Sandhills Natural History Society

08/27/2026

For the beachgoers:

🦀 Have you seen a Blue Land Crab in North Carolina? Please report it!

Blue Land Crabs are a non-native species that have been increasingly spotted locally, including two confirmed sightings this year in Emerald Isle. Researchers are working to learn more about where these crabs are found and their potential impacts on our coastal environment.

If you spot one, snap a photo and report the date and location. Sightings help biologists track this unusual species.

🔎 Learn more and report a sighting: https://bit.ly/45U7qwa

08/22/2026

Happening until 12:00 today at the new Aberdeen Library!

08/22/2026

Sorry about the late share, but head to Carthage or Aberdeen before 12:00 to grab some native plants & pizza, and to help with the Great Pollinator Census!

07/10/2026

Spotted Lanternflies are getting closer to the NC Sandhills (they have invaded Greensboro)! Please keep an eye out. 😕

Have you spotted a spotted lanternfly? 🔍 We need YOUR help to stomp the spread! 🛑

Spotted lanternfly is an invasive piercing-sucking insect that was first found in the U.S. in 2014 in Pennsylvania and spread quickly to over 18 states. It was first detected in North Carolina in 2022, and recent sightings have been reported this year. The agricultural pest can feed on more than 100 species of plants, including ornamentals and grapevines, with its preferred host being tree of heaven.

If you think you have seen a spotted lanternfly in your area, you can help by reporting sightings to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Residents in Kernersville, Walkertown, Oak Ridge, High Point or Greensboro do not need to report, as these areas are generally infested.

Learn how to report sightings and help us stomp the spread: http://ncst.at/xJxK50ZlJT5

05/17/2026

Good advice!

🦟💧☀️🐝🦋We are thankful for rain this week in North Carolina! Wet and warm weather will bring more mosquitoes… and fogging that can be harmful to the environment and our health. Let’s stay ahead of it this season with strong prevention tactics! Eliminate breeding sites by dumping standing water around your home.

04/30/2026

Agency biologists want to know more about the distribution of the Northern pine snake and are asking the public to report sightings.

Pine snakes are non-venomous and range between four and five feet long, but can get as large as 7.5 feet. It has a white or tan background color with dark brown or black markings that begin as solid coloring or messy blotches near the head before gradually becoming distinct saddle-like blotches toward the tail.

It’s mostly found in the Sandhills and the southern Coastal Plain, although there are confirmed reports of pine snakes in Cherokee and Swain counties. They prefer open areas within pine-oak forests with well-drained, sandy soil.

The Wildlife Commission is requesting that people who see a pine snake take a photo, mark the date, time and location (GPS coordinates) and submit them on the Pine Snake Reporting Tool at: https://bit.ly/4cjaRiu

03/23/2026

See here for more information about where to look for this rare butterfly, and click on NCWRC’s link below to report sightings! https://auth1.dpr.ncparks.gov/nbnc/a/accounts.php?acctID=36

Biologists with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission are asking for the public’s help tracking a rare butterfly. Frosted elfins are declining across much of their range, and your sightings can help identify where they still live in North Carolina and guide future conservation efforts.

Their host plants used by frosted elfin are Baptisia tinctoria, Lupinus perennis, and Lupinus diffusus. They have a narrow flight window: more likely in the last half of April, but they have also been seen during the first half of the month.

If you see a frosted elfin, report it and help protect this Species of Greatest Conservation Need!

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4rMyNRe

03/11/2026

Longleaf seedlings and wiregrass plugs available! See below:

Looking for longleaf seedlings or wiregrass plugs? The N.C. Forest Service Claridge Nursery has a surplus for sale!

Visit buynctrees.com or give them a call at 1-888-NCTREES (1-888-628-7337) to place your order today!