Walid Nazari: Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve

For my class blog, I decided to go to Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, located in Southern Cary. The Preserve is approximately 150 acres that is situated along Swift Creek. It contains about three miles of trails, some of which is owned by the

town of Cary and other parts by the State of North Carolina. When you walk up to the place, you don't really expect much because all you see is one semi-large building. However, once you actually look at the map they provide you, you realize that this place is GIGANTIC. They have on-site tour guide

s if you need them and all sorts of different view points to look at, such as a patio section, as well as a walking bridge. Depending on which trail you take, you are able to see all sorts of different species around. The cool thing that they have is that there are different numbers at different sections of each trail that tell you what to expect there, like different plants/trees or animals. The Swift Creek Loop trail primarily shows you a great assortment of plants, trees, and shrubs. The Chestnut Oak Loop Trail, which is over a mile long, has more of the wildlife. When walking both of these trails, I realized that it's literally a breeze! I mean, I really didn't notice how long each was because everywhere I looked, there was always something that caught my eye. Even if you didn't like the we

ather outside and didn't want to walk, the Stevens Nature Center(big building in the front) has a great indoor exhibit hall, which offers displays that explain the uniqueness and history o

f the area to visitors, as well as educate citizens about the

environment. There is all sorts of information on soils, forests, animal habitats, nocturnal animals, local parks and green ways, as well as historical background on the preserve and the Cary area.

In conclusion, the Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve was a great place to go and see! They had very helpful people there that were very knowledgeable about the area. Also, if you don't need assistance, then you can go solo through the preserve and see what it has to offer. I give the place two green thumbs up!