The Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists’ Island Habitat Program is modeled after the N.C. Wildlife Federation’s and Duke Energy’s sponsored Island Habitat Program™ in the rapidly developing Catawba River basin. Our mission is simple: to enhance island habitats for wildlife by removing litter and installing nesting boxes while educating participants and the public about wildlife habitat stewardship.
The Catawba River courses through North Carolina’s western foothills—one of the fastest-growing areas in the state. Recently, NCWF partnered with Duke Energy to highlight critical wildlife habitats along the Catawba through this Island Habitat Program™. Pilot projects like LNWC’s Island Adoption program in the Catawba River Valley have become models for other waterways efforts statewide.
Why This Matters
Islands and surrounding waters are often impacted by litter from boating and recreational activities. This litter detracts from the natural beauty and poses serious hazards to wildlife. Ducks and geese can become trapped in six-pack rings, and fish get caught in plastic bags.
Our program aims to:
Keep Lake Norman islands clean and safe
Educate the public about proper litter disposal on waterways and lands
Protect and enhance wildlife habitats
How You Can Help
We invite fishing clubs, duck hunting groups, conservation organizations, and other wildlife enthusiasts to adopt an island. Participating groups agree to:
Clean litter from their island
Support shoreline stabilization by planting native species such as buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
Monitor and report on wildlife species and habitat conditions
Install nesting boxes for species like wood ducks, bluebirds, flycatchers, owls, bats, and prothonotary warblers
Interested in Adopting an Island?
Please fill out the form below to express your interest and learn how you can help protect Lake Norman’s islands.