Southern Coastal Plain Climate Stronghold

Photo: Connie Pinson

The Southern Coastal Plain climate stronghold includes numerous river systems, estuaries, bogs and cypress swamps that will help support coniferous forest (pine-dominated) birds. Combined with its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, this area’s many water bodies can provide refuge in a changing climate. Protecting land in the southern coastal plain, ensuring forests are managed in a bird-friendly way and growing native plants in coastal towns and cities are key priorities for Audubon in this area.

Southern Coastal Plain Climate Stronghold

Key climate-threatened birds and habitat “guilds”

Climate-threatened birds can be grouped according to the type of habitat that they prefer.  This climate stronghold is likely to include suitable habitat and climate conditions for many birds threatened by climate change, including key birds listed below.

Coniferous forest species:

Key Conservation Partners

Government: Natural Resources Conservation Service, North Carolina State Parks, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, North Carolina Forest Service, North Carolina Division of Soil & Water Conservation

National & State NGOs: The Nature Conservancy, The Conservation Fund, Conservation Trust for North Carolina

Local Land Trusts: North Carolina Coastal Land Trust

Blue Ridge Mountains_akshay_flickr_CC

Blue Ridge Mountains Photo: Akshay/Flickr CC

How you can help climate-threatened birds

  1. Sign up for Audubon North Carolina’s action alerts. Find out when state lawmakers are making important decisions that will impact protection of climate strongholds and other natural areas in the state. Click here to join.
  2. Become an Audubon Ambassador. Audubon Ambassadors are volunteers working with state staff, Audubon chapters, and local communities to spread the word about the effect of climate change on birds, which includes recruiting others with a hopeful, solutions-oriented message.
  3. Grow native plants. Your yard and the plants in it can make a big difference for wildlife. Growing native plants provides critical food and shelter for birds to survive and thrive in the face of climate change.
  4. Are you a birder? Help Audubon refine and improve our climate modeling by participating in Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count and Climate Watch. Your participation will help us continue to refine our climate models and prioritize actions to protect birds.

News & Updates

Refuge No More: Changing Climate Threatens Birds in NC Refuges
Media Releases

Refuge No More: Changing Climate Threatens Birds in NC Refuges

Left unchecked, warming temperatures could affect habitat conditions at refuges from Mattamuskeet to the mountains.

Audubon Awarded Grants for Habitat Restoration at Pine Island Sanctuary, Cape Fear River
Media Releases

Audubon Awarded Grants for Habitat Restoration at Pine Island Sanctuary, Cape Fear River

— $400K from Land and Water Fund will support projects to revive a degraded water system and combat erosion.
Coastal Nesting Recap: First for Skimmers, Record Volunteering, Crab Research & More
Coast

Coastal Nesting Recap: First for Skimmers, Record Volunteering, Crab Research & More

Despite troubles with storms and predation, birds at Audubon’s coastal nesting sanctuaries fare well.

Audubon Network Speaks Up for Responsible Offshore Wind Energy
Climate

Audubon Network Speaks Up for Responsible Offshore Wind Energy

Siting, monitoring, and enforcement will be critical to slashing emissions and protecting birds.

Advocates Urge Speed, Equity in Clean-Energy Transition
Climate

Advocates Urge Speed, Equity in Clean-Energy Transition

Thousands of supporters signed Audubon’s petition urging the N.C. Utilities Commission to improve the Carbon Plan for birds and people.

New Tracking Tower Reveals 2,000-mile Shorebird Connection
News

New Tracking Tower Reveals 2,000-mile Shorebird Connection

With migration in full swing, three radio-tagged dowitchers make the same journey to Audubon sanctuary.

Passage of the Sweeping Climate Bill Offers Renewed Promise in the Fight Against Climate Change
Climate

Passage of the Sweeping Climate Bill Offers Renewed Promise in the Fight Against Climate Change

Unprecedented investments in renewable energy, climate resilience, agriculture, forestry, and environmental justice will help create a better future for people and wildlife.

After Major Restoration Project, Cape Fear River Gets First Skimmer Nest in a Decade
Coast

After Major Restoration Project, Cape Fear River Gets First Skimmer Nest in a Decade

Coastal waterbirds take full advantage of new habitat after Audubon-Army Corps Project.

Duke Energy’s Carbon Plan Falls Short
Climate

Duke Energy’s Carbon Plan Falls Short

The plan, required by law, is a step toward cutting emissions but still needs significant improvements.

New Tower Connects NC Barrier Island to Global Bird Tracking Network
Media Releases

New Tower Connects NC Barrier Island to Global Bird Tracking Network

— Cape Fear Audubon, Audubon North Carolina and UNC Wilmington partner to install Motus tower at Lea Island.

How you can help, right now