|
SUPPORT FOR AREA YOUTH
The purpose and vision of the Alamance Wildlife Club Inc is to be involved in those activities that most directly benefit wildlife conservation in our county, state, and country. To accomplish this role in the community, the Club has as its primary focus the education and involvement of local youth and youth groups in outdoor sports and all wildlife conservation endeavors. The future of wildlife totally depends on the interest and knowledge of the youth of today for wildlife preservation and their enjoyment tomorrow. The Club is active in many of these areas. Here are some of the youth activities that we do:
-
Co-sponsoring an annual spring "Fishing Rodeo" with the Alamance County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, for the area youth.
-
Having a Merit Badge College Field Day for the local Boy Scouts of America organization during the year.
-
Providing the site for the annual NCWRC, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, District 5 High School Hunter Safety Competition which draws over 15 teams from area schools to test hunter safety skills.
-
Enhancing youth education on proper gun handling on our ranges, especially in trap and skeet. This occurs on a one-on-one basis with certified members working with member's children, guests, and friends.
-
Maintaining and encouraging archery shooting and related facilities that, like the club's gun ranges, youth can be taught proper usage.
-
Supporting outreach hand-on programs to the local school systems about nature, forestry, and wildlife conservation.
-
Providing training programs for instructors in the North Carolina Hunter Safety Program at the Club.
-
Conducting Hunter Safety Education Courses at the Club for all sportsmen and sportswomen of all ages several times a year.
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
The wildlife management activity of the Club primarily revolves around wildlife and forestry enhancement programs being practiced on the club property and around the country and world. Each month guest speakers from all over the country and with some as far away as Alaska, South Africa, or New Zealand come to discuss and update the local members and guests at the Club's member meetings about their wildlife management activities. In addition, the club grounds comprise a 285-acre area that is maintained in the best conditions as possible for wildlife habitat. A Forest Stewardship Plan, coordinated by state biologists, has been implemented in order to support the development of diverse and high quality wildlife habitat that can be enjoyed by members, invited guests, and the educational community. The Club looks to encourage the education of the whole public, youth and adult, through a visible working conservation management plan so all citizens will realize the vital necessity to use natural resources in ways that fulfill the long-term needs of mankind. By incorporating the Best Management Practices as sited by the Natural Resources Conservation Services and the North Carolina Forest Stewardship Committee, the Alamance Wildlife Club looks to enhance their wildlife habitats and forestland by following program goals in wildlife and forest management, health, and quality. Below are some the things that the Club has done and continues to build on:
-
Acquired 285 acres of land, and built or developed 4 ponds on the property.
-
Allowed several areas to go natural by reduced mowing.
-
Enhancing habitat with grass, border, and tree planting.
-
Repeated analysis and improvement of our soil and water areas.
-
Wildlife biologists on staff to consult with all projects.
-
Developed nature trails, and scenic features throughout the property.
-
Involved local scouts in tree planting activities.
-
Brought in wildlife flora and fauna specialists to educate members.
-
Sought experts to advise the group about wildlife improvement endeavors.
-
Installed bird houses and duck boxes on the Club grounds.
-
Actively involve other Wildlife Groups in our activities and meetings.
-
Made our Club grounds available for other wildlife conservation organizations to conduct special meetings and programs when requested.
-
Encouraged members to develop their personal properties for wildlife habitat.
EDUCATION
Education about wildlife is the starting point towards wildlife conservation and development. To that end, the Club is continuously striving to inform its members, guests, the educational community and area leaders about those things they can do to help in all areas of wildlife activity and understanding. Here are just some of the things the Club is involved with concerning education:
-
The Boy Scout Merit Badge College.
-
Hunter Safety Instructor training at the Club
-
Teaching Hunter Safety Classes at the Club.
-
Inviting wildlife professionals and others in, to share wildlife information at our meetings.
-
Providing a site for numerous school-related outdoor activities when requested.
-
Skeet and Trap range shooter training.
SHOOTING SPORTS
The Alamance Wildlife Club offers their members one of the largest and safest outdoor shooting sports facilities in our area. Safety practices on the ranges are strictly enforced and continually being taught to member and accompanied guests alike. The Club currently maintains for practice and sanctioned competition:
-
one skeet range and two trap ranges.
-
a 50-yard, 100-yard, and 200-yard bermed rifle range with 4 shooting benches and a covered shelter.
In 2004, a Pond Management Plan was implemented where the Club's four ponds could live up to the best of each site's potential. From trophy bass to recreational bluegill, each area will be managed for the best overall usage. Through proper management, the Club's ponds will provide multiple resources for Club members, guests, and ongoing recreational and educational opportunities. Likewise, the ponds can serve as show-place examples for soil and water conservation service employees as they work with other private pond owners. They can be used by NC Wildlife Resources Commission biologists as educational sites for their CATCH program. They can continue to be used by Alamance Wildlife Club members and invited community guests for enjoyment and in our mission to foster the growth and development of future generations of sportsmen and conservationists. Besides our ongoing Pond Management Plan, some of our current activities are:
-
The Club is involved with an aeration project.
-
The Club has completed a complete pond restoration effort on its oldest pond.
-
The Club is actively involved in a youth fishing education and support effort, in conjunction with our local Ducks Unlimited organization. This effort has been very successful.
|
|
