Wildlife watching and birding in Raeford, North Carolina

Calloway Forest Preserve is a park and tourist attraction located at 4407 Aberdeen Road in Raeford, North Carolina, United States. This preserve was once heavily harvested for pine needles but is now undergoing a remarkable recovery. It is a longleaf pine forest in the Sandhills region, showcasing the ancient woodlands that once covered a vast area from Virginia to Texas. The preserve is home to a variety of plant communities including longleaf pine, wiregrass, Michaux's sumac, and rough-leaf loosestrife. Wildlife such as red-cockaded woodpeckers, migratory songbirds, fox squirrels, and bobcats can also be found here. Management efforts at Calloway Forest Preserve include prescribed burns to reduce hardwoods and encourage the growth of fire-dependent species. The forest serves as a crucial corridor for wildlife and helps restore degraded tracts affected by fire suppression. The preserve is protected through collaboration with state and federal agencies, with the goal of eventually including it in the state's Game Lands program.

Mott Lake is a serene park located on Plank Road in Raeford, North Carolina, United States. This beautiful institution offers a peaceful retreat for visitors to enjoy nature's beauty and tranquility. With a picturesque lake as its centerpiece, Mott Lake provides opportunities for fishing, picnicking, hiking, and bird watching. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day in the great outdoors or a place to connect with nature, Mott Lake is the perfect destination.