Lake Norman is known for its beauty across the state. We are fortunate to have this beautiful body of water in our backyards; therefore, we must be equally conscious of how to care for it. It is important that we keep it as stunning as we found it! If you’re visiting from out of town or born and raised here, it's all of our responsibility to practice environmental stewardship. Whether you’re out boating, fishing, hiking or biking, together, we can protect it from pollution, overuse, and any harm to the wildlife that call it home. How can we as a community preserve the beauty of the lake, and how can you as an individual make a difference in your own way? Let's find out!   

DLC
Davidson Lands Conservancy

Davidson Land Conservancy

Davidson Land Conservancy (DLC) is a nonprofit organization with the goal of conserving local lands and natural resources while connecting lives to nature and promoting conservation. Their Four Pillars of Conservation focus on: Conserving Land, Preserving Trees, Trails & Greenways, and Wildlife & Habitats. DLC has conserved about 650 acres, and they also partner with Mecklenburg County and the Town of Davidson to permanently conserve and steward Fisher Farm and Beaty Park. To get involved, you can: volunteer, donate, set up group/corporate outings, attend conservation events, or plant native trees and shrubs in your garden and remove invasive plants.

Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation

Catawba Riverkeeper has been serving our community since 1997, after it was founded by the Lake Norman and Lake Wylie Marine Commissions following a 1995 study on the Catawba River corridor. The Catawba Riverkeeper organization has a mission to preserve and sustain clean water in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin for future generations by preserving, protecting, and restoring the community’s water quality. Preserving our water will take all of us doing our part and putting in the work for our community. Check out their website to find out when the next public clean-up is taking place near you! Whenever you are walking or jogging, you can help do your part by picking up any type of litter you may see.

Catawba River
Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation
Carolina Raptor Center Vulture

Carolina Raptor Center

The Carolina Raptor Center is passionate about creating connections between humans and wildlife in a safe habitat. The three-quarter-mile Raptor Trail and zoological facility permanently houses 30 birds of prey that immerse guests in these winged creatures' natural habitat. Their medical facility treats between 800 and 1000 birds a year. For the ones that regain their health, they are released back into their natural habitats for a second chance at a happy life. CRC offers youth and adult volunteer programs for the public to get involved, or you can simply support them by making a donation. See these beautiful birds with your own eyes and make a positive difference toward the raptor population by planning a visit to the Carolina Raptor Center! 


Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace is a national initiative that is committed to guide residents and visitors in the state of North Carolina to practice stewardship and protect their surroundings for future generations. This advocacy program, with the slogan “Leave No Trace,” is all about exploring and enjoying nature while having a tool belt of knowledge on your side at all times. While it may not be our home, it is to hundreds of species of flora and fauna that are extremely important to our well-being. Leave No Trace has seven principles in place that are simple things we all can do to take care of our outdoor community. 

 

  • Plan Ahead & Prepare: Before you go, learn your destination’s rules, pack the right gear, and plan your timing to reduce impact and stay safe.

  • Stick to Trails & Overnight Right: Stay on designated trails and camp in approved sites so vegetation, soil, and the landscape stay intact.

  • Trash Your Trash: Carry out everything you bring in, including food scraps, cigarette butts, and pet waste, to protect wildlife and keep the land clean.

  • Leave It As You Find It: Take only photos, leave only footprints, don’t pick flowers, move rocks, carve trees, or remove natural or cultural objects.

  • Be Careful With Fire: If fires are allowed, keep them small, use established fire rings or stoves, burn wood to ash, and fully extinguish the fire before you leave.

  • Keep Wildlife Wild: Observe animals from a safe distance, never feed them, and store food and rubbish securely so wildlife retains its natural behavior.

  • Be Considerate Of Others & Share The Outdoors: Respect other visitors, keep noise down, yield on trails, and make room for everyone to enjoy the outdoors.

Leave No Trace
Latta Nature Preserve
Fisher Farm Park
Fisher Farm Park

These seven principles pay off when utilized correctly and have a massive effect on our community. These principles relate to the underlying mission of Leave No Trace, which is to minimize the impact we have on our land. To get involved, commit to the Leave No Trace principles, participate in local events, trainings & courses, volunteer, or donate to a stewardship cause! We can all commit to learn and implement stewardship in our community, and keep Lake Norman safe, beautiful and better than we found it.

Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists 

The Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists are a chapter of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation, an organization that was established to educate communities on the environment, foster appreciation of wildlife, and encourage the conservation of wildlife habitat and natural resources. They participate in a variety of different conservation initiatives, such as the Island Habitat project, which encourages fishing clubs, duck hunting groups, conservation groups, and other wildlife groups to adopt an island. Groups who participate agree to periodically clean up the litter from their island while collecting data on wildlife species that inhabit their island and note both positive and negative habitat characteristics and changes. Their efforts play a vital role in preserving the lake, ensuring that both wildlife and people can enjoy a clean, healthy body of water! 

Rights approved at 2024-06-18T19:06:26.284+0000 by lando_the_magnificent
@lando_the_magnificent

Lake Norman is more than just a breathtaking destination - it's a rich community, deeply rooted in respect for the environment and a shared devotion to maintaining it. The next time you're out enjoying the lake and see something as small as a plastic bottle bobbing by the shore, remember: your choices and actions ripple far beyond today. Respect the past, care for the present, and preserve the future. Do your part in keeping Lake Norman beautiful!