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Hikes and Tours
Lifelong Longleaf Hike: Holly Shelter
Holly Shelter Game LandThe longleaf pine story continues with our exploration of Holly Shelter Game Land in Pender County. Here we will explore the longleaf pine savannas and associated pocosins rich in carnivorous plants and colorful orchids. Holly Shelter, North Carolina’s first state game land, is managing longleaf pine with an aggressive burn regime and restoring longleaf pine to areas that had been converted to loblolly pine plantations when under private ownership.
Fire School at the Calloway Forest Preserve
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesLearn about controlled burning in longleaf pine. TNC staff will light a small controlled burn at TNC’s Calloway Forest Preserve, which is a prime example of longleaf pine forest.
Blue Wild Indigo at Penny’s Bend
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesThis hike will provide a wonderful opportunity to see rare flora at Penny’s Bend Nature Preserve, owned by the Army Corps of Engineers, and managed by the North Carolina Botanical Garden. Baptisia aberrans is an imperiled species at the state level and survives in only a small number of remnant Piedmont prairie or savanna patches. The Garden’s management practices at Penny’s Bend has favored a variety of prairie and savanna flora.
About 2 miles in length, much of this hike is on primitive trails over uneven terrain, with one short, steep climb up from the river. Wear sturdy hiking footwear and bring insect repellent, water, and a walking stick, if you ever use one.
Lifelong Longleaf Hike: Carvers Creek
The longleaf pine story continues as we explore one of the best examples of a longleaf pine savanna remaining in North Carolina. Venus flytraps, pitcher plants and other carnivorous plants dot the grassy landscape under the dappled shade of longleaf pines in this Nature Conservancy Preserve.
Longleaf Pine Restoration Project Tour with the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina
Lumbee Tribe Cultural CenterVisit a longleaf pine restoration project at the Cultural Center of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina in Pembroke, NC. Learn about history, culture, and future plans. For those interested, you can convene with Kevin at Fuller’s BBQ in Pembroke after the program for additional conversation and community.