The Friends of Hemlock Bluffs is a volunteer based non-profit, support organization created to further the mission, environmental education programs and facilities at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve. Members provide financial support, volunteer assistance and aid in promoting the nature preserve and nature center as valuable community resources.
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Memories and Messages Saved in Stone
With a $35 donation, you can save those special memories, messages or dedications to that special person in stone. This personalized concrete paver will be a lasting symbol for years of enjoyment. Engraved Pavers make a great holiday gift idea. Order your paver today!
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve
Assist staff in ongoing trail and preserve projects. Bring work gloves and wheel barrows if you have them. You can pre-register through the Town of Cary. Call (919) 387-5980 or visit classweb.townofcary.org.
Friends of Hemlock Bluffs News
Great News!
REI has again funded a grant for Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve this time for $5,000! As before, the Friends are very excited to continue this partnership with REI. The money from this grant will be used to renovate our directional signs.
Paver Dedication September 30th
On September 30th the Friends held the annual Paver Dedication. There was sweet apple cider and cookies to enjoy as well as the lovely harp music. Pumpkins were given to the youngest and oldest members of the community that attended. Come join us again next year with the festivities!
National Public Lands Day
This wonderful day was celebrated with a array of projects funded by REI. These projects included hillside planting, mulching trails, graveling the staircases and replacing boards.
Volunteers enjoyed delicious sandwiches and treats assembled by the Friends. Thank you Tullie for all that you do!
We are very grateful to all those who attended, including Cary Teen Council, Green Hope students, and many other wonderful volunteers. With all our extraordinary volunteers we were able to get a lot accomplished. Thank you to all the volunteers for your wonderful efforts!
For the latest news about the Friends of Hemlock Bluffs, check out our 2012 Friends Newsletter.
For previous news, check out last year's Friends Newsletter.
Who We Are
History
In the 1970's, a group was formed to protect the land known today as Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve. With lots of determination and hard work, the Hemlock Bluffs Preservation Society was successful in their plan to protect the nature preserve under the jurisdiction of the State of North Carolina. In 1995, the Cary Women's Club provided infrastructure and officers to create a support organization for the Preserve and the Stevens Nature Center. The founding members of the Hemlock Bluffs Preservation Society approached the Cary Women's Club and suggested that they use the original group name and articles of incorporation, since the group had never officially disbanded. With the consistent support of the Cary Women's Club, the Hemlock Bluffs Preservation Society funded exhibits, resources and equipment, and support for the organization grew.
In 2001, the board adopted the name "Friends of Hemlock Bluffs" to emphasize the group's mission of supporting the Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve and its environmental education efforts.
Today, the Friends' support efforts have expanded to include many exciting programs and activities. Below you can see the "What We Do" section for more details on these, or go to "Get Involved" to find out how you can help support the Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve.
Officers
President: Tullie Johnson
Vice-President: Christina Sorensen Hester
Treasurer: Meg Ketron
Secretary: Christina Sorensen Hester
Other Board Members
Fundraising Committee: Christina Sorensen Hester, Tullie Johnson, Saskia Leary, Meg Ketron
Nature Center Staff Representative: Laura White (Nature Center Supervisor) and Mark Johns (Program Director)
Public Relations and Marketing: Meg Ketron
Social Committee: Barbara Wood (Social Chair), Joyce Wester, Saskia Leary
Scholarship Committee: Saskia Leary and JoAnn Wainwright
Photographer: Saskia Leary
Teen Council Representative: Amanda Reza
Website Designer: Julie Coco
2012 Grant Award
What We Do
The Friends provide financial and volunteer support to Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve and the Stevens Nature Center. Some of our past accomplishments include:
- Funding of the "hands-on" educational exhibits in the Stevens Nature Center exhibit hall.
- Funding of resources and equipment for environmental education programs.
- Sponsorship of special events and conservation projects. Funded garden art pieces created by Jeffrey Hurr of Iron Innovations, Inc. to beautify the nature center courtyard.
On-Going Projects
Sale and installation of engraved pavers in the Courtyard. Complete your paver order form today.
Sale of Friends of Hemlock Bluffs merchandise in the Stevens Nature Center gift shop.
Funding and selection of scholarship winners. More information on scholarships is available.
Get Involved
Welcome!
There are many ways you can get involved with the Friends of Hemlock Bluffs. Click on the links below for more information about purchasing an engraved paver and volunteering.
You're Invited!
We're always happy to welcome the interest and participation of new members. Membership contributions are tax-deductible within legal limits, and renew each January. Your Friends of Hemlock Bluffs membership will provide the following benefits:
- Enjoy the friendship and fun by participating in volunteer opportunities
- Get involved with and/or generate ideas for projects and events
- Receive our quarterly newsletter
- Attend our annual autumn membership gathering
- FOHB members receive a 10% discount on nature programs and Stevens Nature Center gift shop purchases.
Membership forms are available at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve or you can download a PDF version. Mail in form with membership donation to:
Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve
2616 Kildaire Farm Road Cary, NC 27518
Attn: Friends of Hemlock Bluffs
- Senior Citizen - $10.00
- Individual - $15.00
- Family - $25.00
- Patron - $50.00
- Sustaining - $100.00
- Benefactor - $500.00
- Life Membership - $1,000.00
or register your membership by paying online through PayPal: (NEW!)
Contact Us
We'll be happy to answer your questions about our organization!
We are most easily reached via e-mail. One of our board members will respond to your message as soon as possible. Thank you!
Send inquiries about the Friends of Hemlock Bluffs to: questions@hemlockbluffs.org
Please direct questions about Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, volunteering with your group and participating in the nature programs to hemlocks@townofcary.org
Town of Cary Links
Follow the links below to official Town of Cary webpages:
Town of Cary Internet Program Registration
