Events

This hike has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Please see our calendar for more upcoming events!

Bring your best pup on a hike among the beech trees and blooming spring flora of Swift Creek Bluffs! This will be a leisurely hike for dog owners to explore the preserve and meet one another.

This event is for adults only with one dog per handler. Dogs must be on 6 ft fixed-length (not retractable) leash at all times and not reactive to other dogs or people. This is a free event, but spaces are limited to 5 dogs (10 people total).  Preregistration is required. Guests may join but we ask that you register by pup.

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. 

Explore Swift Creek Bluffs with other dog lovers and their furry friends!

Bring your best pup on a hike among the beech trees and blooming spring flora of Swift Creek Bluffs! This will be a leisurely hike for dog owners to explore the preserve and meet one another.

This event is for adults only with one dog per handler. Dogs must be on 6 ft fixed-length (not retractable) leash at all times and not reactive to other dogs or people. This is a free event, but spaces are limited to 5 dogs (10 people total).  Preregistration is required. Guests may join but we ask that you register by pup.

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. 

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!

Rain Date Plan if Needed: We have set the following Saturday 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 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 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.

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. 

Explore Swift Creek Bluffs with other dog lovers and their furry friends!

Bring your best pup on a hike among the beech trees and blooming spring flora of Swift Creek Bluffs! This will be a leisurely hike for dog owners to explore the preserve and meet one another.

This event is for adults only with one dog per handler. Dogs must be on 6 ft fixed-length (not retractable) leash at all times and not reactive to other dogs or people. This is a free event, but spaces are limited to 5 dogs (10 people total).  Preregistration is required. Guests may join but we ask that you register by pup.

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. 

Let’s take a slow walk through Bluestem’s woodland habitat and learn to identify Piedmont tree species!

On this tree ID walk we will use leaf arrangement and shapes, branching pattern, fruits, cones, bark and twigs. We’ll talk about common and scientific names and share a little natural history, too. Dress for the weather and uneven terrain. A water bottle, bug spray and sunscreen are also recommended. Depending on your goals for the class, you might want to bring a notebook and binoculars. Your hike leaders are Margot Lester, TLC trail guide and certified interpretive naturalist, and Geoffrey Neal, local arboretum curator and director of the Cullowhee Native Plant Conference. This event is free, but registration is required. 

*If registration is full, please email Amaya Horner at [email protected] to be placed on 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 for this evening exploration hike at Horton Grove!

This social hike will be a great intro hike for anyone new to the preserve. This will be an easier hike around only a mile of distance and minimal topographical change. 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.

Explore Swift Creek Bluffs with other dog lovers and their furry friends!

Bring your best pup on a hike among the beech trees and blooming spring flora of Swift Creek Bluffs! This will be a leisurely hike for dog owners to explore the preserve and meet one another.

This event is for adults only with one dog per handler. Dogs must be on 6 ft fixed-length (not retractable) leash at all times and not reactive to other dogs or people. This is a free event, but spaces are limited to 5 dogs (10 people total).  Preregistration is required. Guests may join but we ask that you register by pup.

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 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.

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 us for this special series of staff led hikes!

TLC Education and Outreach staff members, Meera and Amaya, will take you through our Johnston Mill Nature Preserve to talk about their work at TLC, the history of grist mills along New Hope Creek, and point out interesting ecological features within the preserve’s bluffs and successional forests. This is a free event but preregistration is required.

If the event is full, please email Amaya Horner 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 us for an exploration of White Pines Preserve!

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. This is a free event, but preregistration is required.

*If registration is closed, please email Amaya Horner 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 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 this Mother’s Day for a Bluffside Escape!

Experience the beauty of Swift Creek Bluffs where towering beech trees, steep bluffs, and a serene Creekside path create a peaceful escape. This loop hike that is a little over 1.5 miles takes you through a unique Piedmont microclimate, offering stunning overlooks, rich wildlife, and adventure just minutes from downtown Cary.

Due to the size of the parking lot, we will keep the hiking group very small, and ask that you register by vehicle rather than individual. So bonus points if you can carpool with a friend! 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 email Amaya Horner at [email protected] to be added to the waitlist.

Join TLC for this evening exploration hike at Horton Grove!

This social hike will be a great intro hike for anyone new to the preserve. This will be an easier hike around only a mile of distance and minimal topographical change. 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 TLC for a family friendly Creek Critter discovery!

Streams are teeming with hidden life! Join us for our May family outdoor hike to discover the creatures that live beneath the surface with a hands-on investigation of a piedmont creek. Learn about their unique adaptations and what these little critters tell us about stream health! 

Get Wild! Hikes and activities are most appropriate for 3rd – 5th grade age range. Bring sun protection, a water bottle, and shoes that can get wet/muddy. Please register all members of the family attending, including children and adults.

This is a free event, but preregistration is required. The registration link will be posted a month before the program date, so keep an eye on our events calendar.

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, in partnership with Backyard Butterflies, for the first date of our Moth Night Series!

We will be using UV lights and collection sheets to explore moths in the dark! This is a great way to explore our preserve after dark and participate in citizen science by submitting your findings on iNaturalist. This is a free event, but registration is required. 

Moth Night is for all ages and experience levels, although we do suggest more parental guidance for children under 8 years old. Please remember to bring bug spray and wear long pants or snug fitting clothing, as it will be very buggy in the event area. We also suggest bringing a picnic blanket or chair, and a flashlight as this event will continue after dusk. There is no potable water at Brumley preserve so please bring a full water bottle.

This event is weather-dependent. Registrants will be notified in advance about any cancellations.

If this event is full, please email Amaya Horner 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 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 afternoon of food and fun to celebrate our local farmers!

Help us gather at our Williamson Farm and Nature Preserve to celebrate local agriculture, support Williamson farmers, and connect over shared values of land conservation, sustainability, and food systems. Purchase fresh produce from local vendors in our Farmers and Vendor Market while enjoying live music and fun activities around the preserve!  This is a free event but preregistration is required.

Registration link coming soon!

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 bug discovery!

Caterpillars, beetles and bugs are getting into the swing of summer just like us! Come investigate the crawlers of Johnston Mill Nature Preserve with an insect search through the forest. Learn how to safely catch and release insects for observation and find out what makes them special! 

Get Wild! Hikes and activities are most appropriate for 3rd – 5th grade age range. 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 preregistration is required. The registration link will be posted a month before the program date, so keep an eye on our events calendar.

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 plant exploration!

Plants talk, eat and breathe just like we do! Learn about the mysterious workings of these leafy green beings with a hike full of plant ID, activities and storytelling. Get to know the amazing diversity of N.C. native plants and how plants use clever problem-solving to survive! 

Get Wild! Hikes and activities are most appropriate for 3rd – 5th grade age range. 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 preregistration is required. The registration link will be posted a month before the program date, so keep an eye on our events calendar.

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 3rd – 5th grade age range. 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 preregistration is required. The registration link will be posted a month before the program date, so keep an eye on our events calendar.

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.