It’s little surprise that there’s lots going on in the great outdoors this Earth Day weekend. Saturday alone (the actual Earth Day), the N.C. Office of Environmental Education lists more than 50 events on its calendar. Lots to choose from; here are some we especially like.
The passage of Labor Day means the crowds are starting to thin from the coast, making it safe to go back in the water. Meanwhile, while the calendar may say fall is officially a couple weeks off, Labor Day signals, to us, the start of the fall hiking season. We’ve got great options for the latter in both the Piedmont and mountains.
This weekend, enjoy a feast of North Carolina adventure, with a guided paddle at the coast (in a salt marsh at Hammocks Beach State Park), a wildflower-themed hike in the Piedmont (at the Triangle Land Conservancy’s Horton Grove Nature Preserve), or all things mountain at one of the first mountain festivals of the season (at Elks Knob State Park).
It’s supposed to be sunny and cool at the coast for a trail run, likewise in the Piedmont for a hike. And in the mountains, the ski areas have so much snow it probably doesn’t matter what happens. (Unless it rains.)
Venture forth. And good luck.
Coast
The timing of the Triangle Land Conservancy’s “Wild Ideas for Getting Outside” symposium on Tuesday couldn’t be much better. If ever there were an audience receptive to the notion of discovering new ways and places to to get outside and explore, the frozen Triangle would be it. After two straight weeks of cold, snow, ice and no school, who isn’t ready to bust down the door and go a little wild?
TLC hatched its Wild Ideas concept last fall, with its inaugural “Feeding the Triangle: Increasing Access to Fresh Farms and Food.” The goal of Wild Ideas, according to TLC, is to provide “a dynamic, interactive venue for the community to share their innovative ideas for safeguarding clean water, protecting natural habitats, supporting local farms and food, and connecting people with nature.”
It’s the “connecting people with nature” goal that’s the impetus for Tuesday’s gathering. It’s a goal that dovetails with the mission of GetGoingNC, which is why they asked us to play a role. The event begins with GGNC’s Joe Miller offering an overview of the myriad ways you can connect with nature in the Triangle. Then, representatives from disciplines including hiking, mountain biking and paddling will discuss their areas of play in greater detail. But not too much, which is one of several great things about this program: the introductory speaker has 10 minutes to talk, the other speakers five. The emphasis is on sharing ideas, which will occur in a follow-up Q&A, and afterward, where at least 20 local groups will participate in an Outdoor Expo where you can learn more about connecting with nature in the Triangle.
And while you’re learning about connecting, enjoy free food by Parizade and beer donated by Lonerider Brewing Company. (We should note, too, that the event is supported by BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina and Great Outdoor Provision Co., both of which are major supporters of GetGoingNC.com.)
Then, once you get all excited about getting outside, TLC isn’t going to just let you loose to your own devices. On Saturday, March 7, there’s a follow-up: Wild Ideas Goes Outside, a series of outings intended to actually connect you with nature. There are bird walks, trail runs, a bike ride, paddle trips and hikes (we’re especially keen on the GetHiking! Triangle hike on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail). Find a complete rundown of Wild Ideas Goes Outside events here.
Again, the timing for Wild Ideas for Getting Outside couldn’t be better. While the forecast calls for cold with light rain Tuesday, the thaw, and our return to connecting with nature, begins in earnest the following day. Forecast high high for Wednesday?