Links
Below are links to excellent information about native plants and gardening for wildlife, as well as photos of wildlife you can find in North Carolina. Many of the creatures shown make their homes in Buncombe county.
NATIVE PLANTS OF NORTH CAROLINA
Native plants are plants occurring naturally in an area with no help from humans. And North Carolina has a rich diversity of these beauties. The North Carolina Native Plant Society’s web page is a great place to meet them, see their pictures and learn more. www.ncwildflower.orgUSDA PLANTS DATABASE
Curious about plants of your state? Noxious and invasive plants? Technical plant information? USDA Plants Database is the site for you. www.plants.usda.govYOUR BACKYARD HABITAT: NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION
Whether you have an apartment balcony or a 20-acre farm, you can create a garden that attracts beautiful wildlife and helps restore habitat in commercial and residential areas. The National Wildlife Federation’s site is the best place to start. www.nwf.org/backyardNORTH CAROLINA WILDLIFE FEDERATION
If you’re interested in advocating for wildlife, The North Carolina Wildlife Federation has a great site for you. As one of North Carolina’s most effective organizations dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and wildlife habitats, NCWF brings together the concerns of every North Carolinian who loves wildlife and wild places. www.ncwildlifefederation.orgANTS TO ZINNIAS
Here, in alphabetical order by subject, are links to information on how to attract birds, butterflies, and other lovely creatures to your garden. Brooklyn Botanic Garden www.bbg.org/gar2/topics/wildlifeSPIDERS
If you are looking for a very quick overview on these fascinating creatures start here http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/Urban/spiders.htmTicks & Spiders (Arachnids) in North Carolina & Beyond has nice photos of some spiders you may run into in your garden http://web.duke.edu/~jspippen/arachnids/arachnids.htm
Poisonous Spiders in North Carolina: The Black Widow and Brown Recluse http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/338802/poisonous_spiders_in_north_carolina.html?cat=8
BEES, WASP AND A FEW FLIES
Some nice pictures of who might be visiting your garden http://www.pollinator.com/identify/whatsbuzzin.htmFROGS
An excellent site with pictures, sounds and distribution maps of the frogs and toads of North Carolina as well as interesting information about each species. http://www.herpsofnc.org/herps_of_NC/anurans/anurans.html#Frog Watch USA sponsors another good site with pictures of North Carolina frogs. Click on the below link then scroll down to see the pictures which begin under the map of the USA. The “more information tab” under each picture takes you to lots of info plus the sound of that frog. http://www.nwf.org/frogwatchusa/frogs_state.cfm?showstate=nc#frogs
SALAMANDERS
Photos and descriptions of these shy North Carolina residents http://www.bio.davidson.edu/projects/herpcons/herps_of_nc/salamanders/salamanders.htmlLIZARDS
A site for the lizard lovers among you. Complete with pictures, counties where they occur and descriptions of their lives. http://www.herpsofnc.org/herps_of_NC/lizards/lizards.htmlSNAKES
Snakes--with their diet of rodents and insects--can actually help protect the plants in your yard and garden. The vast majority is harmless. Learn more about these fascinating creatures and see their pictures at: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/gaston/Pests/reptiles/sprsnakes.htmlBIRDS
Urban Wildlife; Managing Backyard and Other Urban Habitats for Birds by North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, North Carolina State University. An excellent resource, it tells how to establish and maintain a backyard habitat. Also included are plant lists, information about choosing and placing feeders and birdbaths, recommended dimensions for nest boxes, and sources for additional information. http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/forestry/pdf/ag/ag636_01.pdfCREATURES WITH FUR
Western North Carolina Nature Center here in Buncombe County is a living museum of plants and animals native to the Appalachian region. Their site http://www.wildwnc.org/education/animals gives pictures and descriptions of some of these animals like bobcats, bears, wolves, etc
- Bats: North Carolina’s only truly flying mammal. Learn who they are, what they do and how to attract them. http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/agpubs/bats.pdf
- Black bears: very comprehensive site with everything you ever wanted to know about black bears. http://www.bear.org/website/
GENERAL
Find out about North Carolina’s state bird, insect, mammal, reptile and more http://statelibrary.ncdcr.gov/nc/SYMBOLS/SYMBOLS.HTM
Orphaned or injured wildlife. Here’s where to go for help: http://www.ncwildlife.org/pg06_CoexistingWildlife/pg6c.htm
Our Partners
contact us at wwhabitat@gmail.com