The Trail Ahead for North Carolina's Wildlife

As a new year begins, many of us look ahead - scanning the trail for what’s coming next. In the natural world, that act of looking forward often starts with looking more closely at what’s around us right now.

Sometimes wildlife announces itself clearly - a flash of bluebird wings, a bugle of an elk, a treefrog chorus at dusk. More often, it’s the quiet moments that tell the story. Tracks in the earth, a path worn through grass, or scattered feathers reveal who passed through long after they’re gone. Even absence has meaning, hinting at changing habitats, shifting seasons, and growing pressures on the land.

Learning to notice these signs deepens our connection to the places and species we love. It sharpens our understanding of how wildlife moves through different habitats. And it reminds us that conservation begins with awareness: seeing not just what’s present, but what’s missing, what’s changing, and what needs care.

As we step into the year ahead, the trail for wildlife in North Carolina is shaped by the choices we make today. By learning to read the stories written across our landscapes, we become better stewards - better prepared to protect, conserve, and restore wildlife and habitat. Further, it ensures that wildlife continues to leave its marks on the land for generations to come.

This month, we’re exploring how to read those stories - and how noticing wildlife, even when it’s out of sight, can guide meaningful conservation action.