Who We Are:
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History
In the 1970's, a group was formed to protect the land known today as Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve. With 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 Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve and its environmental education efforts. |
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Board Of Directors
Scott Light Marla Dorrel Erica Smith Laura White Jill Straight Mark Johns Please join the Board for a meeting and see how you can get involved with the Friends of Hemlock Bluffs. Email us at [email protected] to find out more! |
Other Key Players
Stevens Nature Center Staff Representative:
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What We've Done:
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A Few Examples -
- Assisted with the coordination and design of recent exhibit upgrades in the Stevens Nature Center
- Spearheaded the installation of the Children's Nature Trail at Hemlock Bluffs
- Coordinated grant funding for exhibit renovations and Children's Nature Trail Project.
- Provided environmental education programs for the Cary Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department's Specialized Recreation Program participants and the Triangle Aphasia Program's TAProots Garden Group program clients throughout 2016 - 2017
- Provided Garden Art in the Nature Center Courtyard Gardens
- Assisted with the funding and served on the selection committee for the artist for the metal art gates at the Hemlock Bluffs main entry gates
- Provided funding for the Track Table exhibit in the nature center lobby
- Provided funding for the renovation to the seasonal wall and habitat mural exhibits in the Stevens Nature Center exhibit hall
- Assisted with and provided funding for environmental education programs for the Helping Hand Mission in Cary and the Raleigh Rescue Mission Field Trip Programs to Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve serving over 120 pre-school to 5th grade children
- Provided funding for a variety of educational equipment for environmental education programs including; binoculars, stereoscopes, hand lenses, bug boxes, dip nets, thermometers and other scientific equipment
- Donated an Ipad, Otter Box, Data Plan and Insurance Plan to provide electronic tools for staff to use with program participants in the field on programs
- Provides refreshments, sandwiches, pizza, fruit and drinks for major volunteer workdays as a way to thank volunteers for helping at the preserve
- Renovated the Kid's Nature Trail after increased use during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Rejuvenated the Little Free Library and registered it with the Little Free Library organization
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What We Do:
- Provide Funding
- Provide Support
- Provide Scholarships and Scholarship Programs
- Provide Volunteer Assistance
- Advocate for Hemlock Bluffs and the Stevens Nature Center
- Keep Members Informed of Organizational News
- Promote the Organization