Heritage Day
Saturday MARCH 26th, 2011
9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Guided tours
Self-guided walking tours
Tours, crafts and games for kids
Seed and plant giveaways
Displays, exhibits and other activities
Learn about the pioneer ecologist and early botanist of North Carolina by visiting his retirement home at Falls Lake. Learn about 19th century farm life; take a walk to look at the geology or wildflowers; hike to Zeagle’s Rock; participate in an activity about plants; learn about B.W. Wells through ecological games; look at his book and other literature while enjoying the displays, games and exhibits.
Rock Cliff Farm is open for guided tours only, so don’t miss this opportunity! Entire event is FREE!
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Registration is required for all tours at 919-676-1027. Full hike descrtiptions and details at the bottom of the page.
B.W. Wells History Tour - every hour 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Family ecology hikes - 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Wildflower/Geology Walk - 10 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.
Kite-flying for Kids - 1 p.m.
Bird Hike on Zeagle's Rock Trail
8:00 a.m. sign up required
Zeagle’s Rock Loop Trail Hike - self-guided
B.W. Wells Studio tour - self-guided
CANCELLED: Canoe Tour of Rock Cliff Farm
10:00 am and 2:00 p.m.
Displays, exhibits, childrens activities and games
9:00 to 5:00
NC Botanical Gardens booth will have free seed packet giveaways and free hourly plant raffles
For mapquest use 2201 Bent Road, Wake Forest NC 27587.
B.W. Wells Association
Wake Forest Garden Club
Master Gardener Volunteers of Wake County
NC Botanical Gardens
NC Native Plant Society
Wake Audubon Society
Paddle Creek
Wake County Parks and Open Spaces
Length: about ˝ mile on easy terrain
Time: about 45 minutes
This short history walk leads you around all the main features of the Rock Cliff Farm home stead. You will hear about the history of B.W. Wells and the farm itself. The B.W. Wells studio will be open and included in this tour.
Wildfower and Geology Tour – 10 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.
Length: about 1 mile loop on hiking trail with some steep sections
Time: about 1 hour 30 minutes
Our most popular tour EXPANDED by demand! This tour leads you down to the lake shore to view wildflowers and discuss the unique geology that caused the shape of Rock Cliff Farm. You will visit a rock outcrop along the lake shore and then loop around to Zeagle's Rock on the way back. Pace will be slow and there are benches along the trail.
Family Ecology Hike – 11am and 2pm
Length: about 1 mile loop on hiking trail with some steep sections
Time: about 45 minutes
Join a naturalist for an exploration of the different plant communities at Rock Cliff Farm. Just like B.W. Wells did throughout North Carolina, you will look at these different communities with an ecologist’s eye. The hike will end along the lakeshore, with a return uphill or option to continue the loop trail in either direction. PARENTS MUST ACCOMPANY CHILDREN.
Kite-flying for Kids - 1 p.m.
Length: short hike to mostly level field area
Time: about an hour
Join a member of the B.W. Wells Association to take advantage of the beaufiul air flowing atop Rock Cliff Farm. Build then fly a kite in one of our open areas amidst the beautiful farm scenery.
Bird Hike - 8 a.m.
Length: moderate 1.5 mile loop hike at a slow pace
Time: about 1.5 to 2 hours
Join a B.W. Wells Association and Wake Audubon Society member on a hike along the Zeagle's Rock Loop trail to view our native and migratory birds. Experience not required, PARENTS MUST ACCOMPANY CHILDREN. Wear sturdy shoes and bring binoculars if you have them.
CANCELLED - Canoe tour – 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. (SIGN UP REQUIRED)
Length: about three miles of leisurely paddling
Time: 2 ˝ hours
After a brief orientation to paddling, participants will walk about 1/3 of a mile to the lake shore to board the canoes. From there it is a leisurely paddle along the narrow lake making a few interpretive stops of the Rock Cliff Farm shore line. After a unique photo opportunity and view of Zeagle’s Rock, you will turn back and return to the launch site. There will be a 1/3 of a mile return hike up the trail with some steep sections. Participants must be at least 12 years old and know how to swim. Sign up is required. Canoes, life jackets and paddles provided courtesy of Paddle Creek.
Hog Farming Tour – NA
Length: about ˝ mile of easy terrain
Time: about 45 minutes
This tour takes you back to 1950, when hog farming was the livelihood of area residents. We will explore the old time techniques of hog farming by visiting a pen and smokehouse.
Capital Tree Hike – NA
Length: about ˝ mile of easy terrain
Time: about 45 minutes
Take a leisurely stroll around the farm looking at the large trees that have been recognized as Wake County Capital Trees for their size and historic significance.