Triangle Land Conservancy

Fungal Foray at Horton Grove
2026-03-28 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Horton Grove Nature Preserve, 7360 Jock Rd, Bahama, NC, 27503, United States
Join the Triangle Mycological Society for a Fungal Foray!
We'll explore various habitats and cover fungus 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 mobile app if you wish to participate in this citizen science project. The fungal foray is open to all knowledge levels. We'll gather at the main parking lot at Horton Grove to begin our adventure. This is a free event, but preregistration is required.

If registration is full, please fill out the waitlist form here by March 26th at noon.

Speed Hike at Johnston Mill
2026-03-28 09:00 - 11:00 | Johnston Mill Main Entrance, 2713 Mt. Sinai Rd, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, United States
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 by March 26th at noon.

Birdsong and Blooms
2026-03-25 09:00 - 11:00 | White Pines Nature Preserve, 548 S Rocky River Rd, Sanford, NC, 27330, United States
Join us to take in the spring beauty of White Pines Nature Preserve!
Join TLC Trail Guide Mary Abrams on a meander through White Pines Nature Preserve! The preserve will be filled with the songs of our resident birds and early migrators as we discover the first blooms of spring on the cool slopes of the Deep and Rocky Rivers. We will hike over hilly terrain for about 2 miles as we immerse ourselves in the pleasures of early spring. We recommend that you bring binoculars if you have them but will have a few to borrow if you don’t. This is a free event, but registration is required.

If registration is full, please fill out the waitlist form here by March 23rd at noon.

Welcome to Spring!
2026-03-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Horton Grove Nature Preserve, 7360 Jock Rd, Bahama, NC, 27503, United States
Join us for a walk and talk to admire the plants of spring!
TLC Trail Guides Shelley and Deborah will lead you on an exploration of Horton Grove Nature Preserve. This will be a 3-mile hike at a leisurely pace with stops along the way to make observations about your surroundings. You will experience a variety of habitats as you meander through upland oak-hickory forests, native plant meadows, and alongside creek beds. This is a free event, but pre-registration is required.

If registration for this event is full, please fill out the waitlist form here by March 18th at noon.

Pines of the Piedmont
2026-03-21 09:00 - 11:30 | White Pines Nature Preserve, 548 S Rocky River Rd, Sanford, NC, 27330, United States
Join TLC on a gorgeous morning hike among the pines!
Along the way you'll meander through this unique ecosystem and learn more about the five pines you can find at White Pines Nature Preserve, including species not typically found in the North Carolina Piedmont region, but still remain here from the last ice age due to a microclimate from the confluence of the Rocky and Deep Rivers. This will be a moderate 2-3 mile hike with multiple stops along the way to learn about the ecology and history of the preserve. This is a free event, but preregistration is required.

If registration is full, please fill out the waitlist form here by March 18th at noon.

Trail Talks with TLC: Johnston Mill
2026-03-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Johnston Mill Main Entrance, 2713 Mt. Sinai Rd, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, United States
Get a special look at TLC's work on this staff led hike series!
Join TLC staff members on a moderate meander through Johnston Mill Nature Preserve. Learn about the history and special landmarks of this preserve as we also search the trails for spring wildflowers! This is a free event, but preregistration is required.

If registration is full, please fill out the waitlist form here by March 19th at noon.

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

Women's Social Hike
2026-03-19 10:30 - 12:00 | Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, 2713 Mt. Sinai Rd., Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27514, United States
Join TLC for a women's social hike!
Join other nature-loving women for a 1.5-hour hike in Johnston Mill Preserve at a moderate pace -- not speedy, not slow, just moderate. On this hike, you will experience a range of forest types while walking along New Hope Creek, which meanders through the northeast portion of the preserve.
This is a free event, but preregistration is required.

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

Spring Wildflower Hike
2026-03-19 10:00 - 11:30 | Swift Creek Bluffs Nature Preserve, 7800 Holly Springs Rd, Raleigh, NC, 27606, United States
Join TLC on an exploration of Swift Creek Bluffs to see what's in bloom!
Come and explore the ephemeral beauties and early bloomers that carpet the preserve this time of year with TLC Trail Guide Mary Abrams. You are encouraged to bring plant ID guides and have apps such as iNaturalist and Seek downloaded to your mobile device for extra help identifying your findings. We will walk less than 1 mile, but the climb up the stairway to heaven will provide a challenge—and reward us with great views. 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 March 11th at 10am.

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.

Family Friendly Night Hike
2026-03-18 18:30 - 20:00 | Williamson Farm and Nature Preserve, 4429 Old Country Mial Rd, Raleigh, 27610, United States
Join TLC to explore the wonders of Williamson Nature Preserve at night!
As dusk falls, we’ll set out along the Two Pond and Pine Warbler Trails to investigate the sights and sounds of the forest after the sunset. Participants will discover fun facts about our local nocturnal critters and explore how your senses adjust to navigating in the dark.

This is a free, family-friendly event, but preregistration is required.

If registration is full, please fill out the waitlist form here by March 16th at noon.

Birding with Wake Audubon
2026-03-13 08:00 - 10:30 | Williamson Farm and Nature Preserve, 4429 Old Country Mial Rd, Raleigh, 27610, United States
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 by March 12th at 10am.
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.

Poles and Plants
2026-03-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, 2713 Mt. Sinai Rd., Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27514, United States
Join us for an educational hike about plants and hiking poles!
During this hike you’ll join TLC Trail Guide, Nancy, to learn how and when to set the length of your poles, the most efficient way to grip your poles, and how to decide what features you want in your hiking poles. Along the way, TLC Trail Guide, Dale, will point out local tree and plant species you will see throughout the preserve. This is a great hike to build on both your hiking pole and plant ID skills!

This will be a moderate 2-3 mile hike over variable terrain, stopping periodically for educational moments. Another big thank you to Great Outdoor Provision Company and LEKI for letting us borrow poles for you to try, but if you have a pair already, please bring them! This is a free event, but preregistration is required.

If registration for this event is full, please fill out our waitlist form here, but March 6th at noon.

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.

First Saturday Birding at Brumley
2026-03-07 08:30 - 11:00 | Brumley North Nature Preserve, 3620 Old State Highway 10, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, United States
Come join us for our First Saturday birding hike at our Brumley North Nature Preserve!
Did you know that Brumley North is the #2 Hotspot for birding in the state? Our Brumley Birding hike will be led by co-members of both TLC and the New Hope Bird Alliance. We will meander on an easy 1.5 mile hike over about 2 hours with many stops along the way. 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 preregistration is required.

If registration is full, please fill out our waitlist form here by March 6th at noon.

Friday Under the Stars
2026-03-06 18:00 - 21:00 | Three Bears (Private Preserve), Creedmoor, NC, 27522, United States
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 by March 5th.

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.

Early Spring Meander at Swift Creek Bluffs
2026-03-01 14:00 - 16:00 | Swift Creek Bluffs Nature Preserve, 7800 Holly Springs Rd, Raleigh, NC, 27606, United States
Take a stroll through the calming scenery of Swift Creek Bluffs!
With a focus on looking for signs of spring, we will saunter rather than power-walk through the woods. Join TLC Trail Guide and naturalist, Julie Hall, to walk slowly for 1.5 miles and stop for moments of silence to appreciate the nourishing wonder and beauty of nature! You will have an opportunity to hike up the "Stairway to Heaven" and take in the lush hardwood canopy and meandering Swift Creek below, while sitting on a bench at the top of the 100-ft bluffs.

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 February 26th.

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.

Get Wild: Let's Explore Lichens!
2026-02-28 13:30 - 15:30 | Swift Creek Bluffs Nature Preserve, 7800 Holly Springs Rd, Raleigh, NC, 27606, United States
Join us for a family friend Lichen Exploration hike!
Let's get to likin' lichen on this ramble through the swift creek bottomlands. Come explore the special symbiosis that lichens use to live, and learn about the different kinds of lichens in the piedmont woods around us.

Play some nature games, build your skills of observation by entering their teeny tiny world, and start to notice the lichen all around you!

Get Wild! Hikes and activities are most appropriate for 5 years and up. Wear layers and bring a water bottle. Please register all members of the family attending, including children and adults.

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

If registration is full for this hike, please email Meera Butalia at mbutalia@triangleland.org to be added to the waitlist.

Please remember to wear good walking shoes and bring a full water bottle. The parking area is very limited so please carpool with your guests if you can. Please make sure to let us know if your plans have changed so that we can admit anyone on the waitlist! Below are current event policies:

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.

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. You will also be contacted by email if the event is capable of being held, but the trails are closed.

Nature Connection Walk
2026-02-28 13:00 - 15:00 | Williamson Farm and Nature Preserve, 4429 Old Country Mial Rd, Raleigh, 27610, United States
Join us for a mindful stroll around Williamson Nature Preserve!
Deepen your connection with nature on a slow-and-easy ramble around the Two Pond Loop Trail with certified interpretive naturalist and environmental educator Margot Lester. This session includes sense-sharpening, mindfulness and nature journaling activities to help us slow down and reconnect with the natural world. Come dressed for the weather and uneven terrain. Bring a water bottle, your curiosity and — if you want to journal — your favorite writing materials. This excursion counts towards the NC-EE Criteria II, III or continuing ed hours. This event is free, but preregistration is required.

If registration is full, please fill out the waitlist form here by February 26th.

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.

Speed Hike at Johnston Mill
2026-02-28 09:00 - 11:00 | Johnston Mill Main Entrance, 2713 Mt. Sinai Rd, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, United States
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 by February 26th.

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.

Winter Tree ID Ramble
2026-02-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Bluestem Conservation Cemetery, 1900 Hurdle Mills Rd,, Cedar Grove, NC, United States
Let's take a slow walk-through Bluestem's woodland habitat and learn to identify Piedmont tree species!
Join Coker Arboretum Curator, Geoffrey Neal, and TLC Trail Guide and Interpretive Naturalist, Margot Lester, on an informal walk to identify Piedmont tree species. We will use leaf arrangement and shapes, branching patterns, fruits and cones, bark and twigs to help us with identification. We'll also share common and scientific names, other tree insights, and sneak in some non-tree species, too.

Come dressed for the weather and uneven terrain and bring a full water bottle. Depending on your goals for the class, you might also want to bring a notebook and binoculars. 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.

Trail Talks with TLC: Brumley North
2026-02-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Brumley North Nature Preserve, 3620 Old State Highway 10, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, United States
Get a special look at TLC's work on this staff led hike series!
Join TLC Senior Land Manager West, Nick Adams, on an exploration of Brumley North Nature Preserve. Learn about TLC land management practices within the various habitats of Brumley North that have made this preserve a popular spot for birders! This will be a moderate hike that will take you along the Cemetery Connector trail, Dairy Farm trail, and Stony Creek. This is a free event, but preregistration is required.

If registration is full, please fill out the waitlist form here by February 18th.

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

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.

Women's Social Hike
2026-02-19 10:30 - 12:00 | Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, 2713 Mt. Sinai Rd., Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27514, United States
Join TLC for a women's social hike!
Join other nature-loving women for a 1.5-hour hike in Johnston Mill Preserve at a moderate pace -- not speedy, not slow, just moderate. On this hike, you will experience a range of forest types while walking along New Hope Creek, which meanders through the northeast portion of the preserve.
Trail Guide Nancy will provide hot drinks at the end of the hike. This is a free event, but preregistration is required.

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

Love Nature, Love Self
2026-02-14 09:00 - 11:00 | White Pines Nature Preserve, 548 S Rocky River Rd, Sanford, NC, 27330, United States
Join us this Valentine's Day for a mindfulness hike among the pines!
TLC Trail Guide Cara C. invites you to White Pines Nature Preserve to show your love and appreciation for nature! We will spend the morning learning tools for making observations while spending time in nature. This will be a moderate, 2.5-mile hike, making stops along the way to engage in mindfulness practices on trail. This is a free event, but registration is required.

If registration is full, please fill out the waitlist form here by February 12th.

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.

Love Bird Scavenger Hunt
2026-02-14 - 2026-02-15 | TLC Public Nature Preserves
Fly Away With TLC! Explore our trails to find a love bird on Valentine's Day weekend!
Local pottery artist Courtney Pernell and owner of Bayleaf market is a TLC supporter and is excited to merge her passions for trails, nature, and pottery to share that love with the wider community. We invite the community to show your love for nature on Valentine's Day weekend with a special outdoor scavenger hunt. From Saturday, February 14 through Sunday, February 15, visitors to TLC's seven public nature preserves can search for her handmade pottery “love birds.” along the trails. If you are lucky enough to find one, it becomes our gift to you!

We ask that once you find a pottery bird, snap a picture of it on the trail and post it to Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #hikeTLC and #pottercourt. Please limit your pottery gift to one per person.

This fun event coincides with the Great Backyard Bird Count (February 13 – 16), a global community science event that takes place each February and encourages people to observe and record bird sightings wherever they are. As you search for the clay creations, you may also spot the real birds that winter at TLC preserves or call these spaces home.

Great Backyard Bird Count with Bo Howes
2026-02-13 08:00 - 10:30 | Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, 2713 Mt. Sinai Rd., Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27514, United States
UCAN and TLC Birding outing, September 2025. Photo by Aniya Bourne.
Join TLC for this global birding event and community science project!
TLC Director of Conservation West, Bo Howes, will lead a bird walk around Johnston Mill Nature Preserve. We will meander for over 2 hours, watching and listening for local bird species along the way. Make sure to have the eBird or Merlin mobile apps downloaded to contribute your findings to the Great Backyard Bird count and help scientists better understand global bird populations and their migration patterns.

The Great Backyard Bird Count is a yearly, inter-organizational effort between the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, National Audubon Society, and Birds Canada. Each February, they invite people to spend time in their favorite local places to observe and learn about the birds around them.

We welcome birders of all experience levels! Please remember to wear good walking shoes, bring a full 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 preregistration is required.

If registration is full, please fill out the waitlist form here by February 11th.
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. You will also be contacted by email if the event is capable of being held, but the trails are closed.

Birding with Wake Audubon
2026-02-13 08:00 - 10:30 | Williamson Farm and Nature Preserve, 4429 Old Country Mial Rd, Raleigh, 27610, United States
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 by February 11th.
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.

Poles and Plants
2026-02-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, 2713 Mt. Sinai Rd., Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27514, United States
Join us for an educational hike about plants and hiking poles!
During this hike you’ll join TLC Trail Guide, Nancy, to learn how and when to set the length of your poles, the most efficient way to grip your poles, and how to decide what features you want in your hiking poles. Along the way, TLC Trail Guide, Dale, will point out local tree and plant species you will see throughout the preserve. This is a great hike to build on both your hiking pole and plant ID skills!

This will be a moderate 2-3 mile hike over variable terrain, stopping periodically for educational moments. Another big thank you to Great Outdoor Provision Company and LEKI for letting us borrow poles for you to try, but if you have a pair already, please bring them! This is a free event, but preregistration is required.

If registration for this event is full, please fill out our waitlist form here, by February 5th.

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.

Friday Under the Stars
2026-02-06 18:00 - 21:00 | Three Bears (Private Preserve), Creedmoor, NC, 27522, United States
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.

Speed Hike at Johnston Mill
2026-01-31 09:00 - 11:00 | Johnston Mill Main Entrance, 2713 Mt. Sinai Rd, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, United States
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

Birding Bonanza
2026-01-17 13:30 - 15:30 | Williamson Farm and Nature Preserve, 4429 Old Country Mial Rd, Raleigh, 27610, United States
Join TLC for a family friend birding bonanza!
Winter is a great time to do some bird-watching in North Carolina, as many northern species escape the cold by migrating to our forests and backyards. Join us as we learn about the feathered residents of our winter forests by playing bird-themed games, investigating bird behavior, and testing our bird-spotting skills!

Get Wild! Hikes and activities are most appropriate for 5 years and up. Wear layers and bring a water bottle. Please register all members of the family attending, including children and adults.

This is a free event, but pre-registration is required.
If online registration is closed, email Meera Butalia to be added to the registration list.
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

Birding with Wake Audubon
2026-01-09 08:00 - 10:30 | Williamson Farm and Nature Preserve, 4429 Old Country Mial Rd, Raleigh, 27610, United States
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.

First Saturday Birding at Brumley
2026-01-03 08:30 - 11:00 | Brumley North Nature Preserve, 3620 Old State Highway 10, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, United States
Come join us for our First Saturday birding hike at our Brumley North Nature Preserve!
Did you know that Brumley North is the #2 Hotspot for birding in the state? Our Brumley Birding hike will be led by co-members of both TLC and the New Hope Bird Alliance. We will meander on an easy 1.5 mile hike over about 2 hours with many stops along the way. 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 preregistration is required.
