Where:  Brunswick Nature Park - 2601 River Road, Winnabow.  Watch for small sign on River Road, turn right onto the gravel road to end of the park.   Meet near the restrooms and the Sierra Club banner. 
 
When:  Sat. February 15th at 1:00pm. 
 
What:    Enjoy an invigorating hike at a brisk pace on the Dogwood Trail.  This is a 2.90 mile trail with a 101 ft. gain.
Experience the lovely forest with rugged terrain that sets it apart from the surrounding area.  The trail features labelled trees, benches, and scenic views of Town Creek.  Some sections are narrow and unmaintained.  Estimated time of this loop is 1 hour. 
 
Who:  Open to those able to handle walking on roots and uneven terrain.  Children should be able to keep up with a brisk pace.  Well behaved dogs on a leash are allowed. 
The park has flush toilets and porta potties.   Bring your own water.

After:  We will attempt to set up a coffee/tea/hot chocolate table for socialization afterwards.  Feel free to bring some snacks to share, and folding chairs for relaxing. 

 Would you be interested in helping to set up the coffee station?   Need volunteers to help set up, and someone to supervise this area while the group is walking.  If so please text Suzanne at 540-598-8207.
 

Level: Moderate(relatively brisk pace)

Cost: free

Bring: hydration, sturdy shoes

Additional Directions: Meet in the parking area near the restrooms; look for Sierra Club banner

Cancellation Policy: Steady rain cancels

Restoring a Pocosin Forest

The 7,500 acre Angola Game Bay Land in Pender County was once a species rich pocosin forest storing carbon in moist peat soils. As the land was drained and converted to loblolly pine production, the carbon dioxide sink became a CO2-emitting source. The presentation will focus on how the land is being restored to its previous biodiversity, carbon capture and flood-controlling capacity. Also discussed will be how the Nature Conservancy and the NC Wildlife Resources Commission organized professionals and volunteers to install water control structures to rehydrate the land, and plant Atlantic white cedar and other native tree species. Warren Darrell, our speaker, worked on this project in October.

PDF from the presentation at Monthly Meeting.

Presenter Bio:

Warren Darrell is a mentor for UNCW Environmental Science students and teaches environmental topics at Osher Lifelong Learning Center - UNCW and Coastal Carolina University. He is an active volunteer with the Ecologic Development Fund and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Warren is a registered professional engineer with Masters’ degrees in environmental engineering and environmental science.

Presenters: 

• Kayne Darrell, Advocate, Community Activist, and Grass Roots organizer for several environmental and social just projects.

• Andy Wood, Author and award-winning conservation educator currently volunteers as director for Coastal Plain Conservation Group - a non-profit environmental organization based in Pender County.

Sledge Forest is a local natural treasure spread across over 4,000 acres in Castel Hayne. The goal is to save Sledge Forest from destruction and protect and preserve it in conservation. Please join us for this very important meeting.

Doors open at 6:15p, donations accepted; discussion starts at 6:30p

Halyburton Park's 60 acres of longleaf pine forest is an important landscape within the city and the Cape Fear Arch region for wildlife and park visitors. The natural communities of the park, its significance as a natural heritage site, and the best management practices will be explored during the presentation. A focus on longleaf pine ecology, management and restoration work will be emphasized.
Andy Fairbanks is Recreation Supervisor, City of Wilmington Parks and Recreation.

Registration: https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00000Q2KgUIAV