Connect with us
Outings, Events, & Volunteer Workdays
Piedmont Land Conservancy hosts various events that are designed to connect people with nature. Outings include hikes, farm visits, paddle trips, and more. We would be happy to talk with you or your organization about hosting an outing for your team or group!
Get alerts about upcoming events and outings by joining our email list or following us on social media.
Sign up for our monthly enews to keep up to date with PLC events!
Guided Hike at Riverbluffs Trail at Hanging Rock State Park
Saturday, July 18 | 9:00am - 12:00pm
1258 Flinchum Rd, Danbury, North Carolina 27016
Take a walk with PLC’s Conservation Advisor, Dr. Ken Bridle! If you enjoy learning about nature on a beautiful trail, this hike is for you.
During this outing we’ll attempt to escape the heat exploring the beautiful River Bluffs Trail at Hanging Rock State Park. Dr. Ken Bridle will lead the group on a mostly flat, 1.5-mile loop. The Riverbluffs Trail is a less-used trail at Hanging Rock State Park that features the large cliffs along the Dan River as well as a couple creeks. It’s a great hike to spot wildlife as well. The trail will be just about all shaded to help keep us cool.
Notes about what to expect: The trail is natural surface with roots and rocks throughout. Some sections of the trail are soft and sandy. The trail also gets a bit skinny in areas especially as lots of plants will be at their peak and can encroach on the trail. We recommend wearing long pants and boots to help protect from ticks. There is an small sandy trail down to the riverbank that has good views of the bluffs, however it’s a bit steep to get down. Some folks may want hiking poles for this section.
The outing is open to the public but has a limit of 24 participants.
Space is limited to 24 participants.
Guided Walk in Guilford Woods
Various Dates
5509 George Fox Rd, Greensboro, NC 27410
Join Piedmont Land Conservancy staff and volunteers for guided walks through Guilford Woods, a remarkable landscape where natural beauty, cultural history, and community stewardship come together. These walks offer an opportunity to slow down, learn, and experience the Woods.
This 3-mile outing will explore the wooded trails including a stop at the legendary 350+ year-old “Witness Tree.” Trails include some uneven surfaces, so please wear sturdy shoes. We will meet in the gravel lot behind the Alumni Gym on the Guilford College campus (more info given upon sign up). The hike will last about 2 hours.
Walks will be conversational and accessible, designed for adults and older youth who are comfortable walking on uneven natural trails.
We are offering monthly guided walks on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month, currently scheduled through March. Space is limited, and advance registration is required.
Sign up for a date below:
Moth Nights
Friday July 24, 8:30 - 11:30pm at Caraway Creek Preserve OR
Friday September 4, 8:00-11:30pm at Knight Brown Nature Preserve
Join local naturalist and moth enthusiast, Melody McMichael, and PLC Staff, for a Moth Night to explore the fascinating world of nighttime pollinators!
The evening will offer a unique opportunity to see the wide diversity of moths and other critters that emerge at night. After a short presentation, we’ll observe the sheet-and-light setups designed specifically to attract moths. Throughout the evening we are likely to see about 50 species of moths or more, as well as a variety of spiders, beetles and other bugs. The later it gets, the more variety we see on the sheets.
You do not have to stay the entire time, but are definitely encouraged to! This will not only be a fun and educational evening but also a citizen science opportunity to help record species for the NC Biodiversity project.
Recommended items to bring:
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Bug spray is recommended if you need it and it will not deter the moths
- A jeweler’s loupe, magnifying glass, or macro lens to observe features up close and to better view the micro moths
- Comfortable shoes for standing and walking between locations
- Lawn Chair
- Camera or phone
- Moth nights will not be cancelled for light rain so a rainjacket or umbrella is a good idea
- There is NO BATHROOM access during this event
Sign-ups are limited to 20 people to reduce traffic around the sheets, so sign up soon!
Sign up for a date below:
Slow Hikers Club at Forest Bathing Trail in Elkin
Sunday, August 16 | 1:00 - 3:30pm
Grassy Creek Vineyard & Winery | 235 Chatham Cottage Ln, State Road, North Carolina 28676
If you enjoy soaking in the scenery, savoring every step, stopping to take pictures, and admiring the smallest details along the trail, join our Slow Hikers Club! PLC’s Slow Hikers Club is led by Brianna, PLC’s Communications Director and naturalist in training, who is on a never-ending journey to discover and share the natural world.
This outing of the Slow Hikers Club we’ll explore the Forest Bathing Trail in Elkin, starting from Grassy Creek Vineyard & Winery. We will walk approximately 1.8 miles in 2.5 hours, stopping frequently to enjoy the scenery, chat, and see what nature has to offer.
The trail is entirely under tree cover, and includes views of a beautiful creek and forest. We’ll walk to a small dammed pond with a mural. The trail is entirely natural surface and has roots and rocks throughout. There will be a few descents and climbs. Elkin is in the foothills of the mountains so I’m hopeful it may be a little cooler for us!
After our walk, around 3:30, it will be optional for folks to grab a drink at the winery, and we can cool down and get to know each other better.
We’ll take our time, enjoy the fantastic views here, and learn about plants and creatures along the trail. No rush, no pressure. Just good company and a great hike.
Space is limited to 20 participants.
Volunteer Workdays at Emily Allen Wildflower Preserve
Mondays and Saturdays September through November
Winston-Salem, NC
Join us for fall workdays at PLC’s Emily Allen Wildflower Preserve.
Volunteers can expect to assist with seasonal stewardship projects such as removing invasive plants, maintaining trails, planting native species, picking up litter, and other habitat management activities. No previous experience is necessary. Tools, instruction, and guidance will be provided.
All September-November workdays will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Mondays and some Saturdays. We’ll work in the garden from 10:00 a.m. until noon, followed by lunch from 12:00 to 12:30 p.m. Lunch is a chance to relax and enjoy each other’s company, entirely optional. Most workdays, we’ll serve something simple and familiar, such as Papa John’s pizza. If any volunteers or donors would like to sponsor a lunch or prepare something homemade to share, your generosity would be warmly appreciated.
We are so appreciative of all the volunteers who donate their time and energy to maintain the beauty of this 6-acre wildflower garden located near Historic Bethabara in Winston-Salem. The Friendship Garden is home to a unique collection of over 500 species of native plants. Volunteers range from budding wildflower enthusiasts to seasoned experts.
If you would like to spend time with like-minded people in a truly unique garden setting, please join us for a fall workday.
Upcoming Dates
- *Wednesday, August 19 Pressure Washing Workday, 9-noon
- *Friday, August 21 Pressure Washing Workday, 9-noon
- Monday, September 7
- Monday, September 14
- Saturday, September 19
- Monday, September 21
- Monday, October 5
- Monday, October 12
- Monday, October 19
- Saturday, October 24
- Monday, October 26
- Monday, November 2
- Monday, November 9
- Monday, November 16
- Saturday, November 21
- Monday, November 23
Please use the link below to sign up for one or more workdays:
Lake Brandt Sunset Paddles
Tuesday September 8th 5:45-8:00pm OR
Tuesday September 29th 5:45-8:00pm
Greensboro’s watershed lakes offer some of the most beautiful sunset views in the area. Join other PLC members and friends for a peaceful evening paddle on Lake Brandt, led by Jennifer Phelps from Greensboro Parks and Recreation. The Marina at Lake Brandt is usually closed on Tuesdays but it will be opened just for our group.
Please arrive by 5:45 p.m. so we can launch right at 6:00. Though the marina is closed on Tuesdays, we will have someone letting cars into the gate starting at 5:30. The marina offers 10 solo kayaks and 7 tandem kayaks for rent, or you are welcome to bring your own kayak or canoe. Be sure to reserve your rental choice during checkout.
For the paddle, we’d suggest bringing clothing you don’t mind getting a little wet, water-friendly footwear, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. You may also want a light jacket for after sunset, bug repellent, and a small dry bag or zip-top bag for your phone and keys.
Sign up for a date below:
Guided Hike at Black Walnut Bottoms in Bethania
Friday September 18th 9:00-10:30 am OR
Saturday September 19th 9:00-10:30 am
Join master naturalist and PLC board member Matt Perry for a guided hike at Black Walnut Bottoms in Historic Bethania.
We’ll walk approximately 1.5 miles on a natural-surface trail that’s mostly flat, winding through a mix of woods and open fields with views of Muddy Creek along the way. Please note that the trail has roots and rocks throughout and crosses a couple of small bridges. We’ll meet at the Bethania Visitors Center which has ample on-site parking.
As one of the earliest Moravian settlements in the Wachovia tract, Bethania reflects the deep roots of our region. Through years of partnership with the Town of Bethania and the State of North Carolina, Piedmont Land Conservancy preserved 193 acres of this National Historic Landmark.
Your guide, Matt, loves talking about the natural world, so bring your curiosity. Whether you’re drawn to the history, the wildlife, or a good walk outdoors, we’d love to have you join us.
*Optional – After hiking Black Walnut Bottoms, you’ve invited to stick around for another hour to walk the trail at God’s Acre (about 0.7 miles).
Space is limited to 25 participants.
Sign up for a date below:
Guided Hike at Yadkin Memorial Park
Friday September 18th 9:00-10:30 am OR
Saturday September 19th 9:00-10:30 am
Join master naturalist and PLC board member Matt Perry for a guided group hike along the Ashley Ladd Trail to the Lake Hampton Dam. Back in 2013, PLC protected 266 acres along the lakeshore here!
We’ll travel from the boat rental house in the main area of the park (1142 Crystal Ln, Yadkinville, NC 27055) out to the dam and back, with a short side trip to a peninsula viewpoint. In total, the route covers approximately 4 miles with about 350 feet of elevation gain that unfolds gradually over the span. Plan for about 3 hours on the trail.
The path is mostly shaded and offers views of Lake Hampton, an abundance of beautiful flora and fauna, and the impressive dam itself. Matt loves leading hikes and answering questions about the natural world, so bring your curiosity. Also, if you have them bring along your binoculars for the birds!
Space is limited to 25 participants.
Sign up for a date below:
Guided Off-Trail Adventure at Flat Shoals Mountain
Sunday November 15 1:00 - 5:00 pm OR
Monday November 16 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Looking for a unique off-trail adventure? Join master naturalist and PLC board member Matt Perry for a guided hike at Flat Shoals Mountain, land protected by PLC and transferred to Hanging Rock State Park back in 2001. This area has no established trails and isn’t usually open to the public, making it a rare chance to explore a seldom-seen corner of the park.
When 338 acres on Flat Shoals Mountain, visible from the famous Hanging Rock Overlook, was placed on the market and threatened with cell tower construction and residential development, PLC worked quickly and purchased the tract in 2001 using our Land Protection Revolving Fund. PLC added an additional 62 acres to this protected tract in 2013.
The route covers approximately 4 miles with 1,000 feet of elevation gain through rugged, untraveled terrain. Along the way you’ll take in amazing views of the Sauratown Mountains, from Pilot Mountain to the Three Sister Peaks east of the Hanging Rock Ridge. Other highlights include a deep gully framed by high cliffs on both sides and several caves. Matt loves leading hikes and answering questions about the natural world, so bring your curiosity along with your sense of adventure.
Please read before signing up: This is a strenuous, completely off-trail hike. Expect steep sections with uneven footing, loose rocks, and considerable elevation gain and loss throughout. This outing is best suited to experienced hikers who are comfortable with challenging conditions. Please be sure of the difficulty before you commit.
This hike takes place near Hanging Rock State Park. We do not put access information publicly as we want to protect this location, so our meeting spot and parking information will be emailed to you a week before the hike.
This hike is open to the public but is limited to 20 people.
Sign up for a date below:
Guided Off-Trail Adventure at Mitchell River Preserve
Sunday December 13 1:00 - 4:00 pm OR
Monday December 14 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Get a preview of PLC’s future preserve on the Mitchell River. Join master naturalist and PLC board member Matt Perry for an off-trail guided hike through the woods of the future Mitchell River Preserve. Protected in 2024, these 311 acres are waiting in the wings as a future PLC preserve, that PLC will focus on building trails at once Bashavia Creek Preserve is complete.
We’ll covers approximately 3-4 miles, mostly on old road beds, with some climbs and descents throughout. We may also have to do a small creek crossing or two. Along the way we’ll explore this beautiful forest, little creeks, abundant wildlife, and views from the bluffs along the Mitchell River looking out to the Blue Ridge Mountians. Matt loves leading hikes and answering questions about the natural world, so bring your curiosity along with your sense of adventure.
This is a completely off-trail hike, though we will spend time on old roadbeds. Expect steep sections with uneven footing, loose rocks, and climbing over downed trees. This outing is best suited to experienced hikers who are comfortable with challenging conditions. Please be sure of the difficulty before you commit.
This hike takes place near Kapps Mill on the Mitchell River. We do not put access information publicly as we want to protect this location, so our meeting spot and parking information will be emailed to you a week before the hike.
We are keeping this preserve preview small – This hike is limited to 10 people.
Sign up for a date below:
Your help is needed stewarding PLC’s preserves! Join us for monthly volunteer workdays to help keep them in great shape. Projects may include trail construction and upkeep, property line maintenance, invasive species removal, habitat management activities, and litter pickup.
If you would like to help out, please complete the Volunteer Interest Form if you haven’t already done so. Then RSVP on the trail workday Facebook events by clicking on one or more of the dates shown. If you do not use Facebook, please let us know you’ll be there by emailing our Nature Preserve Manager Mike Santucci at msantucci@piedmontland.org.
Questions? Check out the FAQ on our Volunteer Page.
Volunteer Workdays are taking a break during the hot, and travel heavy summer months! Please check back for workdays in September!
Knight Brown Nature Preserve
Tuesday mornings | 9:00am-12:00pm
221 Waterfield Ln, Stokesdale, NC 27357
Please RSVP on the trail workday facebook events. If you do not use Facebook, please let us know you’ll be there by emailing Mike at msantucci@piedmontland.org
Caraway Creek Preserve
Wednesday mornings | 9:00am-12:00pm
829 Jerico Rd, Asheboro, NC 27205
Please RSVP on the trail workday facebook events. If you do not use Facebook, please let us know you’ll be there by emailing Mike at msantucci@piedmontland.org.
Bashavia Creek Preserve
Thursday mornings | 9:00am-12:00pm
3465 Kilmurry Hill Rd, Pfafftown, NC 27040
Please RSVP on the trail workday facebook events. If you do not use Facebook, please let us know you’ll be there by emailing Mike at msantucci@piedmontland.org.
