Shaina Waterhouse is a volunteer for the Triangle Land Conservancy. She loves everything related to nature and is especially passionate about conserving natural spaces for future generations. She can usually be found outside performing various activities such as hiking, gardening, or taking a simple stroll around her neighborhood. When she’s not outside appreciating the natural world, Shaina can usually be found reading a book, writing, or playing board games.
Frost aster by John Petranka.
Creates fun activities for the whole family
Getting outside is an amazing way to keep your kids entertained for an evening. Head out to one of our trails with a water bottle and have a scavenger hunt. Create a list of commonly found items for your children to collect or record as you go along your hike and offer a small prize at the end.
Picnicking is another novel idea your children are sure to enjoy. As a family, you can pack a picnic basket full of sandwiches and snacks then hike or bike to a clear spot to eat. Brumley Nature Preserve is the perfect picnic spot with a large grassy lawn positioned right next to a clear pond. All we ask is that you take all of your trash with you when you’re done eating.
Provides learning opportunities
TLC has a bunch of wonderful learning opportunities for children as well as adults.
If you’re interested in learning more about climate resiliency as well as how local organizations are working to close gaps in our food system, attend the March 12 Wild Ideas for Farms and Forests event. If you’re looking for something a little more family-friendly, check out our monthly Get Wild! events. The next one will be added to the calendar soon. We also have an opportunity to learn more about birds during The Great Backyard Bird Count — we’re hosting walks on Feb. 14, 15, 16 and TLC preserves. The best part about this event is you can do it either at a preserve or from your own home.
Keep an eye on the TLC events page for other great learning opportunities throughout the year.
Encourages healthy eating
Outdoor activity encourages healthy eating because it reminds you to pay attention to nature and the natural, whole foods it provides.
It also provides an opportunity to learn more about the agricultural process and gardening. When you’re involved in growing food, you get to experience first-hand the benefits of fresh produce while interacting outside with nature on a regular basis.
One of TLC’s goals is to support local farms and food to promote nutrition and the importance of locally grown produce. In pursuit of this goal, TLC will provide opportunities for new farms at Bailey and Sarah Williamson Preserve through partnerships with Wake County's NextGen Farming Program and the Center for Environmental Farming Systems. The grand opening of the preserve will be April 25 and we encourage you to put it on your calendar to attend!
Contributes to community development
Protecting and maintaining your local natural areas is a wonderful way to get involved in your community. Outside in nature is a great place to connect with others in your area through volunteering, events, or community projects.
TLC has a variety of events you can get involved in to meet new people and learn more about North Carolina’s natural areas. Becoming a TLC volunteer is also a great option and you can help lead hikes, perform office tasks, and prepare Williamson Preserve for its grand opening in April.
When you get involved, you feel more connected to your neighborhood and community. You can also help to work toward the protection of natural areas that will benefit your community for a long time.
Yellow-throated warbler by Carol Tuskey.
