Photos by Michael Madole
On Saturday, April 11, Triangle Land Conservancy (TLC) hosted Wild Ideas: You Are a Force for Nature at the North Carolina Museum of Art’s Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park. More than 300 people came together for a vibrant, family-friendly celebration of art, conservation, and what it means to be a force for nature.
This year’s Wild Ideas was truly unique. Instead of the speaker series featured in years past, this free event invited the public to learn and participate in hands-on, experiential activities. Organized by Kayla Ebert, TLC’s Senior Education and Outreach Manager, along with the rest of the Education and Outreach team, Wild Ideas: You Are a Force for Nature was designed with a focus on the intersection of art and the environment.
“No matter the theme, Wild Ideas is always meant to connect the community to our work and to nature itself,” Ebert explained. “As a core component of our mission and a benefit to conservation, connecting people of all backgrounds and abilities to nature is central to this event.”
Photo 1: Women of the Triangle Hiking Club group hike. Photo by Florencia Loncán,
Photo 2: Dominique Day Hunter's story time hour. Photo by Caroline Gilmore,
Photo 3: Super G Print Lab screenprinting Wild Ideas design on attendees chosen items. Photo by Florencia Loncán
Thirty-five TLC partners tabled at the event, showcasing the power of collaboration among community organizations. From hands-on workshops and guided hikes to inspiring artistic demonstrations and outdoor experiences, people of all ages explored new ways to connect with the natural world.
“There were so many interesting hikes and groups, and not enough time to get to them all,” shared an event participant. “That’s a good problem to have!”
TLC believes that education is the foundation for lasting conservation. It sparks curiosity, deepens understanding, and inspires people to care for the world around them. Each year, Wild Ideas brings the outdoors to life, connecting our local community with nature in meaningful ways.
“I’m inspired to get kids in nature to raise the next generation to love and protect these spaces,” shared another event participant.
Thank you to everyone who showed up, made art, explored, and celebrated nature with us. And a huge thank you to our incredible partners, volunteers, and supporters who helped bring this event to life. We’re so grateful to be part of a community that cares so deeply for people and the planet.
A special thank you to the North Carolina Museum of Art for providing the space; Great Outdoor Provision Co., Murphy’s Naturals, Net Friends, and Blue Heron Asset Management for sponsoring this event; and Kristen Solecki for designing our poster materials.
