Whether he’s observing the behavior of coastal creatures such as gannets and glass lizards, or offering tips on conserving energy at home, Andy Wood’s radio commentaries are always educational and entertaining. Andy is the Director of Education for Audubon North Carolina and for more than 20 years he has reported his observations on nature in a bi-weekly commentary on WHQR, Wilmington’s public radio station. His keen observations interpret the living classroom you can find just outside your front door. Click here to listen to Andy’s most recent commentary and hear audio archives from the past year.

Trip dates:
October 8, 22

Join Audubon Education Director Andy Wood for a memorable journey into the past on the pristine Black River. This four-hour guided trip takes participants on an unforgettable exploration of one of North Carolina’s healthiest river systems, home to the oldest trees in eastern North America. Embarking from the downtown Wilmington riverfront aboard the Capt. J.N. Maffitt, a classic 1940s-era Liberty Launch, the trips cruise up the Cape Fear River before entering the primordial world of the Black River with its old-growth Bald Cypress and Tupelo Gum swamp. Andy Wood provides colorful narrative about the sights along the route including natural history with an emphasis on connections with this area’s important cultural heritage. Pileated woodpeckers, herons, belted kingfishers, and turtles are among the many creatures commonly seen on these trips.

Click here to find out how to register.

The National Park Service has just released an online photo essay with stunning closeup images of piping plovers in their native coastal habitats. The photo essay depicts the plover’s life cycle, including images of newly hatched chicks, and discusses how we can all help protect this irreplaceable species. The piping plover is one of many beach-nesting species that Audubon North Carolina is working to protect on North Carolina’s barrier islands. Click here to view this dramatic photo essay online.

Audubon North Carolina is offering free tours of the Mason Inlet Waterbird Management Area at the north end of Wrightsville Beach every Friday at 9:00 am through September. The tours last about two hours, and include a hike along the protected sanctuary that serves as habitat for beach-nesting birds including Least Tern, Black Skimmer, American Oystercatcher, Wilson’s plover and other unique coastal birds.

Click here to learn more about these tours and click here to read a recent article about Mason Inlet.