Staff works on hiking trails at Hemlock Bluffs

The Libraries' Community Service Committee hosted a volunteer “spring clean-up” opportunity at the Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve in Cary on May 17. This was the committee’s first visit to the Bluffs in five years, where they partner with the Town of Cary to do maintenance on hiking trails and garden areas.

Nine staff members braved the heat and humidity to mulch areas of the hiking trails that have been experiencing high levels of erosion over the last few years. Volunteers Kristin Snawder, Adam Phillips, Eric Pauley, Taylor Wolford, Todd Kosmerick, Michael Fairback, Tyler Kroon, Alison Edwards, and Thomas LaDew wielded pitchforks, wheelbarrows, and positive vibes!

"This was a great way to spend a Friday morning, and I really enjoyed being able to work with staff members from various Libraries branches to serve our community,” says LaDew. “I'm looking forward to doing it again soon and assisting with their garden beautification and rare species preservation projects."

To conclude the visit, the team went on a private guided tour of the preserve and learned about the parks' history and the importance of the rare Hemlock trees that are very unique to this area.