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Crank Army presents a new local challenge to kick off the season! In partnership with Triangle Land Conservancy, Crank Army challenges you to complete your best time, most number of laps, or just get out and ride at TLC’s Williamson Preserve during the entire month of March.
This March challenge is also a fundraiser for Triangle Land Conservancy in honor of our 40th Anniversary and the “Year of the Trail” in NC. TLC strives to create a healthier and more vibrant Triangle region by safeguarding clean water, protecting natural habitats, supporting local farms and food, and connecting people with nature through land protection and stewardship. TLC manages 8 public nature preserves featuring 55 miles of trail including the Williamson Preserve and Brumley Preserve that feature both hiking and mountain biking trail options.
Learn about Rules, Prizes, and How to Participate Here
Join TLC for an invigorating weekday speed hike at Horton Grove!
This hike will be led by one of our wonderful TLC Trail Guides and will have a pace of about 2.5-3 mph for 4 miles (20-25min per mile.) You will cover most of the trails at Horton Grove and see many different habitats while getting your body moving Start your weekend right with this heart healthy free event but make sure to save your spot below!
Register Now!
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.
If the event is full, please fill out your information on our waitlist at this link.
Come join us for our March 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 led by co-members of both TLC and the New Hope Audubon Society. 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, 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.
Register Now!
If this event is full, please fill out the form at this link 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 us for an early Spring, morning hike at our White Pines Nature Preserve!
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On this moderate, 3.5 mile hike lead by our trail guide, Pam, you will see five varieties of pine trees. 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. You can also keep an eye out for white-tailed deer, beavers, gray foxes, and muskrats.
The pace of this hike will be just under 1.5 mph. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a full water bottle! This is a free event, but preregistration is required.
If the event is full, please fill out the form at this link 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 us for a brand new series: First Fridays 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, extra layers, a red flashlight, 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!
Register Now
Rain Date Plan if Needed: We have set the following Saturday (in this case Saturday, March 4th) as the rain date to ensure that we will have the best viewing chances possible. If any changes are made to the dates, we will contact everyone by email by lunchtime on Friday using the 24 hour cloud cover predictions to make the best call that we can.
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 in learning mindfulness practices to reawaken inner steadiness, resilience, and joy in the beautiful setting of TLC’s Johnston Mill Preserve. We’ll enjoy alternating periods of gentle walking and standing with guidance from mindfulness teacher Barbara Shumannfang. All are welcome. No experience required. The trail is mostly flat but includes a couple of steps up and down from a boardwalk, as well as sections with tree roots. You may like the option to sit on a towel/mat you bring for the still portions along the way. Please note the correct address, as there are two separate entrances to this nature preserve: 6001 Turkey Farm Rd., Chapel Hill, NC 27514. Additionally, please bring water to drink, bug spray, and a towel/lightweight seat to sit on if desired! This is a free event, but preregistration is required.
Register Now!
Barbara Shumannfang, PhD (she/her) is certified to teach mindfulness by Jack Kornfield, Tara Brach and the Center for Greater Good at UC Berkeley. She is honored to share mindfulness and compassion practices, developed in South Asia and Southeast Asia beginning 2600 years ago, with anyone wishing to awaken their natural capacity for ease and steadiness in the midst of life.
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.
If the event is full, please fill out this form at this link to be added to the waitlist.
Come join TLC for this exploration of Spring flora at White Pines Nature Preserve!
Explore the diverse river floodplains of the Rocky and the Deep on this beautiful morning hike. Through this journey we will find evidence of the rich geological history that defines the area and allows for a diverse range of flora to persist. This moderate, 2-mile hike will culminate with locating the rare Eastern Buttercup Phacelia in flower. This is a free event but preregistration is required.
Register Now
Please be aware that White Pines has a decent amount of topographical change. The beginning of the hike will take the White Pines and River trails down slope to the confluence, and the second half of the program hikes back up and out the switchbacks of Schoolkids Trail. These trails can be steep for some visitors so stable walking shoes and hiking poles can be useful tools to bring if you have them.
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.
If the event is full, please add your information to our waitlist at this link.
Come join us for a hike and learn about Diversity and Inclusion in the Outdoors at our Horton Grove Nature Preserve!
Catered to ages 8-12, this short 0.8 mile hike on the Holman Loop will include discussions and activities to consider the importance of focusing on Diversity and Inclusion in the outdoors. There will be touches on the Native groups previously on the land, highlights of Historic Stagville, and activities to encourage attendees to celebrate diversity. Younger siblings and parents are welcome to participate in all activities and discussions!
The pace of this hike will be very slow with multiple stops and activities throughout. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a full water bottle! 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.
If the event is full, please fill out the form at this link to be added to the waitlist.
Come explore the cosmos with us at TLC’s Three Bears Nature Preserve in Creedmoor!
This year we are combining our Operation Earth Day Carnival with the NC Science Festival’s Statewide Star Party! Learn all about Nature at Night from community organizations and explore the night sky with fun astronomy activities. Start your journey from the parking lot by walking through a scaled version of our very own solar system and then take a pit stop at each of our activity tables to learn all about the stars, animals at night, and some of the telescopes that we will be using to view the night sky. There will even be some out of this world food for purchase provided by Dang Good Dogs!
When the sun has set, we will take an optional night hike and end the night with guided demonstrations from Raleigh Astronomy Club to share constellation stories and opportunities to look through real telescopes! This is a free event but pre-registration is required.
Event Location Information: This site is equipped with restrooms with accessible stalls. The main parking area is about a 0.15 mile walk from the main event area, however, there will be closer parking available for those who need it. This is a completely outdoor event and we suggest you bring chairs and blankets, extra layers to keep warm, and a few snacks and a water bottle. We can’t wait to see you among the stars at our Three Bears Nature Preserve! If you need extra assistance or would like to request accessibility accommodations that are not listed above, please email Kayla Ebert at [email protected]
About the NC Science Festival:
Founded in 2010, the North Carolina Science Festival is the first statewide science festival in the United States. Through a series of community-based events each April (hosted by schools, colleges, libraries, museums, parks, businesses, and other local organizations), the Festival celebrates the economic, educational, and cultural impacts of science in North Carolina. It is an initiative of Morehead Planetarium & Science Center at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. For more information, please visit ncscifest.org. NCSciFest’s annual Statewide Star Party is made possible through the generous support of the NC Space Grant.
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. Make sure to park at the main entrance and be aware that the parking lots at our preserves are kept small to try and limit wear and tear on trails and habitat, so extra points if you can carpool! This is a free event but preregistration is required.
Register Now
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.
If the event is full, please add your information to our waitlist at this link.
Come join TLC for this exploration of Spring flora at White Pines Nature Preserve!
Explore the diverse river floodplains of the Rocky and the Deep on this beautiful morning hike. Through this journey we will find evidence of the rich geological history that defines the area and allows for a diverse range of flora to persist. This moderate, 2-mile hike will culminate with locating the rare Eastern Buttercup Phacelia in flower. This is a free event but preregistration is required.
Register Now
Please be aware that White Pines has a decent amount of topographical change. The beginning of the hike will take the White Pines and River trails down slope to the confluence, and the second half of the program hikes back up and out the switchbacks of Schoolkids Trail. These trails can be steep for some visitors so stable walking shoes and hiking poles can be useful tools to bring if you have them.
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.
If the event is full, please add your information to our waitlist at this link.
Come join us for our March 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 led by co-members of both TLC and the New Hope Audubon Society. 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, 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.
Register Now!
If this event is full, please fill out the form at this link 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 TLC on this gorgeous morning 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 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.
Register Now
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.
If the event is full, please fill out the form at this link to be added to the waitlist.
Come join us for an early morning hike at our White Pines Nature Preserve!
Register Now
On this moderate, 3.5 mile hike lead by our trail guide, Pam, you will see five varieties of pine trees. 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. You can also keep an eye out for white-tailed deer, beavers, gray foxes, and muskrats.
The pace of this hike will be just under 1.5 mph. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a full water bottle! This is a free event, but preregistration is required.
If the event is full, please fill out the form at this link 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.
