New Nature Library

Photos Courtesy of City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation

A scenic view at Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Preserve Park

ANNIE LOUISE WILKERSON EDUCATION CENTER OPENS

The Education Center at Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Preserve Park is open to the public, featuring animals, activities, and – now – a new nature library.

Visitors can browse hundreds of nature books for children and adults, ranging from field guides to nature art and children’s books about nature. And books can be checked out to read at home.

The former home of Dr. Wilkerson was fully renovated for conversion into a nature park research center. It includes a multi-purpose room, a science/wet lab, an exhibit space, a reception area and a catering kitchen, pedestrian walkways and outdoor teaching space.

At the park office, visitors can find hands-on displays designed especially for children, free nature craft activities, free loaner equipment, including explorer backpacks for children, Eagle Optics binoculars for adults, kites and other nature play items. Staff is available whenever park is open to answer nature questions. Plus, the City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation site boasts several features to help visitors get the most out of nature: Electric car charging stations, exhibits and displays, nature play areas, hiking and wildlife watching, native plant gardens and comfort station (restrooms, water fountain, etc.).

Three loop trails have been created on the 157-acre property. In addition, the Mountains-to-Sea Connector links the preserve’s trails with the Mountain-to-Sea Trail that follows the south shore of Falls Lake: n The Epps Forest Loop (0.66 mi) winds through an oak-hickory forest. A tree identification brochure is keyed to common trees along the trail. n The Hidden Rocks Trail (0.93 mi) features rock outcrops; a geologic guide describes the rocks and their history. n The Pond Loop (0.57 mi) meanders through meadows and around a one-acre farm pond. Visitors can use a special turtle brochure to identify turtles in and around the pond.

Park hours are 10 a.m. to dusk Tuesday-Saturday and 1 p.m. to dusk on Sunday. The park is closed on Mondays. Nature Center hours may vary, but can be verified at raleighnc.gov/places/annie-louise-wilkerson-md-nature-preserve-park.

Dr. Wilkerson, a renowned Raleigh doctor with many pioneering achievements in her 53-year career in medicine, stipulated in her will that the park be maintained as a "nature preserve park" used for the primary purpose of nature and wildlife education. Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Preserve Park is located at 5229 Awls Have Dr. in North Raleigh – near Falls Lake.

ANNIE LOUISE WILKERSON, MD

YEAR OPENED:

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2006

157.6 acres

5229 Awls Haven Dr, Raleigh

10 am to dusk Tue-Sat 1 pm to dusk, Sun

Bryan England, Preserve Manager Bonnie Eamick, Assistant Manager

919-996-6764 Annie Louise Wilkerson Education Center in North Raleigh includes a new Nature Library

INFORMATION:

raleighnc.gov/places/annie-louisewilkerson-md-nature-preserve-park