oil. It has both industrial and consumer uses. Learn more about the production and regulation of hemp in North Carolina.
Please join us to see what the experts are saying about hemp production and distribution in NC.
Speakers:
Hunter Barrier
Agricultural Research Manager-Horticulture/
New and Emerging Crops Initiative Coordinator
NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
Piedmont Research Station
Paul R. Adams III
Industrial Hemp Program Manager
Please join us to see what the experts are saying about hemp production and distribution in NC.
Speakers:
Hunter Barrier
Agricultural Research Manager-Horticulture/
New and Emerging Crops Initiative Coordinator
NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
Piedmont Research Station
Paul R. Adams III
Industrial Hemp Program Manager
PLANTING WITH PURPOSE
On December 3rd we will welcomed guest speaker Lauren Hill.
Lauren Hill, a NC Cooperative Extension Horticulture Agent, discusses adding new plants to your garden with multiple purposes. Growing plants for aesthetics, edibles, and wildlife and pollinators.
Lauren Hill began working for Cabarrus County NC Cooperative Extension in October 2015. She has a B.S. from Clemson University in Environmental Horticulture. She spent over 3 years working in private and public botanical gardens growing her expertise in ornamental plants including design, production and care. She loves spending time outdoors admiring nature but especially the flowers!
Give Thanks for Wildlife
We would like to thank everyone who attended our #GiveThanksForWildlife fundraiser on November 23rd. It was a great time, and we raised money for a great cause. We have more than 9 deer processed, and ready to donate to families in our community. Our goal is to donate at least 50 deer, and we are well on our way. We are looking forward to the new year, and appreciate everyones support. Happy Thanksgiving, and Thank you!
Don't forget our holiday party at the next members meeting on December 3rd. See our events page for details.
Stream Cleanup
October 5, 2019
Thank you to all of the volunteers that helped with our stream cleanup on October 5th. We would like to especially thank Patty Swift for organizing the event, as well as providing supplies. We collected 7 bags of trash and 2 bags of recycling in a little over an hour. Items collected included a flattened metal drum, a training wheel, metal cans, glass bottles, particle board pieces, and smaller pieces of trash.
Thank you to everyone for helping us keep our city clean.
October 5, 2019
Thank you to all of the volunteers that helped with our stream cleanup on October 5th. We would like to especially thank Patty Swift for organizing the event, as well as providing supplies. We collected 7 bags of trash and 2 bags of recycling in a little over an hour. Items collected included a flattened metal drum, a training wheel, metal cans, glass bottles, particle board pieces, and smaller pieces of trash.
Thank you to everyone for helping us keep our city clean.
Native Plant Class
Native Plant Class- taught by Lauren Hill, Cabarrus County Ag Extension Agent, and Mandy
Smith- Thompson, Environmental Educator
There is value in incorporating native plants into our landscapes. Not only are they pretty and
hardy to our area, but the flowers support the insect and birds in a mutually beneficial
relationship. This touches the human experience in very direct ways in food production and in
the enjoyment of nature.
In this class, you’ll learn about the importance of native plants, why you want to plant them,
and where to find them.
Please join us on Friday, Sept. 27, from 9:00- 10:00 a.m. at the Cabarrus County Cooperative
Extension office at 715 Cabarrus Avenue, East, Concord, NC 28025. The class is free and
includes a walking tour of the native plant beds surrounding the building. Please RSVP to our
email at ConcordWildlifeAlliance@gmail.com.
Lauren Hill began working for Cabarrus County NC Cooperative Extension in October 2015. She
has a B.S. from Clemson University in Environmental Horticulture. She spent over 3 years
working in private and public botanical gardens growing her expertise in ornamental plants
including design, production and care. She loves spending time outdoors admiring nature but
especially the flowers!
Mandy Smith-Thompson is a certified environmental educator, a Central Carolinas Master
Naturalist, a National Wildlife Federation Habitat Steward, a Cabarrus Extension Master
Gardener and has worked for the City of Concord for 13 years next month where she works to
produce an environmentally literate citizenry. She serves as a liaison and non-voting member
of the CWA board. She has a bachelor’s degree in Zoology from NCSU and a graduate
certificate in Environmental Studies from UNC-Wilmington.
North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status or disability. In addition, the two Universities welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating. Persons with disabilities and persons with limited English proficiency may request accommodations to participate by contacting Lauren Hill, County Horticulture Agent, at 704-920-3310 or lauren_hill@ncsu.edu at least seven days prior to the event.
Smith- Thompson, Environmental Educator
There is value in incorporating native plants into our landscapes. Not only are they pretty and
hardy to our area, but the flowers support the insect and birds in a mutually beneficial
relationship. This touches the human experience in very direct ways in food production and in
the enjoyment of nature.
In this class, you’ll learn about the importance of native plants, why you want to plant them,
and where to find them.
Please join us on Friday, Sept. 27, from 9:00- 10:00 a.m. at the Cabarrus County Cooperative
Extension office at 715 Cabarrus Avenue, East, Concord, NC 28025. The class is free and
includes a walking tour of the native plant beds surrounding the building. Please RSVP to our
email at ConcordWildlifeAlliance@gmail.com.
Lauren Hill began working for Cabarrus County NC Cooperative Extension in October 2015. She
has a B.S. from Clemson University in Environmental Horticulture. She spent over 3 years
working in private and public botanical gardens growing her expertise in ornamental plants
including design, production and care. She loves spending time outdoors admiring nature but
especially the flowers!
Mandy Smith-Thompson is a certified environmental educator, a Central Carolinas Master
Naturalist, a National Wildlife Federation Habitat Steward, a Cabarrus Extension Master
Gardener and has worked for the City of Concord for 13 years next month where she works to
produce an environmentally literate citizenry. She serves as a liaison and non-voting member
of the CWA board. She has a bachelor’s degree in Zoology from NCSU and a graduate
certificate in Environmental Studies from UNC-Wilmington.
North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status or disability. In addition, the two Universities welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating. Persons with disabilities and persons with limited English proficiency may request accommodations to participate by contacting Lauren Hill, County Horticulture Agent, at 704-920-3310 or lauren_hill@ncsu.edu at least seven days prior to the event.
Olson Farm Tour
September 14, 2019
10:00 a.m.
9601 Earnhardt Lake Road
Davidson, NC 28036
You are invited to tour the farm of Col. (Ret.) Russ and Linda Olson on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 10:00 a.m. (weather permitting).The Olson's are beekeepers. They also raise chickens and goats on Linda’s family farm.
About The Olson's
“Linda is a local girl, born and raised in Cabarrus County. She was in the last graduating class of Odell High School (1966) and has a BA in biology and an MEd from UNC-G. Linda has taught science at schools in the States and at international schools in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and New Delhi, India. I grew up in rural South Carolina and attended The Citadel in Charleston graduating in 1969. Linda and I were married at Gilwood Presbyterian Church in 1970. After 30 years in the Army with 13 years overseas including a combat tour in Vietnam, I finally realized what I wanted to do when I grew up and so taught high school history for 13 years with 10 years at Jay M. Robinson HS. We raise chickens and goats and have been beekeepers since 2013. We also look about two great grandchildren. We live on a portion (just over 40 acres) of her family farm of which 28 acres are in a forestry program for the tax advantage.”- Col. Russ Olson
If you wish to hold a frame of bees, please wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and bring gloves.
This is a free event, with limited availability. Please RSVP by September 12, 2019. You can RSVP to Concordwildlifealliance@gmail.com or on our Facebook and Meetup pages.
September 14, 2019
10:00 a.m.
9601 Earnhardt Lake Road
Davidson, NC 28036
You are invited to tour the farm of Col. (Ret.) Russ and Linda Olson on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 10:00 a.m. (weather permitting).The Olson's are beekeepers. They also raise chickens and goats on Linda’s family farm.
About The Olson's
“Linda is a local girl, born and raised in Cabarrus County. She was in the last graduating class of Odell High School (1966) and has a BA in biology and an MEd from UNC-G. Linda has taught science at schools in the States and at international schools in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and New Delhi, India. I grew up in rural South Carolina and attended The Citadel in Charleston graduating in 1969. Linda and I were married at Gilwood Presbyterian Church in 1970. After 30 years in the Army with 13 years overseas including a combat tour in Vietnam, I finally realized what I wanted to do when I grew up and so taught high school history for 13 years with 10 years at Jay M. Robinson HS. We raise chickens and goats and have been beekeepers since 2013. We also look about two great grandchildren. We live on a portion (just over 40 acres) of her family farm of which 28 acres are in a forestry program for the tax advantage.”- Col. Russ Olson
If you wish to hold a frame of bees, please wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and bring gloves.
This is a free event, with limited availability. Please RSVP by September 12, 2019. You can RSVP to Concordwildlifealliance@gmail.com or on our Facebook and Meetup pages.
2019 Programs, Events, and Outings
Date |
Topic/Outing |
Speaker/Lead |
January 8 |
Value |
Patty Masten from Mecklenburg Audubon Society |
February 5 |
Good Bug / Bad Bug |
Stacey Jones with NC Cooperative Extension |
February 21 |
Cabarrus County Farm & Food CSA sign up |
CCFAFC at High Branch Brewing |
February 22 |
Happy Hour Wine & Cheese |
Niblock Homes & CWA |
March 5 |
'Sustainable' Movie Clips & Discussion |
Thomas Moore of CCFAFC |
April 2 |
iNaturalist & City Nature Challenge |
Mandy Smith-Thompson from City of Concord |
April 13 |
Master Gardeners Herb & Plant Festival |
Lead: CWA Board Members |
April 27 |
Kids in Nature Day |
Lead: Lynn Tesh |
May 7 |
Concord 2030 Land Use Plan |
Kevin Ashley and Starla Rogers from the City of Concord |
May 18 |
Adopt-a-Stream |
Lead: Patty Swift |
June 1 |
Weddington Hills Elementary School Nature Trail Tour |
Lenora Barron |
July 18 |
Dover Vineyard Wine Tasting and Tour |
Elizabeth Ann Dover |
August 15 |
Staring Down Fate Film |
Held at Niblock Homes |
September 3 |
The Honey Bee Calendar Year |
Ken Jahns |
October 1 |
Beyond the 3 R's- Restore |
Dennis Testerman |
2018 Programs, Events, and Outings
Date |
Topic/Outing |
Speaker/Lead |
January 2 |
Land Conservation |
Travis Morehead, LandTrust for Central NC |
February 6 |
Environmental Education |
Mandy Smith-Thompson, City of Concord Environmental Educator |
February 24 |
UNC-Charlotte Botanical Garden Trip |
Lead: Sarina and Marjorie |
March 6 |
Box Turtles |
Dr. Ann Somers, UNCG |
April 3 |
Water Quality |
Brandon Jones, Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation |
April 14 |
Annual Master Gardeners Herb and Plant Festival |
Lead: Glenda Steel |
April 10 |
iNaturalist Training |
Lead: Mandy Smith-Thompson |
April 28 |
CWA Annual Kids in Nature Day |
Lead: Lynn Tesh |
May 1 |
Coyotes |
Chris Matthews, Mecklenburg County |
May 19 |
Adopt-a-Stream |
Lead: Rose Rummel-Eury |
June 22 |
Mothing Event at Woodland Discovery |
Lead by Lenny Lampel |
July 26 |
Tour of Recycling Facility in Charlotte |
Lead: Lynn Tesh |
August 20 |
Seed Packing Party at Cabarrus Brewing Company |
Lead: North Carolina Wildlife Federation |
September 4 |
Falconry |
Larry Dickerson and Daisy, his 10 year old goshawk |
September 8 |
NCWF Annual Meeting |
Chapter Caucus and Governors Conservation and Achievement Awards |
September 22 |
NCWF Monarch Festival |
Lead: Sheila Jones |
September 28 |
Rob Wallace Park Visit |
Lead: Marjorie Wiley |
October 2 |
Bats! |
Allison Medford of NC Wildlife Resources |
October 6 |
Adopt-A-Stream Clean up |
Lead: Patty Swift |
October 11 |
Sustainable Farming Movie Presentation |
Lead: Cabarrus County Farm & Food Council |
October 19,20 |
Native Plant Sale Pick Up |
Lead: Lynn Tesh |
November 6 |
Sustainability |
Meg Fencil, Program Director of Sustain Charlotte |
November 17 |
Give Thanks for Wildlife Fundraiser |
Lead: CWA Board |
December 4 |
Carolina Wildlife Sanctuary |
Jessica Clark |