What an exciting weekend for TLC! We have officially opened our fifth public nature preserve, and our first in Durham County! 

The grand opening began on Friday, October 5, with a ribbon cutting and ceremonial seed scattering...

Flowers basking in the sun on the native prairie at Horton Grove Nature Preserve

Staff getting ready for the Grand Opening Celebration. (left to right: Jennifer Peterson, Leigh Ann Hammerbacher, Anne-Marie Vanaman, Donnie Barnes, Jeff Masten, Walt Tysinger)

A butterfly was attracted to our kiosk display.

Beautiful grasses waving in the breeze of the native prairie

It's officially open! DR Bryan (land donor) and Larry Tombaugh (TLC Board Chair) cut the survey tape, er...ribbon.

Johnny Randall of the UNC Botanical Garden describes the seeds and plants prior to the ceremonial seed scattering in the prairie.

Kimberly Puryear of Historic Stagville plants seeds in the prairie.

A hike through the prairie to kick off the grand opening celebration

On Saturday, we kept the celebration going with a series of events and activities, including hikes, scavenger hunts, drumming, bird watching, live animals and more...

Dancers, part of Osei and His Akapoma traditional music group

Drumming along with Osei and His Akapoma traditional music

A mom and baby enjoying the drumming

A butterfly stops by the children's activity table to learn all about trees

Up close with turtles, thanks to the NC Museum of Natural Sciences

Hiking along the Justice Loop - spectacular!

Jesse Perry, retired director of public programs at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, found a rare fern during the last hike of the day.

We all had such a great time at the opening celebration, and the fun doesn't stop! Horton Grove is open to the public every day, dawn to dusk! Check it out!

Find more information about Horton Grove.