Story from staff reports. Photo of prescribed burn in Virginia by U.S. Army Environmental Command.

Cary, NC – Don’t be frightened if you see smoke rising from Hemlock Bluffs on Monday, January 30, 2012. It’s a “prescribed burn,” a forestry process to prevent larger forest fires.

Hemlock Bluffs Prescribed Burn

CaryCitizen received this info from the Town on Friday:

As part of its long-term fire management plan for Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, the Town of Cary will perform its first prescribed burn at the bluffs on Monday, January 30, 2012, weather permitting. The North Carolina Forest Service will implement and supervise the burn, which will measure less than the size of two football fields. Town staff will offer logistical assistance and a Town of Cary fire truck will be present on site during the burn.

“Safety is our top priority, so every precaution will be taken to ensure that everyone is safe during the burn,” said Mark Johns, Program Specialist at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve. “Trails will be well-signed and patrolled by natural resource managers and preserve staff, with some trails closing down briefly during the burn.”

The preserve, located at 2616 Kildaire Farm Road in Cary, will remain open on Monday and visitors are encouraged to enjoy as usual.

Prescribed burns are a safe and proven way of clearing dead vegetation and flammable underbrush, which can serve as fuel for wildfires. Many North Carolina ecosystems require periodic fire for maintenance, increased productivity and overall health.

Removing the underbrush also improves habitat for wildlife by releasing vital nutrients and increasing the number of close to the ground plants, like blueberry and huckleberry, that produce fruits eaten by birds and other wildlife.

More Info

Read more: Prescribed Burns.

The Town of Cary Public Information Office advised us that the burn is scheduled for late Monday morning.

Cary, NC – Molly Paul is an accomplished 12-year old. She founded and manages a turtle adoption organization, is a junior curator at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences and has created a line of turtle-shaped soaps for sale at Hemlock Bluffs. They make great stocking stuffers for kids and grownups who are into science and wildlife and want their cash to go to a good cause.

Proceeds Donated

All proceeds support native NC turtles and their habitat.

Available fragrances: Lavender, Rosemary/Olive Oil/Oatmeal, Natural Goats Milk and, specially for Christmas, Orange.

Molly’s turtle soaps are $4.00 each.

Available at Hemlock Bluffs

There’s still plenty of time to pick up an assortment of Molly’s turtle soaps for your nature-loving kids.

Hemlock Bluffs Gift Shop
2616 Kildaire Farm Rd.
Cary, NC
919-387-5980

Also available at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences Gift Shop. For more info, contact Lara (Molly’s Mom) at rpaul3@nc.rr.com.

Molly’s Turtle Adoption Program

Molly started Raleigh Aquatic Turtle Adoption (RATA) after adopting two turtles in 2006. From the RATA website

RATA helps individuals re-home their freshwater, pet turtles. We accomplish this by either adopting the turtle ourselves or (more commonly) linking owners needing to relinquish their pets with families or classrooms seeking a pet turtle. As we are not a rescue organization, our primary work is facilitating turtle adoptions. Even though we are based in North Carolina’s Piedmont region, we have worked with families and schools from California to Chicago to New York.

Great info about turtles as home pets on RATA.

About STEM Education

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

Many educators, community members and business leaders believe STEM education is key to the success of the next generation of American workers.

Molly Paul started a STEM Summer Camp this past year. Her work with turtles, Hemlock Bluffs and the Museum highlight a story of student leadership in STEM education.

Go buy some turtle soaps and support a kid who is making a difference.

By Leslie Huffman, Hemlock Bluffs photo by bobistraveling.

Cary, NC – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said “Life’s most urgent and persistent question is: what are you doing for others?” Dr. King challenged us to build a more perfect union and taught us that everyone has a role to play in making our community what it ought to be.

Toward that end, how about doing a little volunteer work in two of Cary’s parks on MLK Day this coming Monday?

Honor MLK Jr. With Community Beautification Projects

Here are two ways to get involved and celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy:

• Leaf Mulch Project - Cary’s Spruce Program will be spreading leaf mulch at North Cary Park ,1100 Norwell Blvd., from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Monday, January 17.  Leaves, collected at our curbs, will be mulched and recycled back into our parks to maintain and protect the trails. All supplies are provided, registration is required. E-mail Spruce at heather.morell@townofcary.org or call (919) 469-4301 to register.

“This is the first time Spruce has worked with the town’s Loose Leaf Collection to recycle leaves collected at citizen’s curbs and distribute them back into our parks as mulch,” says Heather Morell, Spruce Conservation Specialist.

• Stevens Nature Center – Volunteers will spend the afternoon doing a variety of tasks to help maintain and beautify the natural area around Stevens Nature Center, Monday, January 17 at 2 p.m. Be prepared to get dirty! To volunteer, please call (919) 387-5980 or email Joy Logan at joy.logan@townofcary.org.

Cary, NC – About the headline, my apologies to Sam the Sham and the Pharoahs.

Seems we may have been successful in getting the little buggers in Cary’s first phase of treatment against the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, an aggressive bug with the potential to decimate Hemlock tree populations when left untreated.

We reported on this earlier this summer where, during a routine tree mapping project in Hemlock Bluffs, it was found that the insect had impacted about 11 of the Preserve’s 235 Eastern Hemlocks.

In August, contractors working on behalf of the Town administered the first phase of treatment to all Hemlocks in the park using a method called “bark painting.” Bark painting is a direct application method where bark quickly soaks up the product; it is harmless to healthy Hemlocks. Contractors returned to Hemlock Bluffs in October to obtain samples and evaluate treatment success.

“We’re cautiously optimistic to find no live evidence of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid,” said Parks Planning Manager Doug McRainey. “While we celebrate this milestone, we are continuing with our long-term management plan to monitor and attack Adelgid activity as it’s discovered.” McRainey added that contractors will next inspect Hemlock Bluffs in June 2011.

Cary Citizens Act

In conjunction with bark painting, the Town of Cary called on citizens to complete a Hemlock Health Inventory. Dozens of property owners participated, reporting on the quantity and quality of their Hemlocks. Specifically, 72% of respondents checked their trees for the presence of Hemlock Woolly Adelgids, with 84% reporting their Hemlocks to be in good or excellent health.

Citizens wishing to share ideas, questions, comments or concerns about the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve may e-mail hemlocks@townofcary.org or call (919) 387-5980.

Matty told Hatty, “That’s the thing to do.
Get you someone really to pull the wool with you.”
Wooly bully, wooly bully.

Cary, NC -  The Annual “Recycle” Yard Sale is sponsored by the Friends of Hemlock Bluffs, a non-profit support organization for Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve.  The Friends’ have been putting on this successful event since the 1990′s.  This Yard Sale raises funds to support the work of conservation projects, environmental education programs and nature events offered at the Stevens Nature Center located at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve.

Last year the Yard Sale raised over $2,000. Proceeds from the sale have also enabled the Friends to manage a scholarship program with Head Start classes.

“It is through the Recycle Yard Sale over the years that has enabled us to many things,” says Tullie Johnson President of the Friends of Hemlock Bluffs.  “We have funded the exhibit hall, the paver dedication project, as well as garden art that appears in the courtyard area.  Also through these proceeds and small grants, the Friends will be able to contribute to the upcoming entrance gate art project through the Town of Cary and Public Art Program.”

Donate Stuff

Drop off items for the Hemlock Bluffs Recycle Sale:

Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve
October 28th and 29th
9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Things that they are looking for are:

• Toys
• Clothing
• Small (working) appliances
• Costume jewelry
• Tools
• Books
• Furniture
• All items must be in good condition
  

Come Find Your Own Treasures

The Recycle Yard Sale begins at 8:00 a.m. on October 30th.  Like any great sale, you should be there early to get the best stuff.  The sale will continue until 1 p.m.

While your there, enjoy a hike, sign-up for a class or take a visit to the Nature Center. There is a lot of wonderful things going on at Hemlock Bluffs. This place is a Cary gem!

Photo from http://www.duke.edu/~jrw35/hemlock.htm

Cary, N.C. – We previously reported on the Woolly Adelgids problem in Hemlock Bluffs. There is now a plan to eradicate the buggers. It involves tree-painting.

The Town of Cary has devised a multi-phased approach to treating the aggressive Hemlock Woolly Adelgids that were discovered this summer at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve. After reviewing a comprehensive report of management options, a method called “bark painting” will be the Town’s first phase of treatment.

Bark Painting Plan

Bark painting is scheduled next week, weather permitting, resulting in the closure of Stevens Nature Center and the Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve from August 30- September 3, 2010 so that staff can focus on the project. The facilities are expected to reopen and operate under normal business hours on Saturday, September 4.

Bark painting is a direct application method where bark quickly soaks up the product. It is harmless to healthy Hemlocks. Because Adelgids can quickly spread when active, all Hemlock trees in the Preserve will be treated. Bartlett Tree Experts will be paid approximately $13,500 for the bark application and two post-treatment evaluations.

“With the support and advice of state and federal organizations, we feel confident in our choice of the bark painting treatment and are eager to begin the process,” said Doug McRainey, Town of Cary Parks Planning Manager.

Citizen Involvement

The Town of Cary is continuing to develop its plans for the Hemlock Health Inventory where citizens will be able to virtually document the health of Hemlocks on their property. Further details will be provided when the program is unveiled at the end of September.

Impact

The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid was first found earlier this summer at the Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve during a routine tree mapping project that was being conducted as Town staff worked proactively to update a Hemlock Woolly Adelgid management plan originally created in 2005 and last updated in 2008. The bugs have impacted about 11 of the Preserve’s 235 Eastern Hemlock trees to date.

Hemlock Bluffs

Cary, NC – The Woolly Adelgidis an aggressive hemlock destroyer. They have been discovered at Cary’s Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, the Town of Cary has reported to the CaryCitizen. The Town is working with local, state, national experts to finalize and implement treatment plan.

From the TOC Alert:

The bug has the potential to decimate Hemlock tree populations when left untreated.  Initial research revealed the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, an invasive, non-native aphid-like insect, has impacted about 11 of the Preserve’s 235 Eastern Hemlock trees to date.  The Adelgid, when left unchecked, kills Hemlocks by feeding at the base of their needles, preventing nutrients from flowing to the needles; the needles drop, and the tree dies.  It can take just a few years for Woolly Adelgids to kill even large Hemlocks.  The Woolly Adelgids were found during a routine tree mapping project that was being conducted as Town staff worked proactively to update a proposed Hemlock Woolly Adelgid management plan originally created in 2005 and last updated in 2008.

“The Town of Cary is bringing the necessary resources and best minds to bear on the Woolly Adelgid presence here,” said Doug McRainey, Parks Planning Manager. “We are committed to developing and implementing a treatment protocol and long-term management plan that effectively preserves our Hemlocks while minimizing impacts to other natural inhabitants.”

Hemlock Bluffs

Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve is a unique 158-acre site in southern Cary where Eastern Hemlocks grow along north-facing bluffs, far from their normal range in the foothills and mountains of North Carolina.

The Preserve is a partnership between the Town of Cary— which maintains the Preserve, operates the educational programs and owns onsite structures—and the State of North Carolina, which owns most of the land and helps guide its stewardship.

Approximately 100,000 visitors come each year to enjoy Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve and the Stevens Nature Center.

Fighting the Bug

The Town of Cary is collaborating with divisions of the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the United States Forest Services, North Carolina State University, Bartlett Tree Experts, and others to finalize a multi-phased approach to eliminate existing Adelgids and manage recurrences.

Officials are planning to begin killing the Adelgids during the next few months.  Common methods for controlling the Woolly Adelgid population include injecting treatments into the soil surrounding the tree or into the tree itself and/or spraying trees with special soaps or horticultural oils; there is even research being done on introducing predatory insects to attack the Adelgids, but this treatment has not yet been proven as an effective alternative.

“Despite a handful of anticipated future schedule modifications when we are actively treating the Hemlocks, the Preserve is open and we encourage everyone to come out and enjoy themselves,” McRainey said, adding that the Woolly Adelgid poses no health threat to people, pets or other plants.

Interested parties may subscribe to a list of closures during treatments by clicking the green envelope found at www.townofcary.org.

To reduce the likelihood of recurrences, this September the Town will launch a Hemlock Health Inventory, which will be designed to map all of the Hemlocks in and around Cary and provide property owners and landscape professionals with resources to identify trees impacted by the Woolly Adelgid and encourage appropriate treatment protocols for private property owners.

Citizens wishing to share ideas, questions, comments or concerns about the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve may email hemlocks@townofcary.orgor call (919) 387-5980.  For regular updates and project information, visit Woolly Adelgid at www.townofcary.org or follow the Town on Twitter.

News on CaryCitizen is sponsored by Crossroads Ford.

L-->R Don Frantz, Harold Weinbrecht, Paul Wasylkevych and Jack Smith

Cary, NC – The Town of Cary’s outstanding volunteer for 2010 and recipient of the Herb C. Young Award is Paul Wasylkevych.

Wasylkevych and hundreds of other volunteers who give their time to town events, activities, boards and commissions, were honored Tuesday night at a banquet and celebration at the Herb C. Young Community Center.

More than 400 town volunteers were in attendance.

Wasylkevych has provided more than two decades of volunteer service to the town, according to parks, recreation and cultural arts director Mary Henderson, who made the announcement, as Mayor Harold Weinbrecht and councilmen Don Frantz and Jack Smith presented the honors.

“Our honoree was the first recipient of the Cultural Arts Award in 1997. He has served multiple terms with the Cultural Arts Committee and the board of directors for the Friends of the Page-Walker. He was last year’s co-chair of the Festivals Committee. He led the spruce-up of the White Plains Cemetery, coordinating the work of many other volunteers to provide stewardship for this historic resource,” Henderson told the crowd.

Wasylkevych said, after the announcement, “This is such a surprise and not deserved. It’s all of you, all of the volunteers I work with, who did this.”

Also recognized at Tuesday’s event:

DON SMITH AWARD – Rick Adamson

Adamson received the Don Smith Award, recognizing outstanding leadership, serving as a role model to children and promoting the Athletics Division philosophy of participation, skill development, sportsmanship and fun. Henderson said, “The coach being recognized tonight, received numerous nominations from parents and players who participated on his teams he has served as an assistant coach in girls softball and assistant and head coach in baseball. One parent writes, ‘WOW, what a coach! Words that come to mind include awesome, stupendous, knowledgeable, encouraging, respectful, leader, kind and fun.’”

DISTINGUISHED NEW COACH AWARD – David Buchanan

Buchanan received this award recognizing the contributions of a volunteer who has coached for less than five years. “This coach is all about the total team,” Henderson told the crowd. “Everyone plays, everyone improves, everyone enjoys the game. He leads by example, promoting friendship and respect among the team members. This coach insists that each player try their best and is very quick to give praise.”

CULTURAL ARTS AWARD – Rafael Osuba

The Cultural Arts divisions promotes literary, performing and visual artists by providing opportunities for enjoyment and development through a variety of activities. “Our (award recipient) has volunteered hundreds of hours and worked in conjunction with the cultural arts division to develop, organize and promote initiatives such as Ritmo Latino Festival at Bond Park, the Latino Arts in the School, the Latino Arts and Culture Summit, the Three Kings Day Parade and more,” Henderson told the audience.

PARTNER ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR – Cary Teen Council

This newly created award is given to the non-profit, school, club or organization that has partnered with the department to achieve its mission. “Our inaugural Partner Organization of the Year is the Cary Teen Council. The Cary Teen Council recently celebrated its 20^th anniversary. This group has now grown to over 500 middle and high school students who give of their time and talents. Over the past year alone, the teens volunteered over 10,000 hours, with 3,500 of those hours directly in support of parks and recreation activities throughout all areas of the department,” Henderson said.

EVENTS VOLUNTEER AWARD – Robin Jones

This new award honors the volunteer who helps the town produce special events throughout the year. Jones played an integral role in the inception of the Cary Community Tennis Association, that was later renamed the Western Wake Tennis Association. This organization was recognized this year by the USTA Southern Section, which includes nine states, as the Community Tennis Association of the Year,” Henderson said. “When Robin commits to a project, you can rest assured that it will be on time and always in a top-rate, first-class fashion.”

OUTSTANDING TEEN VOLUNTEER – Christine Nacewicz

Nacewicz has been a community volunteer for the past seven years, beginning as a 7^th grader. “She has accrued over 625 volunteer hours in activities such as Santa’s workshop, Breakfast with the Bunny, Lazy Daze, Safe n Sane and others. She has served as the teen representative to the Athletics Committee for four years and led the teens’ volunteer activities for Safety Town,” Henderson said.

SENIORS IMPACTING SENIORS AWARD -Bernie Kellog

Kellog was honored for his volunteerism in the SeniorNet program at the Cary Senior Center. “He created and taught the graphics class where students learned how to make Christmas and birthday cards, posters and other graphics, he created the classroom signs that explain the classes, he created an introductory presentation for the instructors, coaches and students, and he has served as the group’s Outreach Council coordinator to take the programs to retirement communities,” Henderson said.

PARKS & TRAILS AWARD – Mandy Astor

Teenager Mandy Astor began her experience serving as the middle school Teen Council’s representative on the Hemlock Bluffs board five years ago. “For a few of her specific contributions, she developed a scrapbook for the Friends, produced a Mother’s Day Event photographic exhibit showcasing a time line for the event’s 10^th anniversary, and made the Friends’ holiday ornament for the Cary Community Christmas Tree. Our recipient’s parents say that she has matured greatly because of her experiences volunteering and has increased her passion for nature and the outdoors,” Henderson said.

In his remarks to the audience, Mayor Harold Weinbrecht thanked the group of volunteers for all they contribute to the town. “By volunteering, you are a leader in this community,” he said. “We see you as eager, we see you as creative, we see you as spirited.”

Guest speaker Bill Leslie of WRAL-TV said that being a volunteer is a unique personal experience. “It’s kind of like being in a special club,” he said. “You have to be a part of it to really understand.”

Leslie told the volunteers, “You are, indeed, the lifeblood of this community.”

More than 800 volunteers were invited to the event this year.

Award winners from the 2010 Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department annual Volunteer Awards.

Cary, NC – The Town of Cary Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources facility offers some real amazing nature programs in January.  Visit classweb.townofcary.org, or call (919) 462-2017 to register for programs.   We are told that in the event a program is full, residents are encouraged to get on the wait list, as there are often cancellations. 

Stevens Nature Center at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve is designed to complement the natural surroundings of Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve . The 3,700-square-foot center is named for Colonel William Walton Stevens and his wife Emily Stevens for their generous contributions and support of the center’s programs.  Colonel Stevens was a native of Wake County and worked as a soil scientist and soil conservationist for the State of North Carolina where he was a leader in the conservation field, according to the center web site.  The Stevens Nature Center provides information about the natural history of the area and the plants and animals that live in the Nature Preserve.  The nature center also offers a variety of nature programs for participants of all ages on a year-round basis.

The Stevens Nature Center features a gift shop, an educational exhibit hall, classroom outdoor education shelter, and a native wildflower garden.  Please contact Joy Logan with any questions at joy.logan@townofcary.org or  (919) 387-5980. 

January Line-up

Junior Naturalist (Age 5-8 w/a parent): Winter is Wonderful
Saturday, January 2 from 2-3 p.m.
Spend time with your child in these programs that encourage participants to develop their naturalist skills and understanding of local nature. 
Fees: $8(Cary Residents) $10(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 43819

Eco-Explorers (Age 7-9): Nature Detectives
Sunday, January 3 from 2-4 p.m.
Children will expand their knowledge of nature and build their observation skills in these hands-on explorations of nature and ecology. 
Fees: $12(Cary Residents) $16(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 43802

Discovery Days Mini-Camps (Age 5-7): Wild About Wetlands
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, January 4, 6 & 8 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Discover all that is wild about streams and pools and find out what animals are hanging out there!
Fees: $67(Cary Residents) $87(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 42156

Nature Fun for 4 & 5′s (Age 4-5): Discovering Dinosaurs
Tuesday & Thursday, January 5 & 7 from 1-3 p.m.
Dive into the world of nature through outdoor explorations, games, stories and crafts, in a safe and nurturing environment.  Who knew learning could be so much fun? 
Fees: $28(Cary Residents) $36(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 44148

Kids Fun-Days (Age 5-8): Super Salamanders
Thursday, January 7 from 10 a.m.-noon
Children will delight in learning through hands-on explorations of nature using their senses and their imagination! 
Fees: $12(Cary Residents) $16(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 44508

Curiosity Club (Age 5-6): Leaf Litter Critters
Saturday, January 9 from 10 a.m.-noon
Children will embrace science and nature while developing skills and knowledge to satisfy their curiosity about the natural world. 
Fees: $12(Cary Residents) $16(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 43793

Family Programs (Age 6 & up w/parents): Learning to Like the Dark!
Saturday, January 9 from 5-6:30 p.m.
Spend some quality time experiencing the fun of nature at Hemlock Bluffs with your family. 
Fees: $11(Cary Residents) $14(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 43829  

Tales and Trails (All ages welcome w/a parent): Cool Coyotes
Sunday, January 10 from 2-3:30 p.m.  Experience the world of coyotes with stories and a walk. Did you know there are coyotes are in Wake County?
Fees: $20(Cary Residents) $28(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 43834

Discovery Days Mini-Camps (Age 8-12): Salamander Commander
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, January 11, 13 & 15 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Adventure into the preserve in search of the hiding places of salamanders and frogs.
Fees: $67(Cary Residents) $87(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 42157

Silver Naturalists (Age 55 & up): Birds and Buds
Tuesday, January 12 from 1:30-3 p.m.
We’ll search for winter birds and sharpen plant identification skills.
Fees: $5(Cary Residents) $7(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 43325

Curious Creatures (Age 5-8): Backyard Bird Adventures
Thursday, January 14 from 10 a.m.-noon
Children will discover fascinating facts about birds, their habits, and their habitats through hikes, activities and crafts. 
Fees: $12(Cary Residents) $16(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 44424

Crafty Kids! (Age 7-10): Rock Art
Thursday, January 14 from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Discover how ‘crafty’ nature can be in an environment that encourages a sense of wonder and creativity.  Some projects may get ‘messy’, so dress to get dirty! 
Fees: $17(Cary Residents) $22(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 44161

Eco-Explorers (Age 7-9): Dinosaurs Rock!
Saturday, January 16 from 2-4 p.m.
Children will expand their knowledge of nature and build their observation skills in these hands-on explorations of nature and ecology. 
Fees: $12(Cary Residents) $16(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 43803

Junior Naturalist (Age 5-8 w/a parent): Nature at Night
Saturday, January 16 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Spend time with your child in these programs that encourage participants to develop their naturalist skills and understanding of local nature. 
Fees: $8(Cary Residents) $10(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 43820

Hemlock Nature Quest (Age 13-18): Winter Birding Adventures
Sunday, January 17 from 2-4 p.m.
Join us as we survey the preserve for winter bird residents.
Fees: $12(Cary Residents) $16(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 43815

Nature Fun for 4 & 5′s (Age 4-5): Discovering Dinosaurs
Tuesday & Thursday, January 19 & 21 from 10 a.m.-noon
Dive into the world of nature through outdoor explorations, games, stories and crafts, in a safe and nurturing environment.  Who knew learning could be so much fun? 
Fees: $28(Cary Residents) $36(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 44149

Kids Fun-Days (Age 5-8): Looking Under Logs
Tuesday, January 19 from 4-6 p.m.
Children will delight in learning through hands-on explorations of nature using their senses and their imagination! 
Fees: $12(Cary Residents) $16(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 44509

Wee Walkers (Age 1 & up w/a parent): Big or Small
Wednesday, January 20 from 10-11 a.m.
Little ones will delight in discoveries of the shapes, colors, textures, sounds, and smells of nature as we focus on specific concepts each class. 
Fees: $8(Cary Residents) $10(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 44136

Eco-Express (Age 8-12): Amphibian Awareness 
Thursday, January 21 from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Take the fast track to nature in these hands-on studies of nature and ecology at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve. 
Fees: $12(Cary Residents) $16(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 44499

Nature Nuts (Age 3-5 w/a parent): Muskrats
Friday, January 22 from 10-11 a.m.
Go nutty for nature as children satisfy some of their curiosity about the world around them and parents share in the joy of discovery! 
Fees: $11(Cary Residents) $14(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 43846

Night Out in Nature (Age 8-12)
Friday, January 22 from 6-9 p.m.
Kids spend a night out in nature making memories and new friends in this old fashioned camp-style program.  Each month is something new! 
Fees: $17(Cary Residents) $22(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 43788

Nature Nuts (Age 3-5 w/a parent): Muskrats
Saturday, January 23 from 10-11 a.m.
Go nutty for nature as children satisfy some of their curiosity about the world around them and parents share in the joy of discovery! 
Fees: $11(Cary Residents) $14(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 43847

Adult Nature Programs (Age 16 & up): Winter Birding
Saturday, January 23 from 10:30 a.m.-noon
Continue your lifelong learning through informative and educational nature walks that are focused on seasonal activity.  Discover the winter birds of the Bluffs. 
Fees: $6(Cary Residents) $8(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 43334

Young Ecologists (Age 10-12): Salamander Safari
Sunday, January 24 from 2-4 p.m.
Search the preserve for salamanders.
Fees: $12(Cary Residents) $16(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 43811

Discovery Days Mini-Camps (Age 8-12): Salamander Commander
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, January 25, 27 & 29 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Adventure into the preserve in search of the hiding places of salamanders and frogs.
Fees: $67(Cary Residents) $87(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 44177

Kids Fun-Days (Age 5-8): Dynamic Dinosaurs
Tuesday, January 26 from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Children will delight in learning through hands-on explorations of nature using their senses and their imagination! 
Fees: $12(Cary Residents) $16(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 44510

Curious Creatures (Age 5-8): Rocks at the Bluffs
Thursday, January 28 from 4-6 p.m.
Children will discover fascinating facts about rocks and geology at the bluffs through hikes, activities and crafts. 
Fees: $12(Cary Residents) $16(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 44425

Wee Walkers (Age 1 & up w/a parent): Big or Small
Friday, January 29 from 10-11 a.m.
Little ones will delight in discoveries of the shapes, colors, textures, sounds, and smells of nature as we focus on specific concepts each class. 
Fees: $8(Cary Residents) $10(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 44137

Curiosity Club (Age 5-6): Full Moon Hike!
Saturday, January 30 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Children will embrace science and nature while developing skills and knowledge to satisfy their curiosity about the natural world. 
Fees: $12(Cary Residents) $16(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 43794

Eco-Explorers (Age 7-9): Animal Inns
Sunday, January 31 from 2-4 p.m.
Children will expand their knowledge of nature and build their observation skills in these hands-on explorations of nature and ecology. 
Fees: $12(Cary Residents) $16(Non-Cary Residents)
Code: 43804

Photo by lauringioglio via Flickr

Lots of things going on this week on the CaryCitizen Calendar- But here’s something different-

The Annual Hemlock Bluffs Recycle Sale

The sale is on Saturday, (October 31) from 8am – 1pm.

DONATE ITEMS

If you have items to donate – virtually anything you would normally sell at your own yard sale – drop things off  THIS Thursday & Friday between 10am-6pm at The Stevens Nature Center, in the Hemlock Bluffs Preserve on Kildaire Farm Rd, Cary (map).

You can feel good about ridding your household of unwanted junk while helping to fund the Nature Center. And you may pick up something cool at the sale too. Not to mention it’s a good time to take a walk in the woods

The event is sponsored by The Friends of Hemlock Bluffs. Proceeds will benefit Hemlock Bluffs and the Nature Center, as well as the conservation and environmental education efforts conducted on site. Call 387-5980 for more info.

MORE EVENTS ON THE CALENDAR

If you want to keep on top of the many things going on in busy Cary, visit the CaryCitizen Calendar.

Photo by lauringioglio via a Flickr Creative Commons license.