Get Wild! Find your next adventure with TLC. View and register for upcoming events, or search by category for different types of events.
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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
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 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.
Take a stroll through the calming winter scenery of Swift Creek Bluffs!
Join TLC Trail Guide and naturalist, Julie Hall, to find winter beauty in a preserve celebrated for its abundance of spring perennials to come. We will 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 January 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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Margot will provide basic journaling materials, but you’re welcome to bring your own. 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.
