2018 was another year Marvin Efird Park (Marvin Park to locals) remained a green oasis in the midst of suburban Marvin, North Carolina. For nature enthusiasts, the walking trails, meadows and gardens are a window into the region’s wildlife. While the park is small, it’s a big player in preserving local habitat and 2018 was a big year for the species that live here.
In this post we’ll look at the most interesting species seen or likely present in Marvin Park in 2018, the ecological context around them, conservation efforts and why this small suburban park matters for biodiversity.
1. Understanding Marvin Park: Place and Ecological Context
About Marvin Efird Park
- Marvin Efird Park is located at 8909 New Town Road, within the Village of Marvin, North Carolina.
- The park opened on May 5, 2012, and today includes walking trails, a meadow, a playground, picnic shelter, and a community garden.
- It also hosts a 9-hole disc golf short course, which brings a mix of regular visitors.
- The Village of Marvin emphasizes green-space preservation, including tree buffers and nature trails, even as suburban development continues.
- Local conservation organizations, such as Habitat Builders, work alongside the village to maintain native habitat, and volunteer efforts often center around the park.
Because of its location and design, Marvin Park provides a small but important refuge for wildlife in a rapidly suburbanizing area.
2. The Wildlife Landscape in Marvin Park, 2018
Marvin Park may not be a sprawling wilderness, but in 2018 it functioned as a micro-ecosystem typical of suburban green spaces in North Carolina’s Piedmont region. Based on the park’s vegetation, surrounding habitat, and regional wildlife data, here’s a deeper look at species that were likely present, and those that may have been seen by observers that year.
Mammals
Some of the common mammals that likely used Marvin Park in 2018 include:
- Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis): This species is widespread in eastern U.S. parks and forests, and is very likely to inhabit the tree-lined paths of Marvin Park.
- Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana): As part of North Carolina’s mammal fauna, opossums are common in semi-wooded suburban areas.
- Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans): This smaller, nocturnal rodent is among the species listed for North Carolina and could be present in mature trees.
- Small Rodents / Mice: The broader wildlife list for North Carolina includes species like the woodland vole (Microtus pinetorum) and cotton mice, which could inhabit the underbrush and meadow edges around Marvin Park.
These mammals rely on the mix of wooded areas, meadow, and green corridors that parks like Marvin provide.
Birds
Birdlife is especially rich in the Piedmont region, and Marvin Park’s trails and garden areas would attract a variety of species.
- Resident and Migratory Birds: North Carolina’s bird list includes more than 470 species, thanks in part to its location along the Atlantic Flyway.
- Songbirds: From warblers to thrushes, stable woodland and meadow habitats can attract common forest-edge species in both spring and fall migrations.
- Raptors: Birds like Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) could use the wooded patches around Marvin Park as hunting grounds. Cooper’s hawks are known to prey on small birds and mammals in suburban forested areas.
- Backyard & Edge Species: Cardinals, chickadees, and woodpeckers are likely regulars in the treed corridors near paths, given the general bird diversity in North Carolina.
Depending on the season, visitors walking Marvin Park’s trails in 2018 could have observed a wide variety of bird species, especially during migration windows.
Reptiles, Amphibians & Insects
No specific data for Marvin Efird Park but suburban parks in this area typically have:
- Reptiles: Small turtles and snakes in meadow edges or greenways with dense vegetation or ground cover.
- Amphibians: In wet or shaded areas, frogs or salamanders in areas that hold moisture.
- Insects & Pollinators: Community garden and meadow areas are likely hotspots for native pollinators (bees and butterflies) and grassland insects that like the less manicured parts of the park.
No 2018 data but this mix of species is typical for suburban greenspace in the area.
3. Conservation & Community Engagement 2018
Habitat Builders and Local Stewardship
In 2018 Habitat Builders—a local group dedicated to restoring and maintaining wildlife habitat in Marvin—played a big role in protecting and enhancing the ecological value of Marvin Park.
- They removed invasive species, planted native plants and engaged community volunteers.
- It’s not just about looking pretty, it’s about food and shelter for wildlife.
- By restoring native shrub areas and maintaining garden beds they ensure mammals, birds and pollinators have what they need.
National Wildlife Federation Recognition
The Village of Marvin is a Community Wildlife Habitat with the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). This designation means we are committed to preserving wildlife friendly green spaces.
- It means Marvin Park is part of a bigger conservation mission: making the village a place where people and wildlife can thrive.
- It also encourages community driven efforts like trail maintenance, native planting and educational programming.
Volunteer Programming & Wildlife Education
In 2018 local initiatives brought residents closer to nature: 4 chan Biz
- Volunteer days at Marvin Park allowed community members to help with trail and garden maintenance.
- Educational programs (e.g. biology events or nature walks) likely raised awareness about local species, even if 2018 events are not documented in public records.
4. Why Marvin Park in 2018 Was Special
Visiting Marvin Park in 2018 was important for several reasons:
- Suburban Conservation: Marvin Park shows how even small parks in suburban areas can have wildlife value. In 2018 it was a green oasis in the midst of development.
- Community Involvement: The alignment of local government (the village), volunteer groups (Habitat Builders) and national conservation organizations (NWF) means wildlife conservation is part of the DNA of Marvin.
- Biodiversity Value: Based on regional wildlife patterns, Marvin Park likely had a wide range of species—from grey squirrels to migratory birds—making it ecologically important.
- Long-Term Potential: The grassland meadows, walking trails and native plantings set the stage for even more wildlife in the years to come. 2018 was a snapshot, a baseline moment where conservation was already paying off.
5. Challenges & Threats (2018)
No suburban green space is without its challenges. In 2018, Marvin Park’s wildlife would have faced:
- Habitat Fragmentation: As Marvin grows, green corridors shrink. Wildlife movement through the park’s trails and meadows is crucial.
- Invasive Species: Invasive plants compete with native flora, reducing habitat for local fauna. Habitat Builders’ weed removal work is key here.
- Human Activity: Recreation, disc golf, and events can disturb sensitive species, especially ground-nesting birds or small mammals.
- Urban Runoff & Pollution: More development means more pavement, which means more water runoff and pollution, affecting insects and amphibians.
Knowing these threats is important to understanding the balance between human use and wildlife protection in Marvin Park.ey to understanding the balance between human use and wildlife protection in Marvin Park.
6. Notable Species Spotlight (Profile — What Makes Them Cool)
Let’s feature a few species (or groups) that represent the ecological diversity in Marvin Park and why they are cool.
Eastern Gray Squirrel
- Why they’re important: They’re seed dispersers. They bury nuts and forget many of them which helps tree regeneration.
- Behavioral note: They’re smart; they dig decoy holes and use spatial memory (and scent) to find their food caches.
- Found in Marvin Park: With mature trees and green corridors, eastern gray squirrels would love Marvin Park.
Cooper’s Hawk
- Why they’re important: As a raptor, Cooper’s hawk controls populations of smaller birds and mammals.
- Adaptable: They’re well adapted to forest fragmentation and can thrive in suburban woods.
- Ecological insight: Their prey diversity (birds, mammals, even bats) is a reflection of suburban ecosystems.
Southern Flying Squirrel
- Why they’re important: Nocturnal mammals that pollinate certain tree species and because they glide, they need a connected canopy.
- Habitat requirement: Mature trees with cavities or branches for gliding, makes trail-lined parks like Marvin a must have.
7. Data, Trends & Statistics (2018 Context)
Because specific species counts for Marvin Efird Park in exactly 2018 are not publicly available, we lean on broader data and trends relevant to its ecosystem:
- Bird Diversity: North Carolina supports over 470 bird species, many of which could pass through or inhabit suburban green spaces.
- Volunteer Engagement: In 2018 and surrounding years, Marvin’s volunteer programs (through Habitat Builders and Village boards) helped restore native habitats—critical action for local biodiversity.
- Community Conservation: The Village of Marvin’s registration as an NWF Community Wildlife Habitat indicates ongoing commitment to habitat protection.
8. What’s Next (Beyond 2018)
Looking ahead to 2018, here are a few things for Marvin Park’s wildlife:
- Monitoring
- Conduct formal wildlife surveys (birds, mammals, reptiles) through citizen science or with universities.
- Use iNaturalist or Merlin Bird ID to crowdsource observations and build a species list. (NC birders use these tools.)
- Habitat Connectivity
- Expand greenways: add to or connect Marvin Park trails to nearby natural areas to support wildlife movement.
- Plant native shrubs and meadows for cover and foraging.
- Education & Outreach
- Host regular nature walks, especially during migration seasons, to get the community involved with local wildlife.
- Create interpretive signs about common species, their roles and conservation value.
- Invasive Species
- Continue and scale volunteer invasive plant removal.
- Plant native wildflowers and shrubs to attract pollinators and food for mammals and birds.
- Partnerships
- Work with North Carolina Wildlife Federation to align park management with overall conservation goals.
- Create citizen science projects with local schools or nature clubs.
9. Why This Matters: The Value of Marvin Park in 2018’s Wild Story
- Biodiversity in Unexpected Places: Marvin Park demonstrates that wildlife conservation isn’t limited to large reserves — suburban parks can support meaningful ecological function.
- Community as Steward: The 2018 snapshot shows how local residents and organizations (Habitat Builders, village government) play a central role in preserving nature.
- Long-Term Impact: The seed was being sown (literally and figuratively) in 2018. Through native plantings, trail maintenance, and conservation recognition, Marvin Park is building toward a more resilient and wildlife-rich future.
10. Tips for Visitors & Wildlife Enthusiasts (Based on 2018)
If you were visiting Marvin Park in 2018, here are some practical tips for wildlife watching and contributing positively:
- Best Times to Visit
- Early morning and late afternoon are ideal: many mammals and birds are more active, and light is better for spotting.
- During spring and fall migrations, keep an eye out for warblers, sparrows, and other migratory species.
- Bring the Right Tools
- Use binoculars or a bird ID app (e.g., Merlin) for birdwatching.
- Carry a notebook or smartphone to log what you see — your observations could help the community track biodiversity.
- Stay on Trails
- Stick to the groomed walking paths to minimize disturbance to sensitive species.
- Respect garden beds and restoration areas that volunteers maintain — these are key habitat zones.
- Volunteer
- Join local volunteer days (Habitat Builders often organizes events) to help maintain and restore wildlife habitat.
- Share your wildlife sightings with local conservation groups or via citizen-science platforms.
- Support Conservation
- Advocate for continuing green space preservation as Marvin develops.
- Educate others (neighbors, friends) about the value of urban and suburban wildlife habitat.
Conclusion
In 2018 Marvin Park was more than a community gathering place — it was a quiet sanctuary for the wildlife of the Piedmont. While exact species counts for that year may be hard to find, the ecological context, regional biodiversity and local conservation efforts tell the story of a rich ecosystem: squirrels, flying mammals, raptors, songbirds, pollinators and more. The work of volunteers and local groups in restoring native habitat and the Village’s commitment to green space made 2018 a meaningful moment in Marvin’s conservation history.
As Marvin grows, preserving and expanding this greenway is crucial. The wildlife of 2018 is a reminder: even in suburbia, nature exists — and with intentional care, it can flourish.
