Chatham County announces its 5th annual virtual fitness challenge, inviting residents to run or bike a set distance in October, with registration open until September 30 and incentives like T-shirts and a Swag Bag for trail explorers.

Rolesville and the Wake County Community Remembrance Coalition unveiled a historical marker commemorating George Taylor, a black man lynched in the past, in an emotional event attended by his descendants.

Seven red wolves from the North Carolina Museum are moving to a conservation center in New York as part of efforts to save the species from extinction.

Wake Forest is holding a public hearing on proposed parks and recreation impact fee increases to support infrastructure development amidst the town's growth.

The new Norman and Betty Camp Education Center is now open at Walnut Creek Wetland Park, offering educational resources, rental classrooms, and accessibility features.

Wake County's three nature preserves are now open to the public seven days a week, aligning with the county park schedules for 361 days a year, excluding major holidays.

Holding Park Inclusive Playground in Wake Forest is closed for maintenance on October 7, reopening the next day.

The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Dept. is holding a coat drive until Oct. 26, with donations accepted at various locations for distribution to children and teens in need.

The N.C. State Fair in October will feature new attractions like The Strolling Piano and rides, alongside returning favorites such as the Red Trouser Show. It includes a showcase of N.C. spirits and eco-friendly shuttle services.

The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department and Play4Life Comics will host a Comic Book & Toy Expo on November 2 at Flaherty Park Community Center, featuring various vendors.

Raleigh is enhancing Method Community Park with new amenities, including a splash pad. An open house on Nov. 9 will reveal the plans, emphasizing the importance of community input.

Chatham County acquires a 0.7-acre lot to expand South Bynum River Access Park, following negotiation with the late owner's heirs, aiming to tackle erosion and enhance outdoor recreation.

Wake Forest announces its first Diwali Festival to be held at Joyner Park, featuring music, dance, crafts, and food trucks to honor the Indian "Festival of Lights."

Five Western N.C. state parks partially reopen on Nov. 1 after Hurricane Helene closure, with varying levels of access, while eight remain closed for recovery operations.

Pullen Park introduces its limited edition 2024 Holiday Horse ornament and re-releases past favorites, all made by the Charleston Mint in NC, available for $15 at the park's welcome center.

Mordecai Historic Park hosts a lecture series on local archaeology featuring Melissa Timo, an archaeologist specializing in historic cemetery preservation in North Carolina.

Chatham County announces its sixth annual Holiday in the Park on December 13, 2024, with festivities including a tree lighting, Santa visits, crafts, and a new Holiday Art Market.

A bear cub, yanked from a tree for a selfie in Asheville, was reintroduced to the wild after rehabilitation and is adapting well with a tracking collar, according to wildlife officials.

Endangered Roanoke logperch have been reintroduced to North Carolina's Mayo River through a partnership between state wildlife agencies, aiming to conserve aquatic species.

The Gipson Play Plaza at Dix Park in Raleigh is scheduled to open in Spring 2025, featuring an adventure playground, swing terrace, and water play area across 18.5 acres.

Raleigh has adopted a new parks plan after an 18-month process with community involvement, focusing on public health and environmental sustainability.

Construction will begin on Phase 3 of Dunn Creek Greenway in Wake Forest, promising 1.8 miles of new trail and three footbridges, with expected completion in spring 2026.

Wake Forest Police Department collaborates with McDonald’s to raise funds for Special Olympics NC through a “Safety Day” event, where 25% of sales go to SONC.

Wake Forest is holding additional public input sessions on Jan. 16 and 25 to discuss Taylor Street Park's future, encouraging resident participation in its redevelopment centered on inclusivity.

Raleigh seeks volunteers for a mulching day at the MLK Jr. Memorial Gardens to maintain the space and support environmental stewardship. Pre-registration required.

The Neuse River Park Master Plan received unanimous support from Raleigh's Parks, Recreation and Greenway Advisory Board and will go to the City Council on January 7, 2025. Details are online ahead of the meeting.

Raleigh's Parks and Recreation launched the Greenway After Dark Series for adults to walk or run on selected greenways at night, promoting fitness and the enjoyment of nature after dark.

Mordecai Historic Park in Raleigh offers free tours on a special day, allowing visitors to explore historic sites including the Mordecai House, starting at 10 a.m. with a first-come, first-served sign-up in person.

Raleigh City Council approves a master plan for transforming an 80-acre area by the Neuse River into a recreational park with amenities for kayaking, fishing, and trails, set for completion by 2028.

Mordecai Historic Park in Raleigh hosts a free educational event, "Digging Deeper: Stories in Local Archaeology," featuring a talk by Professor Jon Marcoux on African American heritage and archaeology.

Raleigh's City Council has approved the master plan for the 80-acre Neuse River Park, setting the stage for construction to begin in 2026 with multiple outdoor recreation features planned.

The Sertoma Arts Center in Raleigh is hosting a public workshop to gather community feedback on proposed improvements, offering a casual opportunity for locals to share their ideas and learn about future plans.

Raleigh seeks public input on its "Leaf Out" initiative to enhance the city's tree canopy, protect habitats, and connect green spaces. Residents can influence future environmental policies through a brief survey.

The Capital Area Greenway Explorer Map is a new web-based tool designed to help Raleigh residents navigate local trails, find amenities, and report issues.

Raleigh Parks and Recreation department offers a fishing class for kids aged 10-12 at Forest Ridge Park, featuring instruction, casting practice, and fishing in Falls Lake.

Lake Wheeler Park offers beginner-friendly fishing activities, including free pole rentals, a variety of classes, and workshops for all ages this spring.

Raleigh Parks and Rec. hosts a meeting for a 9-day trip to Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini, including historic tours and accommodations. Contact Carmen Rayfield for details.

Raleigh's parks are implementing a "Low-Mow Spring" to support pollinators by reducing mowing and fostering wildflowers. The initiative aims to create eco-friendly environments and enhance the natural experience for visitors.

The "Egg-Mazing Race" at Pullen Park on March 28 will challenge teams of two with surprise tasks requiring physical activity. Registrations are open for adults ready to compete for a prize.

Raleigh's Dog Park near the Municipal Building will close from March 3-7 for renovations including fence replacement and mulch refreshment.

Raleigh Parks offers a class on edible landscaping at Marsh Creek Park, teaching participants to integrate fruits and vegetables into their living spaces.

Wake County will open Beech Bluff County Park in Willow Spring with an event on Saturday featuring a ribbon cutting, speeches, and various activities.

Raleigh is offering a free Spanish-language gardening class on April 17th at Peach Road Park, covering soil preparation, seasonal vegetables, and pest control.

Taylor Street Park in Wake Forest is temporarily closed for concrete wall replacement from March 17-21, with a planned reopening on March 22, weather permitting.

Raleigh celebrates spring with "Petals in the Park," featuring citywide floral displays, photography opportunities, and the chance to win a greenhouse tour.

Mordecai Historic Park is holding its annual Heirloom Plant Sale during Earth Day, offering unique herbs, vegetables, and flowers, with gardening advice from park gardeners.

Wooten Meadow Park added educational signage and a visual monitoring station to encourage public engagement in environmental monitoring and education.

Raleigh Parks and Recreation is offering a nine-day tour of Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini, including historic sites, cultural experiences, scenic views, and a winery visit.

Pullen Park in North Carolina is hosting a unique job fair with pizza, rides, and games for interviewees on April 15, seeking to fill various positions.

Pullen Park Amusements is hiring for summer positions, seeking individuals 16 and older, offering roles like Attraction Operations and Activities Specialists.

The City of Raleigh Museum is hosting a free exhibition on April 4 to celebrate the 100-year legacy of the Raleigh Garden Club, showcasing its contributions to the community's horticulture and environmental stewardship.

Raleigh's Annie Louise Wilkerson Nature Preserve to host a Woodland Village House Decorating event for kids aged 4-10 on May 2, with materials provided for creating tiny natural homes.

Taylor Street Park Sprayground in Wake Forest reopens on April 19, 2025, offering a variety of free water features for all ages, with extended hours starting June 16.

Raleigh's Crabtree Creek Trail now features glow-in-the-dark centerline markings to improve safety during low light conditions, enhancing the user experience on a 1-mile section.

The NCDOT announced the 2024 Wildflower Awards, recognizing attractive wildflower beds along highways, supported by The Garden Club of North Carolina.

Wake Forest is reactivating the drinking fountains in its parks on April 11, following their winter shut-down to protect the pipes from freezing. This is part of routine seasonal maintenance to ensure clean and functional amenities for the community.

The Taylor Street Park Sprayground in Wake Forest opens for the season on April 19 at 10 a.m., offering free fun for families with daily evening hours and extended Saturday hours.

The 32nd annual Spring Daze Arts & Crafts Festival in Cary, NC, features over 170 local artists, kids' activities, live entertainment, and eco-friendly transportation options.

Mother Jones Magazine features Walnut Creek Wetland Park for its economic and environmental importance, underlining wetlands' role in urban planning and climate resilience.

Walnut Creek Wetland Park offers Out in Nature events for LGBTQ+ in June, featuring professional development and outdoor activities. Open to all, registration is required.

Chimney Rock State Park in North Carolina reopens on June 27 after a nine-month closure due to storm damage. Visitors need advance reservations to access the main attraction.

Raleigh Parks employs a herd of goats from a local company to sustainably clear invasive species at Dix Park, offering a greener, cost-effective landscaping method.

Raleigh has expanded its parks and recreation offerings, emphasizing inclusivity and community with over 200 parks, various programs, and facilities for all residents to enjoy.

The City of Raleigh Museum is hosting a free Plant Swap event on July 19 where participants can exchange healthy plants and connect with other plant lovers.

Raleigh Foodie Fare is a free event featuring over 20 food trucks, 40+ local artists, live music, and drinks, occurring on several dates in Moore Square.

Raleigh Parks introduced a new mobile pump track at Forest Ridge Park, enhancing outdoor recreation with a modular design that caters to cyclists of all skill levels and can relocate for varied community use.

Raleigh Parks launches "Postcards from the Parks," offering free postcards for visitors to send messages, fostering connection and covering postage costs.

A new sunflower field at Dix Park in Raleigh, over 125,000 seeds planted, is attracting pollinators and will later feed wildlife, underscoring urban ecological efforts.

Raleigh has launched a GSI Virtual Tour to educate on its green stormwater infrastructure and encourage community participation in environmental monitoring and sustainability programs.

NC Governor Josh Stein and First Lady promote local tourism with the "Rediscover the Unforgettable" campaign in Western NC, visiting towns, shops and engaging with locals.

Raleigh launches a "Science in Nature Camp" for 11-15-year-olds, offering a mix of hands-on learning, experiments, and outdoor activities from August 11-15.

Raleigh Water's Neuse River Resource Recovery Facility features an oasis with a recycled water pond, showcasing how treated wastewater can be repurposed and create a habitat for wildlife.

El Hasain Hussain joins the North Carolina Zoo as a Wildlife Rehabilitation Intern with a biology degree focused on equine science and minors in chemistry and theater.

Raleigh's Dix Park is set for tree removals to pave the way for a new water main project, aiming to recycle felled trees into park features and ensure improved water infrastructure.

Raleigh's Annie Louise Wilkerson Nature Preserve Park is hosting a nature craft workshop where participants will create weaves from foraged materials.

Raleigh's Parks and Recreation department held an event called 'All About Fossils' to educate on the significance and origins of fossils, especially those found in North Carolina, and allowed participants to create their own fossil replicas.

Forest Ridge Park is hosting a sunset hike on October 22, offering guided lakeside trails and equipment for participants aged 14 and up, for a fee of $6.

Public feedback is sought for the final concept plan of Raleigh's 25-acre Forestville Road Park until October 6.

One year post-Hurricane Helene, all 18 DNCR sites in western North Carolina have reopened, following extensive repairs to parks, trails, and historical sites.

The Anne Gordon Center for Active Adults is organizing a 3-day trip to Myrtle Beach, starting Dec. 4, featuring festive activities, dining, shows, and shopping for older adults. Prices vary based on residency and room occupancy.

Raleigh's Method Community Park hosts a haunted house, "Lil Lottie's Nightmare," inviting visitors over 12 to experience terror on October 24 from 7 to 11 p.m., with an entry fee of $5.

Raleigh's Greenway After Dark Series offers residents outdoor exercise and company on the greenway during winter evenings, with staff support and pet-friendly options.

Raleigh locals are invited to a family-friendly Halloween event, Trunk or Treat, at Sanderford Road Park on October 25, featuring decorated cars and candy distribution.

Raleigh Parks offers a free Cold Water Paddling Course at Lake Wheeler, led by expert William Holden, covering practical safety techniques and theory.

Wake County approves new mountain biking trails and Kellam-Wyatt County Park construction, furthering its commitment to outdoor recreation and green space.

Laura Heredia is the new Executive Director of the City of Oaks Foundation, aiming to enhance Raleigh's parks and conservation efforts.

Raleigh Parks introduces a virtual Story Map Tour of the Raleigh Rose Garden, featuring over 65 rose varieties and providing an interactive online experience akin to an on-site visit.

Raleigh Parks offers a budget-friendly, alignment-focused yoga class at Fred Fletcher Park's Borden Building on November 18 and December 16, welcoming all levels of practitioners.

Raleigh City Farm is expanding into Marsh Creek Park, creating a 1.5-acre urban farm to enhance community engagement, education, and fresh food access.

Wake County is implementing Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) to address environmental impacts of runoff, with projects like green roofs and wetlands improving sustainability and reducing flooding.

Raleigh's Moore Square dog park is temporarily closed for improvements with plans to reopen in January 2026, as city officials suggest alternative parks during the renovation.

Knightdale, NC is turning off water at park amenities to prevent pipe damage from freezing, affecting water fountains and pet bowls until March 2026. Restrooms remain open.

Raleigh Water advises residents to regularly water their fresh-cut holiday trees, noting they can consume up to a gallon in the first 24 hours and a quart per day per inch of trunk diameter. They debunk myths about adding substances to the water.

Pullen Park Amusements in Raleigh will close from February 2 to March 31, 2026, for shoreline improvements, but the aquatic center, community center, and tennis courts remain open.

Holly Springs, NC launched a new Community Garden and Nature Play Area at Sugg Farm Park, offering gardening opportunities and a children's sensory trail.

The NC Museum of Natural Sciences teams up with the Raleigh Astronomy Club for Astronomy Days, offering free entry to moon-related activities and educational exhibits on January 24-25.

Raleigh Parks combats invasive species by clearing over 90 acres and investing $500K for expert-led restoration, benefitting wildlife and park safety.

Raleigh is advancing the Quail Hollow Drive Green Street project, focusing on safety and sustainability with features like cycle tracks, reduced speed limits, and green stormwater infrastructure. Public input is encouraged for the design phase.

Laurel Hills Park hosts an educational event on honeybees and beekeeping on March 28, designed to inform the community about the importance of these pollinators.

Raleigh invites citizens to discuss Neuse River Park's potential PARTF grant-funded enhancements in a virtual session.

Raleigh Water showcased its ability to convert wastewater into "Class A biosolids," a beneficial product for agriculture, at the 2026 Southern Farm Show, announcing the addition of 16 new customers for this eco-friendly material.

A Wake County judge restored a 1981 sunset clause that could end quarrying near Umstead State Park by 2031, but Wake Stone has filed to intervene and appeal. The fight now turns on permit wording and whether a 2023 permit moots the coalition’s challenge.

San Francisco initiates "Low-Mow Spring" to support pollinator populations by reducing spring mowing in parks, aimed at fostering habitats for local wildlife and enhancing natural beauty.

Raleigh Parks is engaging the community to enhance Glen Eden Pilot Park's role in health and wellness through open houses and input on its development.

Wake County approved $23.5 million in hospitality‑tax grants and included a Wake Forest skate park among the awardees, joining local land purchase and a PARTF grant.

Five Durham parks remain partly closed after lead was found in soil, and East Durham families say kids have few safe places to play while the state works on cleanup plans.

Three Rivers Land Trust and landowner Terry Sharpe placed 90 acres near Ellerbe into a permanent easement to protect longleaf, pollinators and a rare wetland seep.

A Wilmington spectator says an otter bit her ankle while cheering in Cary; she’s begun rabies treatment and Wake County is urging residents to avoid unfamiliar wildlife.

Black bear sightings are creeping closer to Raleigh and Durham as populations rebound. State officials urge residents to secure trash and remove birdfeeders.

Wendell Park has been swarmed by mound‑building ants this spring; the town approved a funded baiting trial called Project Antenna to test targeted control while protecting people and pets.

Raleigh plans a new indoor‑outdoor aquatic center at John Chavis Memorial Park with pools, a lazy river, a two‑story waterslide and public art under the 2022 parks bond.

Raleigh approved construction of the Bailey Drive Gateway at Walnut Creek Wetland Park, bringing a pavilion, public art and a new sidewalk to connect nearby neighborhoods.

A 2025 park report says 20 wild horses died on Shackleford Banks as managers link the spike to shrinking forage and water on the island. Partners are stepping up monitoring and outreach.

Fencing has gone up on Dix Park's west side as the city begins removing four former hospital buildings to restore green space. Work is part of the park's master plan.

More than $4 million in state grants will fund 11 western North Carolina parks damaged by Hurricane Helene, supporting repairs from boat launches to ballfields.

A 12-foot alligator sat peering through a Southport family's storm door Tuesday before wildlife crews captured and relocated it to a safer area.

The Parker family sold roughly 138 acres to Chatham County to create Parker’s Ridge Park in Moncure; plans call for a pump track, inclusive playground and pond loop.

A $350,000 Great Trails grant will fund a 7.3‑mile expansion of Forest Ridge Park's mountain‑bike trails, with construction expected by 2028.

Three Rivers Land Trust is racing to buy up to 4,000 acres around Tuckertown Reservoir to keep shoreline and boat ramps public.

A roughly 15-foot, 400-pound alligator was corralled in Sunset Beach and released into a nearby lake; wildlife officials warn residents during mating season.

Copperheads are turning up near homes across North Carolina as snake season ramps up. Experts and poison control explain when they’re active and how to reduce encounters.

A 9-foot alligator wandered through Southport lawns and driveways on Memorial Day before specially trained officers captured and relocated it to a less-populated area.

Raleigh’s Leaf Out aims for 24,000 trees by 2032, but missing startup money and tight budgets put the first plantings at risk.

NCDOT plans underpasses and fences along U.S. 64 through Alligator River NWR to protect red wolves and thousands of other animals.

West Point on the Eno will close July–January for a multi‑month accessibility overhaul that includes new restrooms, expanded parking and a relocated festival. DPR says the work will make the park easier to reach for more people.