Survey

Moths, butterflies, and grasshoppers were surveyed within four longleaf pine preserves owned by the North Carolina Nature Conservancy during the growing season of 1991 and 1992. Over 7,000 specimens (either collected or seen in the field) were identified, representing 512 different species and 28 families. Forty-one of these we consider to be distinctive of the two fire-maintained communities principally under investigation, the longleaf pine savannas and flatwoods.

This report identifies twenty-six sites in Durham County that provide habitat for a high diversity of animal species, support populations of rare animals, or serve as critical corridors for animal movements. Twenty-four of the sites - comprising over 25,000 acres - are publicly or institutionally owned and are managed as natural areas, forest lands, or wildlife habitat. These include one state park, three city parks, two dedicated State Nature Preserves, nine registered Natural Heritage Areas, and two extensive areas of state gamelands.

Moths and butterflies were sampled at monthly intervals over a one year-period at four sites within the Albemarle-Pamlico Peninsular region: Pettigrew State Park, Goose Creek State Park, Jockey’s Ridge State Park, and Nag’s Head Woods Ecological Preserve. Goals were to characterize the lepidopteran fauna for the region as well as for the individual preserves.

This inventory of the significant natural areas, natural communities, and rare species of Johnston County was funded by Johnston County and by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Trust Fund. This report identifies the most significant natural areas in the county, describes their features, and documents all of the natural communities and rare species of plants and animals associated with them. Recommendations for management and protection of each of these sites is given. A total of 39 significant standard sites are described.

This inventory of the significant natural areas, natural communities, and rare species of Wake County was funded by Wake County and by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Trust Fund. This report identifies the most significant natural areas in the county, describes their features, and documents all of the natural communities and rare species of plants and animals associated with them. Recommendations for management and protection of each of these sites is given. A total of 44 significant standard sites, and four larger “wildlife habitats” are described.

The initial inventory of the significant natural areas and wildlife habitats of Orange County was conducted from June 1987 to October 1988. The County contracted the Triangle Land Conservancy, a non-profit land trust, to produce the systematic inventory of the county’s remaining unique and exemplary natural ecosystems, rare species habitats, special wildlife habitats, and scenic areas. The 1988 survey was conducted by Dawson Sather and Stephen Hall, both experienced field biologists and ecologists.

This inventory of natural areas, biological communities, and rare species of Caswell County was funded by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Trust Fund. This inventory identifies the most significant natural areas in the county, describes their features, and documents all natural communities and rare species of plants and animals associated with them. Protection and management comments on the sites are also provided. The inventory is intended to provide guidance for land use decisions by the county government, conservation and land management organizations, and interested citizens.