Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/704553
12 JULY 20-26, 2016 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM ERINN CRIDER, Staff Writer. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomin- gweekly.com. 910.484.6200. Cape Fear Botanical Garden has offered citizens a fun and safe way to enjoy beautiful plants. With the new Down to the River hike, the garden offers another way to enjoy all the beauty of nature. The hike starts at 9:30 a.m. on July 22 at the garden. "The program will start in the garden surrounded by manicured lawns and flowers. As we head into the woods, the vegetation is naturally grown and welcoming. The hike leader will stop along the way to point out their favorite features of the trail and explain some of the unique ecologies that can be seen along the way. While we do plan to walk one mile in one hour, we also plan to stop and enjoy the views overlooking the river, admire the plants and even listen for birds. Perhaps we'll see a butterfly or toad on the trail, too!" said Bonnie Eamick the environmental education coordinator. Like the main garden, this hike is very family friendly. Nature lovers young and old are invited to learn about the region's natural beauty. Often, uncultivated plants can be just as amazing as those carefully tended to in plots. "The trail is not very difficult — but it is a mile, and it is slightly hilly and may have rocks or mud on it," Eamick advises. "Because of the trail's length we recommend that ages eight and older join us on this guided hike. While younger children are welcome to join us, parents should be advised that it is not easy to push a stroller on many parts of the trail. We do have other hikes planned that are stroller friendly. Those are listed on our website at capefearbg.org." One of the most amazing things about nature is that it is unpredictable. No matter how familiar a trail is, new and exciting things emerge every time it is traversed. "There's always something new blooming or fruiting, a different bird calling or a fresh footprint from a raccoon that recently used the path. Each time we hike the trail, it looks a little bit different. And sometimes you even catch a small glimpse of a lizard scrambling up a tree, or a deer darting back into the woods!" Eamick explained. The hike is included in garden membership or nonmembers can pay the price of admission at the door. Pre-registration is required and can be done online at www.capefearbg.org. "If we have a high response we'll arrange more hike leaders so everyone has a chance to enjoy it without being too crowded. Many of our recent programs have been very popular, so we do anticipate a high response. Registering early helps us prepare so that the participants have a good experience, too." Eamick said. This event is intended to be a relaxing and enjoyable exploration of local nature. However, it is a mile long hike through the woods in the middle of summer. For the most enjoyable experience, preparation will pay off. "Be sure to wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes for the walk," Eamick says, "And it is summer time, so be sure to pre-apply bug spray and bring a full water bottle! This is a great chance for novice hikers to spend time in the woods in a safe setting- and we welcome lots of questions!" For more information, visit www. capefearb.org or call 486-0221. Take a Hike at Cape Fear Botanical Garden by ERINN CRIDER EVENTS Take in the local scenery at Cape Fear Botanical Garden's hike to the river. REGISTER NOW FOR FALL CLASSES A military friendly school offering more than 200 programs. Many are 100% available online. Visit www.faytechcc.edu/academics/online-programs - (910) 678-8400 REGISTER NOW FOR FALL CLASSES Fa l l c l a s s e s b e g i n A u g u s t 1 5 . M a ke t h e S M A RT c h o i c e fo r yo u r e d u c at i o n - F TCC ! Registration locations: Fayetteville Campus • Tony Rand Student Center Spring Lake Campus • 171 Laketree Boulevard Fort Bragg Campus • Fort Bragg Training & Education Center