03.11.2013
Topics: Nature, Wildlife
Everybody has their favorite shell, but in North Carolina, the Holy Grail of seashells seems to be the Scotch bonnet. More >
01.08.2013
Topics: Nature, Wildlife
The largest seabirds in the North Atlantic, the northern gannets have long been tied to maritime culture. More >
10.25.2012
Topics: Nature, Wildlife
When the temperatures start to drop,the king of butterflies -- the monarchs -- begin their long and amazing migration back to the mountains Mexico. More >
08.21.2012
Topics: Nature, Wildlife
The call of the chuck-will's-widow is one of Sam's favorites... as long as it's in the distance. More >
07.06.2012
Topics: Central Coast, Nature, Wildlife
Sam Bland and a ranger friend spy a rare sight on Bear Island: American Oyster Catcher hatchlings. Come, read about their encounters. More >
05.23.2012
Topics: Nature, Northeast Coast, Wildlife
Sam Bland loves snakes, but when he comes across one unexpectedly, his perfectly understandable reaction is to run... and then go back for a look and a few photos. More >
03.19.2012
Topics: Nature, Wildlife
When these winter visitors are gone, we know spring has arrived in coastal N.C. More >
02.09.2012
Topics: Nature, Wildlife
Many stuffy marine biologists would scoff at the term "starfish" because these animals aren't fish. But, by any name, they are awesomely cool. More >
12.19.2011
Topics: Wildlife
As the setting sun lowered a crimson veil over the horizon, I took a late afternoon stroll down to a favorite marsh overlook and was greeted by a loud, clear rattling call that sliced through the calmness of the approaching evening. A disturbed Kingfisher stared at me with obvious irritation, its magnificent crest feathers stood erect, resembling a Mohawk hair style spiked up with gel. More >
10.11.2011
Topics: Wildlife
Everybody probably remembers the fable by Aesop about the tortoise and the hare. Well, what about the sea turtle and the hare! Just kidding, but we do have a type of hare that lives in our coastal waters, just not the kind of four legged hare that you are probably thinking of. More >
About the Author: Sam Bland
Sam spent much of his life out in the field. He joined the federation in 2009 after spending 30 years as a park ranger and park superintendent at the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. Most of that time was spent at Hammocks Beach State Park near Swansboro where Sam specialized in resource management and environmental education.
His work with state parks earned Sam the federation’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009; the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the state’s highest civilian honor; and the Rotary International Outstanding Public Citizen Award.
With the federation, Sam is responsible for helping develop programs at the education center on Jones Island in the White Oak River.
Sam graduated from East Carolina University with a bachelor of science degree in parks and conservation and is a certified environmental educator.
He is also an accomplished photographer. You can view his nature photos on our Facebook page.
