Events

Celebrate Great State Trails Day with TLC and Bluestem on an exploration of this 87-acre nature preserve and conservation cemetery!

TLC and Eno River Association are Bluestem’s conservation partners helping to protect it with an upcoming conservation easement. As a nature preserve, Bluestem is restoring 30 acres of former farm fields into prairie grasslands. It is open to all, with a growing trail network built by volunteers.

Bluestem is also a conservation cemetery with 50 acres set aside for natural burial. “Natural burial at Bluestem is simple, natural and personal. It occurs without embalming, without metal or steel caskets, and without concrete vaults.”

We will break into two groups for the hike: a conservation/nature walk and a walk for those interested in Bluestem‘s green burial practice as well as its nature preserve role. The trails are flat, though some may be muddy after a rain. Kids are welcome and while Bluestem does love dogs, this is an event only for their owners. This is a free event, but preregistration is required.

If registration is full, please fill out this waitlist form here by October 15th.

Current Mask Policy: TLC seeks to build a supportive, mask-friendly environment in all collaborations with staff and the public. Please wear a mask if you are not vaccinated, or if that makes you feel most comfortable. We will have masks available if you would like to wear one during an event. We also encourage those eligible to be vaccinated to get their Covid-19 vaccine and booster shot. If you are experiencing any Covid-related symptoms, please stay home and attend a program another day. Our top priority is to create a safe environment for our community. Thank you for your understanding.

Join TLC for some family friendly nocturnal investigation!

Keep cool and feed your curiosity by joining us for this evening exploration! Learn about the animals who thrive at night and test out some of their tools to make their way through the dark. Experience Brumley Nature Preserve through the ears of a bat, the eyes of an owl, and the nose of an opossum! 

Get Wild! Hikes and activities are most appropriate for 7 years and up. Bring sun protection, a water bottle, and shoes that can get muddy. Please register all members of the family attending, including children and adults.

This is a free event, but pre-registration is required:

If the event is full, please email Meera Butalia at [email protected] to be added to the waitlist.

Current Mask Policy: TLC seeks to build a supportive, mask-friendly environment in all collaborations with staff and the public. Please wear a mask if you are not vaccinated, or if that makes you feel most comfortable. We will have masks available if you would like to wear one during an event. We also encourage those eligible to be vaccinated to get their Covid-19 vaccine and booster shot. If you are experiencing any Covid-related symptoms, please stay home and attend a program another day. Our top priority is to create a safe environment for our community. Thank you for your understanding.

Join the authors of Trails and Treats as they share insights from their guidebook to great trails and good eats in North Carolina!

Authors Palmer and Hollis are hosting a short talk about their new book- Trails & Treats: A Hiker and Runner’s Guide to Great Trails and Good Eats in North Carolina, followed by a hike or run on the Johnston Mill Preserve trails. Come learn about this new resource that can help you plan your next outdoor adventures across the state!  This event is free, but preregistration is required. Carpooling is also recommended as the parking lot at Johnston Mill is small.

If registration is full, please fill out this waitlist form here by 10/16.

Current Mask Policy: TLC seeks to build a supportive, mask-friendly environment in all collaborations with staff and the public. Please wear a mask if you are not vaccinated, or if that makes you feel most comfortable. We also encourage those eligible to be vaccinated to get their Covid-19 vaccine and booster shot. If you are experiencing any Covid-related symptoms, please stay home and attend a program another day. Our top priority is to create a safe environment for our community. Thank you for your understanding.

Join TLC on this fall plant and mushroom identification hike for beginners!

TLC Trail Guide Max will guide you along Swift Creek Bluffs Preserve to learn how to use cellphone apps (like iNaturalist, PictureThis, and PlantNet) and local field guides to correctly identify common plants of the Piedmont Region. Participants are encouraged to have at least iNaturalist installed on their phone but having more than one application would be even better.

This is a free event, but preregistration is required. Due to the size of the parking lot, we will keep the hiking group small and ask that you register by vehicle rather than individual. Feel free to bring guests but please carpool to ensure we have enough space in the parking lot.

If registration is full, please fill out this waitlist form by October 21st.

Current Mask Policy: TLC seeks to build a supportive, mask-friendly environment in all collaborations with staff and the public. Please wear a mask if you are not vaccinated, or if that makes you feel most comfortable. We will have masks available if you would like to wear one during an event. We also encourage those eligible to be vaccinated to get their Covid-19 vaccine and booster shot. If you are experiencing any Covid-related symptoms, please stay home and attend a program another day. Our top priority is to create a safe environment for our community. Thank you for your understanding.

Please join the Triangle Mycological Society for a fungal foray at Horton Grove!

We’ll explore various habitats and cover types throughout the preserve, seeking to discover a diverse array of fungal species. Our findings will be documented in iNaturalist, so we encourage you to download the app if you wish to participate in this citizen science project. We’ll gather at the main parking lot at Horton Grove to begin our adventure. Limited spots are available.  This is a free event, but preregistration is required.

If registration is full, please fill out this waitlist form by October 22nd.

Current Mask Policy: TLC seeks to build a supportive, mask-friendly environment in all collaborations with staff and the public. Please wear a mask if you are not vaccinated, or if that makes you feel most comfortable. We will have masks available if you would like to wear one during an event. We also encourage those eligible to be vaccinated to get their Covid-19 vaccine and booster shot. If you are experiencing any Covid-related symptoms, please stay home and attend a program another day. Our top priority is to create a safe environment for our community. Thank you for your understanding.

Come join TLC for an invigorating speed hike to wake up your Saturday morning!

This hike is led by one of our wonderful Trail Guides and will have a goal pace of 20 minutes per mile for about 3 miles. Explore Johnston Mill and see what all you can find while keeping your heart healthy, and socializing on trail. This is a free event but preregistration is required.

Current Mask Policy: TLC seeks to build a supportive, mask-friendly environment in all collaborations with staff and the public. Please wear a mask if you are not vaccinated, or if that makes you feel most comfortable. We will have masks available if you would like to wear one during an event. We also encourage those eligible to be vaccinated to get their Covid-19 vaccine and booster shot. If you are experiencing any Covid-related symptoms, please stay home and attend a program another day. Our top priority is to create a safe environment for our community. Thank you for your understanding.

Join us for a family-friendly exploration of Williamson Nature Preserve!

TLC Trail Guide, Mary Abrams, will guide families along Two Ponds Loop and the grassland at Williamson preserve to discover what plants and animals you will find! This is a free event, but registration is required.

If registration is full, please fill out this waitlist form here by October 23rd.

Current Mask Policy: TLC seeks to build a supportive, mask-friendly environment in all collaborations with staff and the public. Please wear a mask if you are not vaccinated, or if that makes you feel most comfortable. We also encourage those eligible to be vaccinated to get their Covid-19 vaccine and booster shot. If you are experiencing any Covid-related symptoms, please stay home and attend a program another day. Our top priority is to create a safe environment for our community. Thank you for your understanding.

Inclement Weather Policy: In the event of inclement weather, you will be contacted by email for a call on cancellation or postponement.

Come join us for an exploration of the pines of the piedmont!

Join TLC on this gorgeous morning hike to explore our White Pines Nature Preserve. Along the way we will meander through this unique ecosystem and learn about the 5 pines that you can find at the preserve. This preserve contains species not typically found in the North Carolina Piedmont, but still remain here from the last ice age due to the rivers surrounding the area creating a microclimate.

This will be a moderate 3 mile hike over 2 hours. There will be multiple stops along the way to learn about the ecology and the history of the preserve. Please make sure to wear good walking shoes and bring a full water bottle along with bug spray and sunscreen if you would like it! This is a free event, but preregistration is required.

If registration is full, please fill out this waitlist form by October 29th.

Current Mask Policy: TLC seeks to build a supportive, mask-friendly environment in all collaborations with staff and the public. Please wear a mask if you are not vaccinated, or if that makes you feel most comfortable. We also encourage those eligible to be vaccinated to get their Covid-19 vaccine and booster shot. If you are experiencing any Covid-related symptoms, please stay home and attend a program another day. Our top priority is to create a safe environment for our community. Thank you for your understanding.

Come join us for our astronomical series: Friday Under the Stars!

Raleigh Astronomy Club will be hosting a monthly night sky viewing session at one of our private sites that will only be open for this event. The old site for Three Bears Acres will be the perfect location for star viewing fun so bring a blanket or chair and we will see you there!

Because this is a private preserve, we ask that you leave furry friends at home. We suggest that you bring a picnic blanket or chair to stargaze in, a red flashlight, warm layers, and snacks and a water bottle. Please remember to pack anything that you bring in, back out with you and we can’t wait to see you amongst the stars! This is a free event, but preregistration is required. Make sure to save your spot below!

If registration is full, please fill out the waitlist form here.

Current Mask Policy: TLC seeks to build a supportive, mask-friendly environment in all collaborations with staff and the public. Please wear a mask if you are not vaccinated, or if that makes you feel most comfortable. We also encourage those eligible to be vaccinated to get their Covid-19 vaccine and booster shot. If you are experiencing any Covid-related symptoms, please stay home and attend a program another day. Our top priority is to create a safe environment for our community. Thank you for your understanding.

Join TLC to learn the basics of nature photography!

TLC Trail Guide Ross M. will lead this walk along Brumley North Preserve while looking for opportunities to take interesting photos in nature.  Participants should bring a camera with a lens capable of taking photographs of what most interests them, such as a telephoto lens for birds and mammals, close-ups for flowers, mushrooms, or insects. Ross will also talk about technical camera aspects that are particularly essential for bird photography.

Unfortunately, we are unable to lend any gear so please bring your own camera/lenses. This is a free event, but registration is required.

If registration is full, please fill out the waitlist form here.

Current Mask Policy: TLC seeks to build a supportive, mask-friendly environment in all collaborations with staff and the public. Please wear a mask if you are not vaccinated, or if that makes you feel most comfortable. We will have masks available if you would like to wear one during an event. We also encourage those eligible to be vaccinated to get their Covid-19 vaccine and booster shot. If you are experiencing any Covid-related symptoms, please stay home and attend a program another day. Our top priority is to create a safe environment for our community. Thank you for your understanding.

Join us for a family-friendly exploration of Brumley South Preserve!

TLC Trail Guide, Mary Abrams, will guide families along the Brumley South pond and wetlands to discover what plants and animals you will find! This is a free event, but registration is required.

If registration is full, please fill out this waitlist by November 6th.

Current Mask Policy: TLC seeks to build a supportive, mask-friendly environment in all collaborations with staff and the public. Please wear a mask if you are not vaccinated, or if that makes you feel most comfortable. We also encourage those eligible to be vaccinated to get their Covid-19 vaccine and booster shot. If you are experiencing any Covid-related symptoms, please stay home and attend a program another day. Our top priority is to create a safe environment for our community. Thank you for your understanding.

Inclement Weather Policy: In the event of inclement weather, you will be contacted by email for a call on cancellation or postponement.

Join TLC and Wake Audubon for this wonderful birding walk!

Our wonderful partners at Wake Audubon have joined TLC to lead a hike on the second Friday of each month at our Williamson Nature Preserve. Join this wonderful morning stroll and see what birds you can find. This hike will be just under 2 miles around the Two Pond Loop at the preserve. Please wear good walking shoes and layers, bring a water bottle, and binoculars if you have them. We suggest that you leave your furry friends at home for this hike as they may scare away wildlife viewing opportunities. This is a free event, but pre-registration is required.

If registration is full, please fill out the waitlist form here.

Current Mask Policy: TLC seeks to build a supportive, mask-friendly environment in all collaborations with staff and the public. Please wear a mask if you are not vaccinated, or if that makes you feel most comfortable. We also encourage those eligible to be vaccinated to get their Covid-19 vaccine and booster shot. If you are experiencing any Covid-related symptoms, please stay home and attend a program another day. Our top priority is to create a safe environment for our community. Thank you for your understanding.

Inclement Weather Policy: In the event of inclement weather, you will be contacted by email for a call on cancellation or postponement. At our Williamson and Brumley South Nature Preserves, due to the multi-use trail systems, we close the trails to the public if there has been rain to try and prevent erosion and detrimental impact. Please note that this event falls under this category and will be cancelled if the trails are closed.

Get to know TLC staff during this special series of hikes!

Join TLC staff members on an exploration of White Pines Nature Preserve. Learn about our work at this special preserve and explore the unique microclimate created by the north facing bluffs and confluence of the Rocky and Deep Rivers.  This is a free event, but preregistration is required.

Current Mask Policy: TLC seeks to build a supportive, mask-friendly environment in all collaborations with staff and the public. Please wear a mask if you are not vaccinated, or if that makes you feel most comfortable. We also encourage those eligible to be vaccinated to get their Covid-19 vaccine and booster shot. If you are experiencing any Covid-related symptoms, please stay home and attend a program another day. Our top priority is to create a safe environment for our community. Thank you for your understanding.

Inclement Weather Policy: In the event of inclement weather, you will be contacted by email for a call on cancellation or postponement. 

Join TLC for a family friendly wildlife scavenger hunt!

Come take a romp through the forest and investigate all the clues that our native plants and wildlife leave behind! Soak up new knowledge about our native critters through hands-on exploration of their habitats. Learn about the different types of animal signs, investigate what creatures make their home at Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, and start to listen for, look for, and notice where they’ve been!

Get Wild! Hikes and activities are most appropriate for 5 years and up. Bring sun protection, a water bottle, and shoes that can get muddy. Please register all members of the family attending, including children and adults.

This is a free event, but pre-registration is required:

If the event is full, please email Meera Butalia at [email protected] to be added to the waitlist.

Current Mask Policy: TLC seeks to build a supportive, mask-friendly environment in all collaborations with staff and the public. Please wear a mask if you are not vaccinated, or if that makes you feel most comfortable. We will have masks available if you would like to wear one during an event. We also encourage those eligible to be vaccinated to get their Covid-19 vaccine and booster shot. If you are experiencing any Covid-related symptoms, please stay home and attend a program another day. Our top priority is to create a safe environment for our community. Thank you for your understanding.

Come join TLC for an invigorating speed hike to wake up your Saturday morning!

This hike is led by one of our wonderful Trail Guides and will have a goal pace of 20 minutes per mile for about 3 miles. Explore Johnston Mill and see what all you can find while keeping your heart healthy, and socializing on trail. This is a free event but preregistration is required.

If registration is full, please fill out the waitlist form here.

Current Mask Policy: TLC seeks to build a supportive, mask-friendly environment in all collaborations with staff and the public. Please wear a mask if you are not vaccinated, or if that makes you feel most comfortable. We will have masks available if you would like to wear one during an event. We also encourage those eligible to be vaccinated to get their Covid-19 vaccine and booster shot. If you are experiencing any Covid-related symptoms, please stay home and attend a program another day. Our top priority is to create a safe environment for our community. Thank you for your understanding.