December 2, 2008

Dear TLC Members and Friends,

Thanks for reading TLC’s E-News!

1. Family Fun on the Farm! Irvin Farm Conservation Day, December 6

2. All Aboard for White Pines and Studio Finds, TLC's December Backyard Adventure

3. TLC protection of White Pines and Deep River grows

4. Ailing economy could yield conservation cure

5. Remember TLC during this season of giving

6. Holiday overheating? Chill out on the new trail less traveled at Johnston Mill

7. Meet December's Members of the Month: Catherine Bollinger and Tom Scheitlin

8. Mark your calendar for Wake County's “Keeping the Farm” workshop January 28

9. Time Warner Cable gives gift of big air (time)

10. Where in the Triangle?

1. Family Fun on the Farm! Irvin Farm Conservation Day, December 6

As our 25th Anniversary Outings series simmers to a close, we've cooked up a family-friendly smorgasbord of fun at the Irvin Farm in Orange County. Festivities include hayrides, scavenger hunt, hikes, crafts (birdhouse building and birdfeeder making) and forestry demonstrations. Find out more and register (for free) online.

2. All Aboard for White Pines and Studio Finds, TLC's December Backyard Adventure

The weeks before the holidays can be a flurry of errands, events and eggnog. With so much to do, it’s hard to find time to just enjoy the season. Well, do we have a suggestion for you! For December’s do-it-yourself tour of the Triangle, we are offering a respite from the rush, and a way to accomplish some of the items on your list for all you multi-taskers! Find out more online.

3. TLC protection of White Pines and Deep River grows

Working with the NC Division of Parks and Recreation and tapping funding from three state conservation trust funds, Triangle Land Conservancy recently completed three conservation purchases in the “Forks of the River” area of the Deep River to augment the White Pines Nature Preserve and the Deep River State Trail. Find out more online.

4. Ailing economy could yield conservation cure

It might seem inevitable that charitable giving will slow in our uncertain economic times. But the downturn in the economy provides a window of opportunity for TLC, where charitable gifts can go even farther to ensure that we can continue to save the most important lands for water quality, local food production and connecting people with nature. Learn more online in a letter from TLC President Kevin Brice.

5. Remember TLC during this season of giving

During this holiday season, please take time to remember TLC and the work we do throughout the year to make the Triangle a great place to live. This time of year, there are many ways to support TLC and our efforts to provide the area with clean air, clean water, wildlife habitat and places for people to connect with nature.

6. Holiday overheating? Chill out on the new trail less traveled at Johnston Mill

If crowded parties and the new wool sweater from Aunt Mae have you seeking fresh air and a cool breeze, drop by Johnston Mill to check out TLC's newest trail. Offering a 2-mile loop traversing forests, fields and floodplains, highlights of the trail include beautiful views from the ridgeline overlooking Old Field Creek and the new Earl Fowler bridge made from red cedar harvested and milled on site. Thanks to all the donors and volunteers who made this new trail possible. Watch for a grand opening celebration in Spring 2009.

7. Meet December's Members of the Month: Catherine Bollinger and Tom Scheitlin

Avid gardeners Catherine Bollinger and Tom Scheitlin have recently been collaborating to share their gardening secrets with the rest of the Triangle. Find out more about Catherine and Tom in our Member Spotlight.

8. Mark your calendar for Wake County's “Keeping the Farm” workshop January 28

Wake County's Extension Office will host a “Keeping the Farm” workshop on Wednesday, January 28, featuring discussions about estate planning, present use value property tax benefits, the voluntary agricultural district program, conservation easements (with TLC's Jon Scott) and new enterprise opportunities for landowners such as alternative/renewable fuels. Stay tuned for more information.

9. Time Warner Cable gives gift of big air (time)

We knew Time Warner Cable was making a very generous gift when it offered in June to show TLC's public service announcement 250 times over the summer—air time valued at $25,000. So how to describe what eventually became 658 broadcasts - a total of almost five and a half hours of air time valued at nearly $66,000? Find out more and watch the PSA online.

10. Where in the Triangle?

The TLC “Where in the Triangle?” quiz is back to challenge your knowledge of the villages, backroads and crossroads communities throughout our region, from Bennett to Bentonville to Bahama. So, eager contestants, here is the next puzzle. Take a look at this picture, then send an e-mail telling us where you think the photo was taken. (Here’s a hint: the photo was taken in the region of this month’s Backyard Adventure, All Aboard for White Pines and Studio Finds). One lucky reader will receive a stylish TLC baseball cap. We will draw a winner from all the correct answers we receive at enews@triangleland.org by 5 p.m. on Friday, December 5.

Thanks to all of you who responded to last month’s “Where in the Triangle?” quiz! The correct answer was the Catsburg Country Store.