Meet Phoenix: The Endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker That Made Nicks Creek Longleaf Reserve His New Home
    Meet Phoenix: The Endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker That Made Nicks Creek Longleaf Reserve His New Home
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    Moore County, North Carolina

    Meet Phoenix: The Endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker That Made Nicks Creek Longleaf Reserve His New Home

    31 May 2024

    Southern Conservation Trust's environmental stewardship efforts pay off with the discovery of an endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker at their North Carolina property known for its sustainable restoration of the Longleaf Pine ecosystem.

    In a significant conservation win, Southern Conservation Trust (SCT) has proudly announced the discovery of an endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker on their Nicks Creek Longleaf Reserve property in Moore County, North Carolina. The tract of land was originally slated for development into a golf course and resort community including residential and commercial uses with an impressive ~1,760-acre footprint, but was instead given to SCT, allowing it to become a flagship reserve on the Sandhills landscape. The appearance of this bird is remarkable and not only highlights the importance of preserving specific habitats but also underscores SCT's dedication to environmental stewardship and ecosystem restoration.
    The Red-cockaded Woodpecker, affectionately dubbed "Phoenix" by SCT, is an elusive example of persistence despite adversity. This male woodpecker, whose last documented sighting dates back to 2021 as a hatchling, has now made Nicks Creek Longleaf Reserve his home, relocating an impressive three miles from his birthplace. Native to the Southeastern United States, this small bird has faced numerous challenges due to habitat loss and degradation. However, with its vast expanse of carefully managed longleaf pine forests, Nicks Creek offers an ideal habitat for Red-cockaded Woodpeckers (RCWs). These birds rely on mature Longleaf pine trees with heartwood decay for nesting cavities and ample foraging opportunities. Nicks Creek Longleaf Reserve provides the perfect environment for Phoenix to thrive and contribute to the preservation of his species.
    Photo of Phoenix showing his bands. Red-cockaded Woodpeckers are banded so their survival and success can be studied by conservation scientists.

    Photo of Phoenix showing his bands. Red-cockaded Woodpeckers are banded so their survival and success can be studied by conservation scientists.

    "We are thrilled to introduce Phoenix to Nicks Creek Longleaf Reserve," remarked Melvin Ezzell, Registered Forester and Property Manager of Nicks Creek Longleaf Reserve. "His presence serves as a testament to the success of our restoration  efforts and the resilience of endangered species when provided with suitable habitats."
    Bolstered by support from the Sandhills Conservation Partnership and others, SCT has worked tirelessly since 2019, when the property was donated to SCT, to transform the Nicks Creek Longleaf Reserve into a model of forest stewardship. Through strategic initiatives such as pine restoration, including thinning and controlled burns, SCT has created an environment conducive to attracting and supporting species like the RCW. 
    "Our primary objective is the sustainable restoration of the longleaf pine ecosystem," explained Jesse Woodsmith, Director of Conservation & Stewardship for Southern Conservation Trust. "Phoenix's presence reinforces our commitment to this mission and inspires us to continue our efforts in preserving vital habitats for species of conservation concern."
    After the discovery of Phoenix at Nicks Creek Longleaf Reserve, artificial cavities were installed in his “neighborhood” with help from the Sandhills Ecological Institute to offer more move-in-ready nesting opportunities for additional birds. As Phoenix settles into his new habitat at Nicks Creek Longleaf Reserve, SCT anticipates sharing many more milestones with both him and their dedicated supporters. Through ongoing conservation efforts and community engagement, SCT remains steadfast in its commitment to elevating nature through exceptional stewardship by protecting natural resources and fostering biodiversity for generations to come.
    For more information about SCT's conservation initiatives and updates on Phoenix's journey, visit www.sctlandtrust.org/nicks-creek-longleaf-reserve.
    It takes a village! We couldn’t accomplish our objectives without a fantastic community of supporters! Please consider helping further our initiatives at Nicks Creek Longleaf Reserve by donating below.
    Donate to Nicks Creek Longleaf Reserve

    For immediate release: Friday, May 31, 2024. For more information or to schedule an interview with Southern Conservation Trust staff, contact Ashley Reeves, Marketing & PR Specialist at Southern Conservation Trust (ashley@sctlandtrust.org).

    About Southern Conservation Trust: Based in Georgia, the Southern Conservation Trust is a US 501 (c)(3) public charity, EIN 58-2036727, that elevates nature through exceptional stewardship through over 55,000 acres of conserved land and public lands throughout the southeast, including 5 public nature areas in Fayette County, Georgia, and the Fayette Environmental Education Center. We don’t just believe in protecting land; we believe people should have equal access to enjoy it. Learn more at www.sctlandtrust.org.

    About Nicks Creek Longleaf Reserve: In December 2019, the Southern Conservation Trust, Inc. (SCT) was deeded 1,665 of the original ~1,760 acres in Moore County, North Carolina that we call Nicks Creek Longleaf Reserve. Previously, the tract of land was slated for development into golf course, hotel/resort, residential and commercial uses. In a forward-thinking move, controlling owners Adoette Holdings, LLC decided instead to donate to a land trust. It is now a crown jewel private nature reserve that the Southern Conservation Trust is proud to own and manage. Learn more at www.sctlandtrust.org/nicks-creek-longleaf-reserve.

    About Sandhills Conservation Partnership: The North Carolina Sandhills Conservation Partnership (NCSCP) is a collaborative effort that brings together various federal, state, and non-profit conservation groups to share information and resources related to conserving the vanishing longleaf pine ecosystem and recovering imperiled plants, animals, and fungi in the North Carolina Sandhills. Through quarterly meetings and the exchange of experience and opportunities, this team has been making an impact in the region since 2000. SCT is grateful for the assistance and support of fellow members like the Sandhills Prescribed Burn Association, the Sandhills Ecological Institute, The Longleaf Alliance, and The Nature Conservancy, among many others. Learn more at www.ncscp.org.

    Additional Support: SCT’s management activities would not be possible without U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Bill cost-share programs and other supporting grants. The North Carolina Forestry Commission provided our working management plan in 2020-2021. The Conservation Corps North Carolina (CCNC) has provided hundreds of hardworking service hours toward SCT’s fire management program on Nicks Creek Longleaf Reserve. We’re proud to be a part of the educational and stewardship journey of the next generation of environmental professionals.