Habitat and Wildlife Keepers-HAWK

10/20/2026

PROCESS IS NOT PROGRESS
North Carolina’s current fisheries management system has not rebuilt the state’s coastal fish populations. Not one of North Carolina’s 13 state-managed coastal fish stocks currently exhibits long-term viability, according to undisputed evidence cited by the
court. More plans, meetings, and delays will not rebuild our fisheries.
We need science-based action, accountable management, protected nursery habitats, and an end to large-scale, inshore bottom shrimp trawling.

10/15/2026

North Carolina’s fisheries belong to all of us. Yet our state continues to allow large-scale shrimp trawls to drag through public nursery waters and kill juvenile fish by the hundreds of millions. Rules on paper are not enough. It is time to and prohibit large-scale, inshore bottom shrimp trawling.

09/29/2026

Matthews Invasive Plant Removal, Oct 10th 10am-1pm

Join HAWK for a hands-on morning of conservation as we continue our successful effort to remove invasive plants at Squirrel Lake Park! Together we’ll tackle Wisteria and English Ivy, helping native plants and wildlife thrive.

Please wear long pants and long sleeves, and bring gloves, water, and pruning tools (pruners, loppers, etc.). We’ll have some extra tools available on site.

Come lend a hand, enjoy the outdoors, and make a real difference for our local habitat!

Here is the registration link:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0A4EAEAF22AAF49-66254334-matthews

Date: 10/10/2026 (Sat.)

Time: 10:00AM - 1:00PM EDT
Location:
Squirrel Lake Park, Matthews
1631 Pleasant Plains Rd
Matthews, NC 28105

Join HAWK for a hands-on morning of conservation as we continue our successful effort to remove invasive plants at Squirrel Lake Park! Together we’ll tackle Wisteria and English Ivy, helping native plants and wildlife thrive. Please wear long pants and long sleeves, and bring gloves, water, and pr...

09/27/2026

Kids in Nature Day

Saturday, October 3, 2026

10:00am - 1:00pm

Squirrel Lake Park, 1631 Pleasant Plains Rd, Matthews, NC 28105

Kids in Nature Day is a free family fun event with lots of activities, including nature walks, scavenger hunts, catch-and-release fishing, nature crafts, STEM activities, and hands-on nature exhibits.

We hope to see you there!

09/16/2026

Upcoming Events! Plus more

Wildlife Trivia
Monday, September 21st at 6:30 PM
Register Here: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/WildlifeTrivia92126

Bees of North Carolina
Thursday, September 24th at 12:30 PM
Stevens Creek Park and Nature Preserve
You will learn about bees and then head outside to find all sorts of insects!
Register Here: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/BeesofNC92426

Kids in Nature Day
Saturday, October 3rd at 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Register Here: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/KidsInNatureDay100326

Wildlife Trivia
Monday, October 19th at 6:30 PM
Register Here:
http://weblink.donorperfect.com/WildlifeTrivia101926

Wildlife Trivia
Monday, November 16th at 6:30 PM
Register Here: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/WildlifeTrivia111626

Please support my important cause!

09/07/2026

Bees of North Carolina

Thursday, September 24, 2026, 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

Mint Hill, NC

This event is free and open to the public.

You will receive the full event details and updates upon successfully submitting the registration form.

You must complete the registration section to secure your spot at the event, even if you choose to make a thoughtful gift using this form.

Delve into the world of native bees with Gabriela Garrison, Eastern Piedmont Habitat Conservation Coordinator with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. We will learn about the importance of pollinators as well as the incredible diversity of the 500+ species of wild bees in North Carolina. After the presentation, we'll grab some nets, head outside, and catch some bees to get a closer look.

Gabriela works with developers, consultants, and government agencies to produce ecologically friendly guidance that minimizes impacts to wildlife and priority habitat in a developing landscape. In 2017, she formed the NC Pollinator Conservation Alliance (NCPCA), a partnership that works to promote pollinator and habitat conservation across the State. For more information on the NCPCA, please visit www.ncpollinatoralliance.org.

North Carolina Wildlife Federation and its Community Wildlife Chapters are able to support community action and programs like this thanks to the partnership and kind investments made by you and others. You can support this programming by making an optional donation below. Thank you!

Register here: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/BeesofNC92426

Please support my important cause!

09/03/2026

KIDS IN NATURE DAY! We Need You!

Calling all volunteers for Earth Day with Kids in Nature Day (KIND)
at Squirrel Lake Park in Matthews

Saturday, October 3, 2026 10:00am - 1:00pm

Squirrel Lake Park, 1631 Pleasant Plains Rd, Matthews, NC 28105

Earth Day with Kids in Nature Day is free family fun with lots of activities, including nature walks, scavenger hunts, catch-and-release fishing, nature crafts, STEM activities, and hands-on nature exhibits.

Please sign up to volunteer and share your love of nature with kids who are spending too much screen time and not enough outdoor time.

We'd like those with experience to act as leads (supervision) for certain tasks. These include: Nature Walks, STEM Activities, Lake Fishing, and Arts and Crafts. Please indicate through the Comments section if you are willing to be a task lead.

Parking is limited, so please carpool if possible or park at the Matthews Community Center, other designated off-site parking or arrange your own drop-off and pick-up.

Dress appropriately for the outdoors, the weather, and fun! Remember to bring your lunch and a water bottle to refill.

Sponsored by HAWK (Matthews Chapter of NC Wildlife Federation), Great Outdoors University, and the Town of Matthews.

08/13/2026

Dr. Shem Unger is on the HAWK Leadership Team!

07/29/2026

Come join us!

Future Site of Outen Pottery Park 430 Jefferson St, Matthews NC 28105 Aug 9, 2026 10:00am - 1:00pm Join HAWK for a hands-on morning of conservation as we remove invasive plants at the future site of Outen Pottery Park! Together we’ll tackle Wysteria, Autumn Olive & Ligustrum, helping the trees, na...

07/27/2026

Save the date! Our next Wildlife Trivia night is August 17 and starts at 6:30 PM at 6 Grogs Neighborhood Game Bar, located at 131 Matthews Station St., Matthews, NC.
Test your knowledge against other nature nerds and win prizes while enjoying a frosty beverage!
Parking and restrooms are available on site. To register click here: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/wildlifetrivia081726