Date: Wed, 19 Feb 2014 07:36:27 -0500
From: “Gretchen Smith”
Subject: CCP’s 2014 Exploring Nature in Chatham Spring Outings
CCP’s 2014 Exploring Nature in Chatham Series – Spring Outings
Sunday, April 13th from 1:30 to 3:30 PM: Wetlands Restoration at Pittsboro’s Town Lake Park (Free)
Discover “Pittsboro’s Hidden Treasure”, a 36 acre park with lakes and trails near downtown Pittsboro. Our guide will be Dr. Karen Hall with NC State University, who will talk about the wetlands restoration project in the
impoundment area of Robeson Creek at Pittsboro’s Town Lake Park. Impaired by aquatic weeds and pollution, the upper and lower lakes have undergone a restoration project to improve water quality and wildlife habitat. Meet in the parking lot of Town Lake Park in Pittsboro. Directions to Town Lake Park: From US 64 West in downtown Pittsboro, turn south on NC Highway 87 South / NC Highway 902 West. Go 0.5 mile and Town Lake Park is on the left. Register for this free tour by calling 919-545-8044.
Saturday, May 3rd from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon: Geological Hike in the Jordan Dam Area (Free)
Join Phil Bradley with the NC Geological Survey on a guided hike along portions of the Poe’s Ridge Game Land Trail in the B. Everett Jordan Dam area. Learn about the 600 million years of geologic history that helped shape the landscape we see today. The hike will be approximately 3 miles long over uneven terrain. Wear sturdy shoes or boots. Bring water and snacks. Picnic tables are available so bring a picnic lunch to enjoy after
the outing. Meet at the B. Everett Jordan Dam Visitor Assistance Center on 2080 Jordan Dam Road in Moncure. Register for this free trip by calling 919-545-8044.
Sunday, June 8th from 1:30 to 3:30 PM: Bynum Upriver Paddle ($25 per person)
Paddle upriver of the Bynum dam on the Haw River with a naturalist guide with the Haw River Canoe and Kayak Company. Because of its biological and ecological significance, land on both sides of the Haw River upriver of the dam at Highway 15-501 in Bynum is part of the Haw Slopes State Natural Area. A diversity of habitats includes rich forested slopes, islands, rocky outcrops and wetlands. Both rare and ancient plants are found along the shore. Great blue herons, belted kingfishers, Canada geese, red-tail hawks and eagles are commonly seen while paddling. Occasionally, deer, beaver and muskrats present themselves. Flat-water upriver of the dam is especially well-suited for both the beginner paddler and anyone interested in nature. Parents paddling with children find the experience particularly gratifying. Fee: $25 per person with the canoe/kayak provided, $20 per person with your own boat. Register for this trip with the Haw River Canoe & Kayak Company either online at http://hawrivercanoe.com/
About the Exploring Nature in Chatham Series
Now in its fifth year, Exploring Nature in Chatham series is offered by Chatham Conservation Partnership (CCP) with Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) to promote conservation of Chatham’s natural resources and the college’s Ecotourism program. Trips are open to the general public. See registration information for each trip since there may be a charge or maximum group size. All events are free unless otherwise noted. Please
register by calling 919-545-8044 Monday through Friday at Central Carolina Community College’s Continuing Education department.
Contact for more information about this series, or go to http://chathamconservation.
CCC’s Ecotourism program offered at the Pittsboro campus is the first of its kind in the state, designed to prepare individuals for employment opportunities as ecological tour guides, interpreters, or entrepreneurs. Ecotourism is travel to natural areas that focuses on local natural resources while also fostering environmental awareness. For information about enrolling in the Ecotourism program, contact CCCC at 919-545-8044.
Chatham Conservation Partnership (CCP) is a broad-based group of organizations and individuals with a shared interest in conservation in Chatham County. CCP’s mission is to develop and implement strategies for a community conservation vision that builds awareness, protection, and stewardship of Chatham County’s natural resources. CCP has created an innovative new tool, the Comprehensive Conservation Plan, to help with identification and conservation of Chatham’s natural resources. This plan is the first of its kind created for a county in North Carolina and serves as a model for other counties. More information about CCP and the Comprehensive Conservation Plan for Chatham County is available at http://chathamconservation.