Events

Get Wild! Find your next adventure with TLC. View and register for upcoming events, or search by category for different types of events.

Have you recently participated in a program with TLC? Please take a few minutes to complete our post-program evaluation survey at this link! Let us know how we're doing! If you are looking for ways to support TLC? Sign up for our VolunteerHub page and see what opportunities await.
Mar
30
Sat
Bluestem Partner Walk @ Bluestem Conservation Cemetery
Mar 30 @ 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Come join us for an exploration of Bluestem, a newly created non-profit 87 acre nature preserve including a conservation cemetery!

TLC and Eno River Association are Bluestem’s conservation partners helping to protect it with an upcoming conservation easement. As a nature preserve, Bluestem is restoring 30 acres of former farm fields into prairie grasslands. It is open to all, with a growing trail network built by volunteers. We’ll be hiking Bluestem’s 2 miles of trails, through lovely fields, forests, streams, and by a pond. These trails are accessible to the public 365 days a year.

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

 

 

Come explore this lovely land with us. The trails are flat, though some may be muddy after a rain. Kids are welcome and while Bluestem does love dogs, this is an event only for their owners. This is a free event, but preregistration is required.

 

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.

 

Speed Hike @ Johnston Mill Main Entrance
Mar 30 @ 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

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.

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.

Apr
3
Wed
Evening Hike @ Horton Grove Nature Preserve
Apr 3 @ 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Join TLC Trail Guides on a wonderful social hike series at Horton Grove! There will be a hike on the first Wednesday of each month to explore Horton Grove trails, socialize, and learn something along the way. During our hike, we will tackle 1-2 miles of trails, depending on the group. The hike will extend past dusk, so feel free to bring a flashlight or headlamp. This is a special opportunity, as our trails close to the public after dusk, so come out and see the preserve in a different light! 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.

Apr
5
Fri
Statewide Star Party @ Three Bears (Private Preserve)
Apr 5 @ 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

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 the Sun and the Moon 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, the moon, and some of the telescopes that we will be using to view the night sky.

When the sun has set, we will take an optional night hike or story time 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 Schedule:

6:30-8:00pm Sun & Moon Carnival

  • Learn about the moon with Oreo Moon Phases, rockets by building and testing your own paper version, constellations by hearing stories and creating your own designs, and so much more
  • Visit every table and solve our riddle to enter to win a prize!
  • Please feel free to eat before or bring a picnic dinner!

8:00-8:30pm Sunset Activities

  • Optional Night Hike and Activities in Forest (~0.25 mile)
  • Or stay for story time of one of our wonderful Astronomy Tales

8:30-9:30pm Night Sky Tour

  • Guided tour from Raleigh Astronomy Club volunteers and their telescopes, stay for a little or stay all the way to 11pm! It is up to you!

 

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]

 

Partners:

NC Science Festival

Raleigh Astronomy Club

Kidzu Children’s Museum

Schoolhouse of Wonder

+ More to come!

 

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.

Apr
6
Sat
First Saturday Birding @ Brumley North Parking Lot
Apr 6 @ 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM

 

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 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 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.

 

If this event is full, please fill out the form at this link to be added to the waitlist.

Pines of the Piedmont @ White Pines Nature Preserve
Apr 6 @ 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

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

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

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

 

 

 

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.

 

If the event is full, please fill out the form at this link to be added to the waitlist.

Apr
12
Fri
Birding with Wake Audubon @ Williamson Farm and Nature Preserve
Apr 12 @ 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM

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 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. Please note that this event falls under this category and will be cancelled if the trails are closed.

Apr
14
Sun
Nature Time- Children’s Walk @ Brumley North Parking Lot
Apr 14 @ 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM

Explore nature as a family on this exciting walk!

Join our incredible Trail Guide, Kirsten, on this family friendly walk aimed at kids 3-7 years old (but the whole family is welcome!) Come prepared to enjoy the weather & meet magical beings along the way! We will enjoy the woods & water together with our ‘science eyes’ as well as our ‘magic eyes’ …and in fact, we’ll use all our senses, real & imagination-based, to perceive & connect with the world.

This will be a short hike with many stops and activities that engage the senses along the way. We suggest that everyone wears clothes they don’t mind getting a little dirty and good walking shoes. This is a free event, but we ask that you preregister your family at the link below:

 

 

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.

If this event is full, please fill out the form at this link to be added to the waitlist.

Nature Connection- Journaling Stroll @ Williamson Farm and Nature Preserve
Apr 14 @ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Come join TLC for a beautiful stroll to connect with nature!

One of our wonderful Trail Guides, Margot, has created an incredible mindfulness project at our Williamson Nature Preserve to share information about nature journaling and a few ways that people can connect with nature. Join this guided hike from Margot herself to get a hands on experience with the information and see the kiosk that she installed to share her work and educate the public.

This will be a slow hike around the hiking only trail, Two Pond Loop, at our Williamson Nature Preserve. The total distance will be just under 2 miles and there will be a mix of quiet reflection, mindfulness, exercises, and the opportunity to journal if you would like to bring something to write on. 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.

Apr
20
Sat
Birds and Bugs – Children’s Walk @ Brumley North
Apr 20 @ 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Calling all kids to join in exploring the magical world of birds and bugs!

Are you interested in exploring nature? We hope you will join us in becoming the future of environmental stewards, lizard aficionados, botanical enthusiasts, and wildlife experts. Through introducing a brief science experiment focusing on bird beak adaptations (gummy worms included), we will transition into a short hike delving into basic insect identification. As we conclude, there will be a resource sheet on citizen science initiatives that are perfect for encouraging ongoing environmental science and exploration in your backyard.

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 party’s info to our waitlist form here.

 

 

How To: Hiking Poles @ Johnston Mill Main Entrance
Apr 20 @ 10:30 AM – 12:15 PM

Join us for this popular training on everything about hiking poles!

We are excited to be able to offer it again, and thankful to Great Outdoor Provision Co. and LEKI for working with us to borrow poles for you to test! This has become a popular hike so make sure to save your spot now!

Using trekking poles can enhance your stability, provide support on all types of terrain and water crossings, and can strengthen your core and upper body. 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. This training hike will be helpful whether you are new to hiking poles or a regular.

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.

 

 

 

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.

If this event is full, please fill out the form at this link to be added to the waitlist.

Apr
22
Mon
Earth Day Hike @ Swift Creek Bluffs Nature Preserve
Apr 22 @ 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Come join TLC on a beautiful morning hike for this Earth Day!

Join long time Trail Guide, Bob, for a beautiful opportunity to get outside this Earth Day. Learn all about the preserve as well as some of the projects that are underway as you hike along the 2 miles of trail at this hidden gem of a preserve.

While this is a shorter trail system, there is a decent amount of topographical change and a set of steep stairs to take you to the top of the bluffs. Some visitors may find this difficult, but please reach out if you have any questions before you go. This is a free event, but preregistration is require.

 

 

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.

 

If this event is full, please fill out the form at this link to be added to the waitlist.

Earth Day: Nature Bathing @ Johnston Mill Main Entrance
Apr 22 @ 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Join TLC on this Earth Day walk and engage with nature through nature bathing and journaling!

Through this program, join our Trail Guide, Sue Anne, to walk gently amidst the preserve’s beauty, taking breaks along the way to write and/or draw, and sharing with the group, if so desired. We suggest that you bring something light and easy to carry to sit on during quiet moments and an item to journal in if you would like. 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.

Apr
23
Tue
Trail Running Film Festival @ Fleet Feet Raleigh
Apr 23 @ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

We are excited to be a part of the Trail Running Film Festival hosted by Fleet Feet Raleigh!

This is an exciting opportunity to join in and learn about the trail running community! The film festival will include a partner expo before the screening with food for purchase from Taco Bamba along with a Mezcal Tasting! TLC will be tabling at the event from 6-7:30pm before the film screening and 50% of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to support our work! So come out and join us during this special Earth Week to join in community, learn and experience through film, and support TLC’s work through proceeds of ticket sales.

Follow this link to learn more about the film festival and how you can get involved.

 

Event Schedule:

6:00-7:30pm

  • Partner Expo with TLC tabling
  • Food and Mezcal Tasting from Taco Bamba

7:30-9:00pm

  • Film Festival Screening

 

You can follow the ticket link above or purchase them here: https://trailfilmfest.com/event/raleigh-north-carolina/

 

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