Penny's Bend: A Half Day Field Trip

with Pete Schubert, Engineer, Geologist

This event is full. Now accepting wait list registrations.

Date: Saturday, April 1, 2023

Time: 1:00 PM-4:00 PM

Fee: $45 ($41 Members)

Penny’s Bend Nature Preserve is an 84-acre site that protects numerous rare plant species. It is surrounded on three sides by the Eno River in eastern Durham County, North Carolina. This half day field trip will include a visit to distinct plant communities including a remnant Piedmont prairie, rich mesic and alluvial forests, and dry shortleaf pine-dominated bluffs. Rare species found on the Preserve include the smooth purple coneflower (Echinacea laevigata), eastern prairie blue wild indigo (Baptisia minor var. aberrans), hoary puccoon (Lithospermum canescens), and Dutchman’s breeches (Dicentra cucullaria).

Much of this hike is on primitive trails over uneven terrain, with one short, steep climb up from the river. Wear sturdy hiking footwear and bring insect repellent, water, and a walking stick, if you ever use one.

Learning objectives include:

· identify vegetation communities and rare plants present and learn their significance;

· understand the geologic features and processes that have formed the site and how these influence the soil, topography, and flora present;

· learn how to incorporate knowledge of geology and soils when studying native plants and communities in-situ; and

· observe ongoing management activity to reestablish ecologically appropriate relict plant communities and learn about the challenges involved.

Meeting spot supplied upon registration.