The Northeast New Hanover Conservancy stewards some of the best remaining examples of southeastern North Carolina’s ecosystems. And the great wonder of it all is the fact that these places are located right outside people’s doors.

NENHC is currently protecting more than 2,000 acres of compelling natural habitats in the northeast part of New Hanover County. Monitoring and management of these places is provided by Habitats Environmental Services, LLC (Habitats), under the guidance of Habitats’ ecologist and conservation educator Andy Wood. Habitats performs environmental assessments on our properties, prepares baseline documentation reports, responds to issues related to Conservancy property conditions, recommends habitat management strategies, conducts habitat monitoring, and implements habitat restoration and enhancement projects for the benefit of the Conservancy’s properties, and in turn, that of their neighbors.

The Northeast New Hanover Conservancy properties are protected places, and some of the best-kept secrets in our community. But as “best-kept secrets” these places can be overlooked and taken for granted. While the properties may be protected from development they are vulnerable to neglect that can lead to diminished aesthetic and ecologic value. Maintaining Conservancy properties is a year-round endeavor to protect habitat integrity, safety, and appearance.

Conservancy property maintenance ranges from clearing vegetative debris from trails to removing invasive exotic-invasive plants. We also implement conservation landscaping practices to enhance ecosystem services and increase habitat appeal and a welcoming sense of place within the “urban-wildland” interface where residential and conservation properties meet.

Northeast New Hanover Conservancy properties are compelling natural heritage assets that provide ecosystem services to everyone’s benefit. These places are urban oases where people can connect with nature outdoors. They also offer opportunities for volunteer science projects including nest box installations to help cavity-nesting songbirds, owls, and flying squirrels. Additional projects involving pond turtles, painted buntings, and other species and their habitats are ready to implement, along with conservation education programs for groups and individuals.