Nature Preserves and Programs 2025 Annual Report

Our Mission

TheNaturePreservesandProgramsTeamispartoftheNaturalResourcesUnit,whose mission istoconnect peopleandnaturethroughexperiences,education,andconservation.Our vision istocreatestrong,healthy, sustainablecommunitiesandtheenvironment.

Why we connect people and nature through education, conservation, and experiences

Connecting peopleandnaturebuildsstronger,healthier,andmoreenvironmentallysustainablecommunities. Thedevelopmentofmeaningfulconnectionstonaturebuildsstrongercommunitiesbycreatingresilience, promotingsocialconnection,strengtheningfamilybonds,andempoweringindividualsthroughbuildingselfconfidencewhilefosteringthedevelopmentofproblem-solvingskills.Furthermore,spendingtimeinnaturehas beenproventopromotephysicalandemotionalhealthandwell-being.

Earlyandrepeatedexposuretothenaturalworldthrougheducationandhands-on experience isoneofthebest meansoffosteringasenseofstewardship.Increasingawarenessandknowledgeofthenaturalworld's interconnectednessandhumanrole,combinedwithmeaningfulexperiences,caninspirechangeandinformed decision-making,ultimatelymovingindividualstowardbecomingbetterstewardsoftheEarth.

Conservation ofnaturalecosystemsandthepreservationofgreenspaceofferabroadrangeofbenefits, includingimprovedwaterquality,floodcontrol,improvedsoilhealth,andpreservationofbiodiversity. Preservingforestsreduceslocalairpollutionthatimpactsourcommunity'shealth.Forestpreservationisalso oneofthemosteffectiveandcost-efficientnature-basedclimatesolutionstohelpcurbthenegativeimpactsof globalclimatechange.

Our Impact at a Glance

Education and Interpretion

Weservedmorethan38,500PEOPLEthroughmorethan 1,700PROGRAMSthatservedfamilies,youth,adults,seniors, schoolchildren,andteachers.

Management and Protection

Wemanagedandprotectedmorethan600ACRESofforest, lakes,rivers,andwetlandsthatprovideahometomany nativespeciesincludingrareandendangeredplantsand animals.

Access and Enjoyment

Weprovidedaccessandenjoymenttomorethan245,000 VISITORSonour4SITES.

WE EDUCATE AND INTERPRET

Our vision is to develop a city where everyone understands and experiences the interrelatedness of people and ecosystems; where all members of the community have equitable access to high-quality nature-based programming; and have the awareness, knowledge, ability, and motivation to promote health and well-being for themselves, their communities, and the planet.

ProgramsaredeliveredbyourEnvironmentalEducationProgramsandSupportOffice,aswellbyeachsite: AnnieLouiseWilkersonMDNaturePreserve(ALW),DurantNaturePreserve(DNP),HorseshoeFarmNature Preserve(HSF),andWalnutCreekWetlandPark(WCWP).

This year, we served nearly 38,500 PEOPLE through more than 1,700 PROGRAMS that reached families, children, adults, seniors, schoolchildren, and teachers. This is more than a 22% increase in both the number of people we served and in the number of programs delivered

Group Field Trip Programs

Environmental educators provide hands-on experiences for students that correlate to the North Carolina Standard Course of Study’s grade-level science curricula and early childhood standards for the preschool curricula. Programs integrate literacy, math, and/or social studies elements, when possible, based on the grade level standards.

Our team delivered more than 1,230 school field trip and other group programs this year, serving nearly 30,000 students and reaching almost 5,000 more children this year than in FY 24.

“We absolutely love having Raleigh Parks staff visit our school and get our students excited about nature! Our students conquer fears, show bravery, and develop wonderful questions.”

~ Abbotts Creek Elementary, Title I Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Inthe2024-2025schoolyear,theEEPSOfficedelivered 1,058oftheenvironmentaleducationprogramstoschool groupsacrossthecity:276programsatDurantNature Preserve,271atLaurelHillsPark,31atPowellDrivePark, and480providedonschoolcampuses.

EEPShasnowestablishedrelationshipswiththreeWake Countypublicelementaryschools,providinggrade-specific programmingeachschoolyearforeverystudentatthese schools.Thisincludeskindergartenthrough5th grade studentsat Brassfield Road Elementary;pre-Kthrough5th , includingtheirspecialeducationstudents,at Holly Grove Elementary;andpre-Kthrough5th gradestudentsat Abbotts Creek Elementary Theseprogressiveprogramexperiencesprovidestudentswithmeaningfulopportunitiesto continuallyconnectwiththenaturalworldeachyearaswellasdeepenourrelationshipswiththestudents.

Inthe2024-2025SchoolYear,theEEPSOffice served24TitleIPre-KindergartenClassrooms through68programs.Eachclassroomtypically receivesthreeprograms,providedseasonallyat nocosttotheschool.Theprogramsaredesigned toreflectNorthCarolinaEarlyLearningStandards, incorporateSpanishlanguage,andconnect studentstothenaturalworldinanengaging, hands-onformat

“Ms. Donna is absolutely fantastic. She has a way of explaining things to young kids that is engaging and developmentally appropriate, and she makes kids (and adults, too) feel valued, important, and respected. This is a tall order for a 1-hour class! My 3-year-old daughter now knows the characteristics of reptiles because she has been singing the song since the class. She also loved getting to touch the live animals.”

~ Parent of a Reptiles Rock! Public Program

Public Programs and Events

Our team supports a wide range of educational programs and events that bring participants of all ages and abilities into deeper connection and understanding of our natural world.

Our team delivered 266 public programs this year, serving 4,182 participants!

Star Party and Astronomy Nights at Wilkerson

Since2014,Wilkersonhaswelcomedfamiliesandspace-loversofall agestoitsmonthlyAstronomyNights,aswellasparticipating annuallyasanofficialNorthCarolinaStatewideStarPartysite,an AstronomyfestivalheldacrossNorthCarolinainAprileveryyear.

Visitorstothe2025StatewideStarPartyeventatWilkersonNature PreservewereabletoobserveourMoon’scratersandseethe moonsofJupiterthroughthePreserve’stelescope,aswellasleaningmorespacesciencefromhands-onscience activities,includingascaled“SolarSystemWalk”andair-rockets.

IttakesmanypeopletooperateapublicAstronomyevent.In2025, Wilkersonwelcomedsupportfromtwoundergraduatestudent internsfromNCStateUniversity.Thesestudent-internsworked withWilkersonstafftoengagepublicvisitorsbyleadingscience educationactivitiesdesignedbytheMooreheadPlanetariumin ChapelHillspecificallyfor2025StatewideStarPartymember sites.Thesemulti-institutionpartnershipshelpmakeWilkerson’s StarPartiespossible,connectingWilkersonNaturePreservewith scienceinstitutionsacrossourregion–andhelpourvisitorsmake connectionsacrosstheUniverse.

Nature Quest Passport Program

participantsmake rockets.

TheNaturePreservesandProgramsTeamcollaborativelydevelopedaself-guided passportstyleprogramwiththegoalofconnectingourteams’sites.TheNatureQuest PassportProgrampromptsparticipantstovisitallfourpreserves.Participantsearn pointsthroughuniqueformsofengagementateachlocation.Ourpreservesare treasuretrovesofamazingcrittersandhabitatsthatarefastdisappearingelsewhere. Gettingtoknowournon-humanneighborsinRaleighisanimportantpieceinhelping preservethehomewesharewiththem,whilefosteringsocialconnectedness.

Fishes at Durant Nature Preserve

AnewFishesprogramwasdevelopedatDurantin collaborationwiththefisheriesclubatNCState.Theclubset updisplaytankswithlivefishescaughtonsiteby electrofishingandnettingonsite,presentinginformation aboutthosefishesandaspectsoftheirbiologytothepublic. Fisheriesclubmembersalsopresentedinformationabout fish-relatedresearchprojectsinwhichtheywereinvolved, throughactivegamesanddisplays.

Mud Day at Walnut Creek

BonnieEamick,WilkersonAssistantManager,deliversapublictalkabout Dr.Annie’sLegacyattheRaleighCityMuseum.

WalnutCreekhostedtheir7th annualMudDay,seeingupwardsof550 patrons.MudDayisfestivaldedicatedtogettingchildrenandtheirfamilies outdoorsanddirty.Designedtoencouragenatureplayandinteractionwith thewetland,MudDaybringsenvironmentalpartnersandoutdoor enthusiaststogetherfromallaroundthetriangleareatocelebratesomeof nature’smessierwonders.

“The instructor far exceeded our expectations! He has taken about half a dozen young children and their parents, and taught everyone a great deal about astronomy/the stars/seasons. He has succeeded in getting everyone in the class (even the youngest children) very interested in and knowledgeable about these things. It was a joy to see the eagerness and learning that went on during this course, and I hope that there will be room for us during subsequent lectures. This young man is a very talented and knowledgeable teacher!”

~ Astronomy Night Particpant

Summer Camp Experiences

Lake Johnson Explorers

Wetland Wanderers

WetlandWandererswasafour-daysummerdaycampfor 6-9yearoldsatWalnutCreekWetlandParkdesignedto learnaboutwetlandsandnaturethroughsong,games, crafts,andoutdoorexploration.Thiscampserved11 campersandconcludedwithawaterexplorationfieldtrip toDurantNaturePreserve.

LakeJohnsonExplorerssummerdaycampserved10-13year oldsatLakeJohnson’sMagnoliaCottageandwasfullofhands-on activitiesdesignedtoexplorethewoods,learnaboutwildlife andnaturalspaces,andtrynewthings–likedipnettingfor macroinvertebratesandcanoeingatDurantNaturePreserve! Thiscampserved12campers.

Summer Camps at Wilkerson

Wilkersonstaffledfourweek-long,nature-basedsummer campsincluding:NaturalScienceCamp,YoungNaturalists Camp,andtwoweeksofNature&ArtCamp. Over50 campersparticipatedintheseweek-long,full-daycamp experiences.

OnequarterofWilkerson'ssummercampspaces,likeall ourteam’sspecialtycamps,arereservedforcampers receivingfinancialaidthroughtheGivePlayFoundation, whichisdedicatedtomakingsummercampexperiences accessibletoall.

Developing, Sustaining, and Strengthening Relationships – Partnerships in Programming

To better serve our community and increase our impact, our team collaborates with both internal and external partners to deliver diverse programs in different ways.

This year, we served 422 participants through partnerships programs.

Envirothon and Walnut Creek

WalnutCreekWetlandParkhaspartneredwithWakeCounty SoilandWaterConservationDistricttodeliverEnvirothon Trainingfortwoyears.Envirothonisaninternational environmentalandnaturalresourceproblem-solving competitionthatbuildsleadershipexperienceforhighschool studentsinthesubjectsof:aquaticecology,forestry,soilsand landuse,wildlife,andcurrentenvironmentalissues.

WalnutCreekhostsandsupportsacollaborativetraining experienceforthecounty’sparticipatinghighschoolteamsas theypreparefortheirregional,state,andinternationalcompetitions.Afewofthestudentsalsoparticipatein theNeighborhoodEcologyCorps.

Educator Workshops

Ourteamledandhostedmultipleeducatorworkshops,whichprovide resourcesandcurriculumcenteredaroundusingnaturetoteachscience. VariousworkshopsareinpartnershipwithagenciessuchastheNC WildlifeResourcesCommissionandtheNCOfficeofEnvironmental EducationandPublicAffairs. Workshopsdeliveredthisyearreacheda totalof127participantsandincludedpublicschoolteachers,college students,andeducatorsatothernatureparksandscienceagencies.

Schoolhouse of Wonder at Brookhaven Nature Park

SchoolhouseofWonderranthreeweeksofsummercampatBrookhaven NatureParkfor5-6year-olds.Thispartnershipprovided41youthwith theopportunitytospendeachdayentirelyinnatureexploringthewoods andsplashinginthecreeks,gettingdirtyandgoinghomehappy.

Earth Day and Arbor Day at Dix Park

Ourteamprovidedoverallcoordinationandleadership ofthisyear’sEarthDayandArborDayCelebrationat DixPark.ThisCity-wideeventhassuccessfully expandedtohostmorethan2,000attendeesandnearly 50vendors,helpingtosharetheamazingworkthecity andotherlocalorganizationsaredoingtosupport environmentalprotectionandconnectourcommunity totheresourcessotheycansupportittoo!

Intuitive Weaves made from Nature’s Gifts

Wilkersonhostedacollaborativepublicnature-artprogramcalled IntuitiveWeavesmadefromNature’sGiftswithhelpfromSertoma Artstaff.Thisprogramincludedaneducationalnaturewalktogather naturalitemsandanartist-ledweavingprogram.

Social Accountability Training for the greater City of Raleigh staff (Are We Outside?)

KyleeneLewis,WCWPManager,helpeddesign,lead,anddeliversocialaccountabilitytrainingforthe departmentincollaborationwiththeMecklenburgParksandRecreationaswellasCityofRaleighCommunity EngagementDepartmentandSocialAccountability andStrategicInitiativesOffice.

“AreWeOutside”wasaculturalcompetency trainingthathelpedparticipatingCityofRaleigh staffdevelopanunderstandingofhowthe intersectionalityofidentitiesimpactsoutdoor recreationalexperiences.SpecifictotheAfrican Americancommunityandtheirlivedexperiences.

Support Programs

Our Nature Preserves and Programs Team supports the PRCR Department by providing programs, instruction, and sharing subject matter expertise. Our team provided 113 support programs this year, reaching nearly 2,950 participants!

Nature + SRIS Quest

PRCR Summer Camp Support

OurteamdeliveredmanysupportprogramsforPRCRSummerCampsheld atCORfacilitiesaroundRaleigh,bringingnatureeducationandexperiences toparticipantsofmanyages,fromthepre-Khalf-daycampersatGreystone RecreationCentertoteencampersatPullenArtCenter. Ourteamdelivered AnimalsUpCloseprogramsacrossspecialtyandSRIScamps,providedlive reptileexperiencesforEd-Zoo-CationCamp,hands-onfossilsdig experienceswithrealfossilsforDINOmiteDaysofSummerCamp,anda combinationofnatureandarttoArtistStudioSummerCamp-2D:Art& Naturetonameafew.NoteveryCityofRaleighsummercampcanbeheld inaCityNaturePreserve,butNaturePreservestaffcanhelpbringnature experiencestosummercampersacrossourcity.

EEPSeducatorsprovidedmonthlynatureprogramsforthe adultsservedintheQuestAdultDayProgram,whichserves adultswithdevelopmentaland/orphysicaldisabilities.In FY25,arangeoftopicswereshared.Afavoritewasabirdthemedprograminwhichparticipantsenjoyedseveral activitiesfocusingonbirdanatomyandbirdbehaviors. Participantsevenhadopportunitytoseeandholdbaby chicks.

WCWPsupportstheTeensProgramwithanafter-schoolcreek exploration.

Neighborhood Ecology Corps Program

TheNeighborhoodEcologyCorps(NEC)isanocost,three-year,environmentalliteracyprogram serving6th-10thgradeparticipants.Through hands-onenvironmentaleducation,thisprogram createsexperiencesforunderrepresentedyouth toconnectwiththenaturalworld,learn foundationalenvironmentalscienceconcepts,and beexposedtoenvironmentalcareerpathways. TheprogramisbasedatWalnutCreekWetland Park,whichhasarichlegacyofenvironmental justiceandlandstewardshipthatNECparticipantsengagewithandbecomeparticipantsin.

Inthe2024-2025schoolyear,NEC participantseachspentupto60hoursin weeklyprogramsandupto80hoursonfield tripsthatincludedcommunitysciencedata collection,invasivespeciesremoval,stream cleanups,educationaltrips,outdoor recreation,communityoutreach,andan overnightcampout.NECYear1participants spentanadditional40hoursinan introductorysummerdaycampinAugustto kickofftheprogram.

“I couldn’t be more grateful for the incredible experience my daughter had during her three years with the Neighborhood Ecology Corps. This program has been so much more than just an extracurricular activity for my daughter. Through hands-on learning, outdoor exploration, and meaningful service projects, she gained not only environmental knowledge but also a deeper sense of responsibility, empathy, and confidence. I'd like to thank the instructors and staff that have been outstanding! They've been dedicated, engaging, and truly invested in every student’s growth. They created a space where learning felt exciting, friendships blossomed, and every child was empowered to ask questions, take action, and think critically about the world around them. The NEC program has left a lasting impression on my daughter’s values and interests, and I know she’ll carry what she’s learned with her for years to come.”

~ Parent of NEC participant

WE MANAGE AND PROTECT

Our sites contain examples of high-quality plant and animal populations, natural communities, and ecosystems that contribute to biodiversity and environmental health. We manage and protect our natural areas using best management practices so we can sustainably balance protection and enhancement of the natural areas while providing access to explore them.

We manage and protect more than 600 ACRES of forest, lakes, rivers, and wetlands that provide a home to many rare and endangered plants and animals.

Management

We use best management practices and strategies such as prescribed burning, non-native invasive plant removal, and habitat restoration to enhance the biological diversity and increase the health of the habitats found on our sites.

Prescribed Burning

Whyisprescribedfireimportant?

Usingfireasamanagementtoolisessentialfor thehealthoffire-dependentplantsandhabitats byreducingandmaintainingthedensityofleaf litter,whichallowsthegerminationand establishmentofdesirableplantsand–inthe caseoffields–helpspreventthegrowthof woodytreespeciesthatwouldshadeoutthe sun-lovinggrasses,wildflowers,andother herbaceousplants.Itisalsoamuchmore resource-efficientstrategy,reducingtimeand costwithbetterresults.

Durant Conducts its First Prescribed Burn

IncoordinationwiththeLandStewardshipteamandotherParkandNaturalResourcescolleagues, Durantconducteditsfirstprescribedburn.The1-acreburnunitincludedagraniticflatrockhabitatinthe southwesternportionofthePreserve.Thisrarerhabitattypeisanxeric(dry)environmentrequiringhighsun exposureandshallowsoils.Toimproveandmaintainitshealth,themanagementgoalwastoreduceleaflitter andunderstorybrushtoreduceorganicmatterandallowmoresunlighttoreachtheground.Tohelpachieve thisgoal,overstorywasalsothinned.Thehopeistoincreasetheproductivityofnativeplantsthatspecializein thetypesofsoilborderingrockoutcropssuchasthis.Inthecomingyear,theareawillbemonitoredand surveyedfordiversityandabundanceofplantspeciestoseetheeffectofthefire.

Annual Burning @ Wilkerson

WilkersonNaturePreservehasusedprescribedfireasa managementtoolsince2016,andburnedfivepriority habitatareasin2025.OpenhabitatsatWilkerson supportindigenousspeciessuchasthenativeGreen CometMilkweed,whichhaveincreasedgreatlywith repeatedburning,andsupportmanypollinators includingMonarchbutterfliesandnativebumblebees.

Non-Native Invasive Plant Management

Invasiveplantsarenotnativetotheregionand/orthepreservesandwereintroducedinvariouswaysoverthe years.Invasiveplantsquicklyestablishthemselvesandbecomeathreattotheecologicalwell-beingofthe preservesbyoutcompetingnativeplantsandchangingtheenvironmentforwildlife.

Privet + Stiltgrass removal at Walnut Creek Wetland Park

TheLandStewardshipteamusedinvasiveremovalfundingtocontract multipleAmericanConservationExperiencecrewsthroughoutthe fiscalyear.Thecrewshadtrainedsawyerswhowereabletocutdown threeofWalnutCreek’slargesttree-sizedprivetshrubs,taking millionsofseedsoutoftheseedbank.Inaddition,theNCForest ServiceForestHealthinternspulledandcutapproximately6,000 squarefeetofinvasivestiltgrassandnon-nativegrassesfromthe WalnutCreekpocketforest.

AftertheMLKDaystiltgrasspull,WalnutCreekstaffseededsomeof thenewly-clearedareaswithanativegrassandwildflowermix. Althoughthestiltgrassstillgerminatedthisseason,volunteers returningforasecondyearremarkedonthenoticeabledifferencein vegetativemakeupofthespotswecleared!Inpartsofthefuture natureplayscapearea,nativeplantsaregrowingtallerthanthestiltgrassandstartingtoshadeitout.

HorseshoeFarmrotationalmowinghas continuedtokeepthemeadowareasin variousstagesofearlysuccession tobenefitmanyspeciesofplantsand animalsthatutilizethattypeof ecosystem.Inaddition,staffcontinuesto clearBradfordPear,privet,AutumnOlive andotherinvasivesfromthemeadows.

Species Protection

Ash Tree Conservation at Walnut Creek

WalnutCreekstaffworkedwithcontractedarboristsfromLeafandLimbcompletedinoculationsagainstthe EmeraldAshBoreronapproximately115ofmatureGreenAshtrees.TheywereabletoflagnumerousGreen Ashsaplingsthatbegangrowingthisyearandstaffweretrainedonaprotocolforsurveyingthepopulationfor continuedmonitoring.

RESEARCH

We partner with local universities and organizations, work with volunteers, and mentor students to conduct research that helps us make the best management decisions for our preserves/park and the species that live there.

Species Inventory

DurantandHorseshoeFarm’sAssistantManagerTracyFeldman andstaffhavecontinuedtoinventoryandhavedocumentednearly 2,300species(fromvascularplantstofungi,mammalstoleaf miners)acrossbothpreservestodocumentdiversityand abundanceasbesttheycan.Thisaidsthepreservestaffin managementdecisionsgoingforwardarmedwiththeknowledge anddataofscarcityorabundance.

Soil Sampling

DurantandHorseshoeFarm’sNaturalResources Coordinator,FrancoisDeWet,begansamplingsoil atDurantinJanuary2025.Theoverallgoalinthis workistoredefineandupdatetheecological managementmap,whichwillhavemoredetailed andaccuratesoilunitsandgeology. Understandingthesoiltypesacrossthepreserve supportshabitatmanagement,asthesoiltype dictatesplantcommunitycomposition,water infiltrationrates,andnutrientavailability.This workwillhelpinformdecisionsonspecies selectionforrestoration,erosioncontrol,and wildlifehabitatimprovement.

Community Science

TheNaturalResourcesUnitisincreasingcommunityscienceopportunitiestoconnectpeopletonature,engage thepublicinthescientificprocess,andobtainnaturalresourceinventorydatatoassistusindevelopingour managementplans.

2024-2025 NestWatch and Project FeederWatch Data

NestWatchisanationwidenest-monitoringprogram designedtotrackthestatusandtrendsinthe reproductivebiologyofbirds.ProjectFeederWatch isaNovember-Aprilsurveyofbirdsthatvisit backyards,naturecenters,communityareas,and otherlocalesinNorthAmerica.Wilkerson,Durant, andHorseshoeFarmNaturePreservesparticipate annuallyintheprograms,contributingtothenationwidedata.

NOTE:ProjectNestWatchisprimarilyaboutpublic educationandoutreach.BirdssuchaschickadeesandEasternBluebirdsareabundantspeciesthatnestinnatural cavitiesthroughoutourPreserves.ThesenumbersarenotthetotalpopulationsofthesespecieswithinthePreserves.

*Brown-headedNuthatchesarelistedbytheNCWRCinthelatestNCWildlifeActionPlanasa“SpeciesofGreatest ConservationNeed.”

Box Turtle Connection Program

TheBoxTurtleConnectionisalong-termstudy onEasternBoxTurtles(Terrapenecarolina carolina)inNorthCarolina.TheProgram’s purposeistolearnmoreaboutthestatusand trendsinboxturtlepopulations,identify threats,anddevelopstrategiesforlong-term conservationofthespecies.Trainedsitestaff permanentlymarkandmeasureeachturtle foundanddataisenteredintoadatabase managedbytheNCWildlifeResources Commission.

Thisyear,ourteamrecorded111boxturtles.

Planning

We have initiated the development of land management plans for our preserves and nature parks to help allocate resources, to provide a strategy to manage and protect resources while providing access to them, and to establish systems to monitor and evaluate the health of resources and effectiveness of management practices over time. Additionally, our team tests new innovative strategies, methods, and tools to help improve management and practices across City natural areas and parks.

Field Testing New Equipment for Better Results

In2025,Wilkersonstaffassumedresponsibilityfor maintenanceoftheirgrasslandhabitatareas,whichrequire regularmowingtolimitencroachmentbywoody vegetation. Traditionally,heavyagriculturaltractorshave beenusedtoregularlymowareasdesiredtobepreservedas grasslandhabitat.Thispracticecausesprogressivesubsoil compactionduetotheheavyweightsofatractor,aswellas deepsurface-soilruttingfromlargetractortires.Thesesoil impactsencourageinvasiveexoticgrassesovernative perennialgrasslandspecies.ExperimentsatWilkersonin 2025havefoundabrushrovertobejustaseffectiveasatractorinbrush-cuttingthePreserve’sfields,while causingmuchlesssoildisturbance,whichwillbenefitthePreserve’snativegrasslandspecies.

Professional Leaders in our Field – New Discoveries

Bryan England, Wilkerson Nature Preserve Manager Presents Research at National Invasive Species Conference

Bryandiscoveredtheexistenceofanewinvasivegrass species–JapaneseWheatgrass–whichhadbeen growingunnoticedinparksthroughouttheCityof Raleigh. Thisgrasshasbeenrecognizedbythefederal governmentaspotentiallyinvasive,buthadnotbeen foundintheUnitedStates.

TheidentificationofthisexoticgrassfoundinRaleighwasconfirmedbyinternationalgrassexpertsandbecame thefirstdocumentationofthisspeciesbecominginvasiveanywhereoutsideAsia. Duetothisdiscoveryby Bryan,theNorthCarolinaInvasivePlantCounciladdedJapaneseWheatgrasstoNorthCarolina’sInvasivePlant WatchListinlate2023,andafullpresentationofthediscoveryweresharedbyBryanwithinvasivespecies professionalsfromacrossthecountryatNAISMA’sannualconferenceinMissoula,Montana,inOctoberof2024.

Inthespringof2025,BryanleadtrainingsforstafffromacrossRaleigh’sparksystem,toinitiatethefirstcontrol programaimedatinvasiveJapaneseWheatgrassinNorthAmerica. BryanidentifiedoveradozenRaleighparks whereJapaneseWheatgrasswasalreadyspreading,includingPullenPark,DixPark,WalnutCreekWetland Park,ApolloHeightsPark,Windemere-BeaverdamPark,LionsPark,andBrentwoodPark. Bymid-2025,much progresshadbeenmade,atnewpracticeshadbeenadoptedCity-widetoreducethespreadofJapanese Wheatgrass.

WE PROVIDE ACCESS AND ENJOYMENT

We provide diverse opportunities for the community to experience and connect with nature by offering recreational opportunities; space for family and community gatherings, life events, and business meetings with a natural backdrop; and quiet spaces for contemplation and nature appreciation to meet the needs and comfort of ALL.

This year, we provided access and enjoyment to more than 233,000 VISITORS on our 4 SITES which include nearly 9 MILES OF TRAIL, educational nature centers, indoor classroom, and lab space, as well as rentable shelters, event venues, and meeting space. Additionally, we provide access to other green spaces throughout the city through public and school-based programming.

Increasing Access and Inclusion

SEEK Raleigh Public Art Grant

LocalartistKatieStewartwasfundedthroughtheSEEK RaleighPublicArtprogramtocreatesite-specific installationsandprogrammingforWCWP!Along-time neighborandfriendoftheWetlandCenter,Katie highlightedsomeofournativecreaturesinglowing, inflatableformalongthetrails.Visitorsweredelightedto seetheglowingartduringspecialafter-hourswalking tours.

New Trails Open at Wilkerson Nature Preserve – Internal Trail System Now Over 3 Miles Long

In2025,Wilkersonopenednewpublictrailsdesigned toincreasethepublicaccessibilityofitsnaturalareas. Unlikeoldertrails,thenewtrailsincludestair-free routesastheyriseandfallwiththePreserve’srolling terrain.Accompanyingthenewtrails,newpublic bencheshavealsobeenstrategicallyinstalledto providerestingopportunitiesalongthenewpaths.

Thesenewtrailsallowvisitorscloserviewsofbeaverdams,milkweedfields,andWilkerson’sscenicforests, withoutexcludinganyonepotentiallyrestrictedbystair-mobilitychallenges.

Federal ORLP Grant Announcement at WCWP

WalnutCreekhostedGovernorRoyCooperandSecretaryoftheInteriorDebHaalandtoannouncethe disbursementoftheOutdoorRecreationLegacyPartnershipGranttoRaleighprojects,boththefutureSmoky HollowParkandtheBaileyDriveGatewayProjectatWalnutCreek.TheORLPgrantprogramprovidesfunding toenhanceoutdoorrecreationopportunitiesinurbanandeconomicallydisadvantagedcommunitiesacrossthe UnitedStates.

Traditional Knowledge & Indigenous Engagement In Environmental Programming

Advancingourgoaltobemoreculturallyinclusiveand representativeinourprogramsandinourspaces,weworked withDukeUniversity’sDEEPCollaborativeandDavid Rahahę́·tihWebbbyhostingtheir Traditional Knowledge & Indigenous Engagement in Environmental Programming, exploringtheroleofIndigenouswaysofknowingin environmentaleducationandenvironmentalprogramming,at Durant’sCampbellLodge.

AcriticalgoaloftheDEEPCollaborativeistobuildthe capacityofenvironmentalorganizationstounderstandthe localandglobalcontextofenvironmentalinjusticein relationtorace,ethnicity,gender,sexualorientation, socioeconomicstatus,andability.TheDEEPCollaborative alsoprovidesameansforcommunitymemberstomeet, share,andexchangeideas.ThesessionwasledbyDavid Rahahę́·tihWebb,ExecutiveDirectorofMuddySneakers. SeveralCityRaleighParkstaffwereabletoparticipate alongsideeducatorsfromacrossthetriangle.

Community and Teaching Garden Concept Design

WalnutCreekcontinuedtheworklaidoutinthe2014MasterPlanby completingacommunitygardenconceptplan.Authenticcommunity engagementthroughoutthisprocesshelpedinformthecompletedplan includingwide-reachingsurveysandacommunityopenhousewith children'sactivitiesandSpanishinterpreters.

Tree Trail at WCWP

NECStudentparticipate intheCommunity EngagementEvent

WalnutCreekworkedincollaborationwithNCState’sDendrology professorandseveral400-levelcapstonestudentstoidentify15 commonlyfoundwetlandtreestoincludeonaAllaccessTreeTrail map.Patronscannowusethisfreeresourcetotakethemonaguidedtour toeachtree,wheretheywilllistentoanaudiofilethatdescribesfuntree factsandshortstories.Theuseofaudiofilesistobereplicatedforother educationalopportunitiesaroundtheparktoincreaseuseraccessibility.

Improving Sustainability

WilkersonandWalnutCreekWetlandCenter wereselectedastwoofthesitesontheCAPRA tour.

Wilkerson Activates First Fully Grid-Integrated Solar Power Generation in a Raleigh Nature Preserve

Inearly2025,WilkersonNaturePreserve’sParkOfficeroofwasactivatedasasolar-electricitygenerator.Theroofmountedsolarpanelsarenowabletoeitherfeedelectricityintothebuilding,supportingtheParkOffice’selectric usageneeds(includingapublicelectriccarchargingstation),ortosendpowerintothegreaterelectricutilitygrid duringtimeswhentheroofpanel’spowergenerationexceedsParkOffice’sownelectricusage.Thisallowsthe maximumcaptureofcleansolarpowerfromtheOffice’sroofpanelsystem,contributesgreenenergyintoourgreater powergrid,andalsoreducestheelectricutilitycostofoperatingtheWilkersonParkOfficefacility.

TracyFeldman,DurantandHorseshoeFarm AssistantManagerappliedforandreceived $37,750fromtheRaleighClimateActionFundin FY24toinstallsolarpanelsontheboathouseat Durant.Thisyear,thesolarpanelswere successfullyinstalled.Thisinstallationoffsets currentandfutureenergyneedsasthestaff transitionthespaceintoamoreuseful programmaticspace.

Wilkerson Staff Work to Bring BEE CITY USA’s “Low Mow Spring” City-wide

Inthespringof2025BryanEngland,Wilkerson’sManager, workedcloselywiththeRaleighParksHorticulturistand ParksGardenersfromacrossthecitytosupportspring pollinators,aspartofRaleigh’sBEECITYUSAinitiative.For severalyears,WilkersonhastestedBEECITY recommended“NoMow”and“LowMow”springlawn practicesandin2025,thisgrewintothefirstyearofCitywide“LowMowSpring”participation,asover150acresof selectedRaleighParkspropertiesacrosstheCitywhich wouldnormallybemowedinthespringwereinsteadbeing allowedtobloomwithwildflowerstosupportearlyspring beesandbutterflies.Thisactionalsoresultedinsavingsof fuelandreducednoiseincityparksduetothereductionofmowingintheMarch-Aprilmonths. Wilkersonstaff workedwithRaleighParkstodesignanddistributeeducationalsignsandmaterialsCity-widetoencouragethe publictoconsidermorebee-friendlypractices.

Alsoin2025,Wilkersonstaffarecontinuingtoworkwithbee researcherstodocumentnativebeepopulationswithinWilkerson NaturePreserveandtheirresponsetothesebee-friendly managementpracticesovertime,whichhasalreadyresultedinthe discoveryofseveralrarenativebeespeciesatWilkerson,including beespecieslistedbystatewildlifeagenciesasbeingofconservation concern.

Bombus pennsylvanicus isaspecieswhichwasformerlycommonbutisnowin steepdeclinenationallyandisontheNCNHPRareAnimalWatchListduetoits fallingpopulationsinmanyplaces.

TheLemonCuckooBumbleBeeisanuncommon, seldomseenspecies,thatrequiresaveryhealthy populationofotherbeestoexist,becauseitisa “cuckoo”intootherbees’honey.

Note-Nobeeswereharmedinthisphotosession.Bothbeesshownaboveare alive theywerecooledforidentification,rewarmed,andreleasedunharmed.

Volunteers and Partnerships

Volunteers, collaboration, and strategic partnerships are fundamental to who we are, what we do, and how we do it. We would like to take a moment and THANK our 2024-2025 partners and volunteers - without whom we would not have been able to achieve our goals.

Nature Preserves Volunteers (July 2024 – June 2025)

A Piedmont Prairie at Durant

IncollaborationwithScottHazard,artist inresidence,avolunteerdaywas conductedtoplantnearly800piedmont prairiespecificplantsinademonstration areasurroundingachimneyswifttower thatwillbecompletedinthecoming months.20volunteersworkedtogether toplacetheplantsinpredetermined locationswithinthearea.Inthelatefall orearlywinteranothervolunteerday willbescheduledtoplantanother700 plants.Thisareawillthen bemonitoredasitgrowstoremoveinvasiveplantsandhopefullyseethesenativepiedmontprairieplants spreadintothesurroundingareaforanevenlargerimpact.

High-density Forest Planting

Afterayearandahalfofplanning,collaborating,andpreparing, WalnutCreekstaffworkedwithvolunteerstoplantupwardsof 800bare-rootnativetreesaplingsalongaclearedbankofWalnut Creek.Thiswasachievedwiththreedifferentvolunteer programs onespecificallyforourNECstudentswithan educationalcomponentandsupportfromProjectPandostaff,one acombinedeffortofCityandProjectPandovolunteers,andonean all-agesfamilyprogramintandemwiththeJewishFederationof GreaterRaleighforTuB’Shevat,theJewishholidaycelebrating trees.Eachtreesaplingwasflaggedandlefttoestablishbeforethe growingseasonbegan!

Internships and Work-Study Volunteers

Thisyear,theEEPSOfficeandWilkersonhostedfoursummerinterns,eachforatwo-weekrotationaspartofa PRCRDepartmentInternship.Theseinternsassistedwithsummercampactivities,programplanningand materialpreparation.

TheEEPSOfficeandWilkersonhostedatotalofthreeWork StudyStudentsfromNCStatethisyear.AfirstforTheEEPS Office,theirstudentworkedwiththeNECprogramthroughout the2024-2025schoolyear,assistingwithYear3weekly meetings.Thisstudentresearched,developed,andfacilitateda mocktownhallactivitywithNECYear3studentsfocusedon developingpublicspeakingskills,criticalthinking, environmentalplanning,andunderstandingdifferent perspectives.

TheEEPSOfficealsoprovidedvaluableexperiencesfortwoFieldPlacementStudentsfromanEnvironmental EducationinPracticecourseatNCStatecompletedaspringfieldplacementvolunteeringwiththe NeighborhoodEcologyCorps.StudentspartneredwithNECstafftocompleteobservationsanddevelopand deliveraprogramduringtheirspringsemesterforatotalof24combinedhours.

FieldPlacementStudentleadingaTown HalllessontoNECStudents

WorkStudyStudentwithNECstudents aftercleaningTrashTrout

Team Highlights

BryanEnglandreceivedtheParksandNaturalResources EmployeeoftheYear.

InthewakeofHurricaneHelene,membersofourteamvolunteeredat theDiaperBank,alocalorganizationwhocoordinatedsupportefforts.

SpendingtimewithourNaturalResource colleagues.

CeliaLechtmanandTracyFeldman havebothnowjoinedtheParksBand, helpingtobringentertainmenttomany ParksandPRCRevents.Theyhave broughtsomuchtotheensemble throughtheirmultitudeoftalents. FromCelia’sangelicvoiceandguitar abilitiestoTracy’skillerviolintalents, vocals,andguitarabilities,itispure magictohearthemplay.

Connection Education Experiences

Conservation