Although it was common knowledge that the local Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) store was the place to buy hiking boots and obtain topographical maps, the store was also a great place to find volunteers for the Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve.
History Of Hemlock Bluffs
Owned by the state of North Carolina and managed by the town of Cary, Hemlock Bluffs is ecologically unique, with a system of north-facing bluffs and a wealth of eastern hemlocks.
For years, biologists and educators had advocated protection and management of the bluffs. Before the trails were developed and town staff began to check on the site regularly, this area was being gradually degraded by random hiking, frequent bonfires, and littering. Today, only foot traffic is permitted on trails during hours of operation with no collection, removal, or disturbance of any natural objects allowed. The focus is on nature study and passive recreation.