Carolina Wren. Photo: Michael Warren/̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Photography Awards

Policy and Advocacy in North Carolina

We are the voice for birds in North Carolina

̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ North Carolina is the voice for birds at the NC General Assembly and across the state. For decades, ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ has been improving conditions for migratory birds on the Atlantic Flyway, mobilizing our chapter network to advocate for things like native plants, and protecting the most important places for birds.

̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ proudly seeks science-based, durable policy solutions that are developed in collaboration with a broad range of stakeholders that include other conservation organizations, landowners, farmers, and community-based organizations. We work with members of both parties to promote the protection of birds, the conservation of our state's biodiversity, and the right of all communities to live in a healthier world.

2025-26 State Policy Priorities
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ NC's 2025 Policy Agenda
Mallard taking flight from the water. Photo: Robert Cook/̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Photography Awards
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ NC's 2025 Policy Agenda

From conservation funding to wetlands protections to urban forestry, here are our top policy priorities for birds this year.

NC
Meet the Team
Headshot of Zach Wallace

Zach Wallace

Policy Director

Dana Sargent

Community Building Director

Brittany Salmons

Communications Associate

Ben Graham

Senior Communications Manager, Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic

Stay Engaged with ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ North Carolina
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ North Carolina will be keeping a close eye on our policy priorities throughout the year. Sign up to stay in the know.
Latest Policy and Advocacy News
Scarlet Tanager.
How the Roadless Rule Protects North Carolina’s Forests and Birds
September 26, 2025 — The Roadless Rule safeguards important public lands for people and birds; you can help save it.
Boblink
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Applauds New NC Wildlife Action Plan 
July 16, 2025 — Thorough, science-based plan highlights opportunities to protect species and habitat.
Royal Tern banding
Meet Dana Sargent, Our New Community Building Director
June 23, 2025 — The newest member of our team will partner with chapters to advance bird-friendly policy and conservation projects.
Tiger Swallowtail Female on Green-headed Coneflower. Photo: Will Stuart/Flickr
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Statement: NC Bill Includes Bird-friendly Native Plant Policies
June 11, 2025 — Senate Bill 391 includes native plant policies that build on years of grassroots advocacy.
Northern Bobwhite
NC Bill Would Give Protections to Family Farms
March 18, 2025 — Senate Bill 317 would help family landowners maintain control of their land and access conservation programs.
Great Egret
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Statement: NC Bill Would be Setback for Bipartisan Emissions Goals
March 11, 2025 — Senate Bill 261 eliminates key carbon reduction goal for North Carolina.
State Proposes Access Pass for Game Lands
February 12, 2025 — ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ encourages members, public to weigh.
Clockwise from top left: UNC Researchers at Pine Island. Photo: Megan Mendenhall/UNC Office of Research Communications; T. Gilbert Pearson ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ members with Senator Gladys Robinson. Photo: Caitlin O'Hara; American Oystercatcher. Photo: Brittany Salmons
Top Wins for Birds in 2024
December 16, 2024 — From mountains to coast, ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ staff and members flocked together to advance ambitious projects and policies for birds this year.
A pelican takes flight.
The Next Phase of Responsible Offshore Wind Energy
November 14, 2024 — ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ and our partners are advocating for responsible offshore wind energy in BOEM’s latest planning phase for the central Atlantic Coast.
Photos: Brittany Salmons/̽»¨¾«Ñ¡;  Cape May Warbler. Photo: Mary Kay Flick/̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Photography Awards;  Philadelphia Vireo. Photo: Jory Teltser/̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Photography Awards; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. Photo: Morgan Quimby/̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Photography Awards.
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Members Gather at NC Summit
October 10, 2024 — In the wake of Hurricane Helene, staff and chapters come together to strengthen bonds, share inspiration.