A rare chance to learn about seldom-seen plants and animals will be available at Town Creek State Historic Site at the “Rich in the Rare” exhibit March 3 through April 14. Learn about some of the unique species that call North Carolina home, such as the Venus flytrap and the red cockaded woodpecker.
“I can think of no better location to host this exhibit,” said naturalist and Site Assistant Ethan Greene. “Town Creek is uniquely located between the Uwharrie National Forest and Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge, where the piedmont meets the sandhills. It is part of the North Carolina Birding Trail and offers a transition zone where a variety of species overlap. It also provides a healthy flyway for migratory fowl.”
The exhibit includes panels, wood carvings and children’s interactives that afford a better understanding of special native species, unique habitats and the creatures that live in them, from the mountains to the coast. Wood carver Jim Carpenter has created replicas of the extinct Carolina parakeet and the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker for the exhibit. He teaches woodcarving at the Sawtooth Center of Visual Arts in Winston-Salem and the John Campbell Folk School in Brasstown.
Terms relating to the health of populations are examined, including “extinct,” “endangered,” and “threatened.” The content will encourage visitors to help protect wildlife and natural environments.
A one hour guided interpretive walk through the natural areas at Town Creek will be available March 3 and March 24, showcasing local flora and fauna. Group size is limited for the guided nature walks, which are free but reservations are recommended. Register at https://goo.gl/KCEhbU.
This traveling exhibit created by the Education and Outreach section of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources will help cultural and heritage institutions connect with local communities, and connect communities with the state’s natural heritage.
The mission of Town Creek is to interpret the history of the American Indians who once lived here. The visitor center features interpretive exhibits and audiovisual displays. A national historic landmark, Town Creek Indian Mound State Historic Site is North Carolina’s only state historic site dedicated to American Indian heritage. Tour groups are welcome and encouraged. The site is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. It is closed to the public Mondays and most major holidays.
The historic site is within the Division of State Historic Sites and located at 509 Town Creek Mound Road, Mount Gilead. For more information on Town Creek, visit www.towncreekindianmound.com.