Ecological Preserve
The Fred Stanback, Jr. Ecological Preserve at Catawba College was established in 1998 to ensure the land will always be held in its natural state and provides unique experiences in environmental education and research for Catawba students.
The Fred Stanback, Jr. Ecological Preserve at Catawba College is a 189-acre wetland preserve located on the campus in Salisbury, NC. The preserve is a living-learning classroom and laboratory for our students, faculty, and staff.
In 1998, the Catawba College Center for the Environment worked with the LandTrust for Central North Carolina to place the preserve under a permanent conservation easement, which ensures that the land will always be held in its natural state.
Features of the Fred Stanback Jr. Ecological Preserve:
- Students, faculty, and staff use the area for scientific research and environmental education
- The preserve offers trails for walking, jogging, and bird watching
- A diverse bird population of raptors, songbirds, waterfowl, herons, woodpeckers, and more are found in the preserve
- It is home to aquatic mammals such as beavers, minks, and otters
- Gray foxes, coyotes, raccoons, opossums, squirrels, and deer also call the preserve home
- The preserve also includes an impressive reptile and amphibian presence. For example: The Eastern Box Turtle is the only fully terrestrial turtle in North Carolina and was chosen as the official North Carolina State Reptile in 1979. Due to population decline and habitat loss, it has been designated as a vulnerable species. They are a relatively common sight in the Preserve during the lengthy spring to fall mating season, especially after summer rains.
Preserve Usage Rules
- The trails are open for hiking, walking, and jogging daily from sunup to sunset. Please remain on the trails and do not create new ones. Stay out of water bodies. This protects fragile habitats and plants, as well as nests and burrows of animals
- Please respect the research and classes conducted in the preserve
- Keep your dog on a six (6) foot leash at all times. Clean up after your dog
- Carry out anything you bring in
- Do not remove, collect, prune, or disturb plants, animals, cultural artifacts, or any natural material
- No hunting, fishing, or trapping
- No camping or fires
- No bicycles, scooters, or skateboards
- No fireworks or firearms
- Authorized motor vehicles only
Preserve Usage Recommendations
- Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
- Walk, hike, jog, or bird watch with a friend or friends
- Keep your eye on the weather
- Watch for slippery areas of the trail
- Maintain a safe distance between yourself and any preserve wildlife
- Be aware of your surroundings
Cameras are in use throughout the preserve.
If you need assistance while in the preserve, call Catawba College Public Safety at 704.637.4000 or 911 if it is an emergency.
Flora and Fauna
The many fascinating plants and animals of Catawba's ecological preserve:
A Bird's-Eye View
The view from above of Catawba's ecological preserve shows the vastness of its natural beauty. Home to many species, it is a living classroom for student field study and research right at the doorstep of our beautiful campus.
