wildland habitat solutions
the people behind
wildland habitat solutions


Our
Story
Both of us (Channing + Gavin) were raised in nature. Countless hours spent backpacking, hiking, hunting, fishing, climbing etc. Over the years, we became fascinated with the local wilderness areas we were spending most of our days in. Our love for the outdoors only grew more when we chose to further our knowledge via an academic route. We learned about every aspect of the natural world here in the Southern Appalachian Mountains and the remainder of the southeast. The more we learned about every tree, bird, plant etc, the more we realized how at risk our native wilderness areas really are and how little there are left.
So, we decided to make it our mission to provide these at risk areas and species a safe haven by creating and restoring native wildlife habitats wherever possible, and we hope that yours is the next project!
channing
watson
Howdy, Folks! I'm Channing Watson. Armed with a degree in Wildlife Biology from Lees McRae College and a Fish + Wildlife Management degree from Haywood Community College, I'm not your typical landscaper – I'm a certified ecosystem builder.
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Before starting a native landscaping and wildlife management company, I spent 1.5 years with the NCWRC (that's North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, for those not versed in the alphabet soup). I've been extremely involved in the intricate dance of ecosystems, learning the ways of the wild straight from the source. Which, lucky for you, means I have plenty of experience to bring to your property to create biodiversity and help your land create and support life.
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But wait, there's more! I've also aced the NC trappers education course, making me the maestro of managing wildlife with finesse and respect. Whether it's creating habitats for furry critters or ensuring a balanced ecosystem, I've got it covered.
Additional Certifications: S190 and S130 Wildland Certification, Leave no Trace, Certified Wildlife Technician


gavin
Byers
Hi all! my name is Gavin Byers, co-owner of Wildland Habitat Solutions. I have always had a love for the outdoors, whether it was backpacking, fishing, hunting or just being outside. This attraction led me to pursue my A.A.S degree in Fish and Wildlife Managment at Haywood Community College. I then pursued my B.S. degree in Wildlife Biology at Lees McRae College.
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While in college I was eager to be in the field, so I have countless hours of volunteer time with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, and private hunting ranches throughout the southeast. Game birds such as quail and turkey are what draw me in the most, so I decided to work temporality with Tall Timbers in North Florida on Dixie Plantation, a 9100-acre quail management property where I learned the ins and outs of managing a reputable and well-known quail plantation. After coming back from Florida I was eager to improve wildlife habitat in my home state, so me and Channing thought of no better way than to create WHS!
It is my goal to create and restore native wildlife habitat in WNC, with the knowledge and experience we both hold we promise nothing less than the best habitat management services!
Additional certifications: IS-100, IS-700 S-110, S190 and S130 Wildland Firefighting Certifications, North American Trapper Certification, NC Licensed Prescribed Burner, Certified Wildlife Technician, Wilderness First Aid