Park Preserves

There are many benefits to protecting open space, high-quality natural areas, tree canopy, watersheds, and shorelines. According to the 2016 Parks and Gardens Master Plan survey results, the community would like to see the County work to expand environmental education, outdoor recreation opportunities, and interpretive programs as well as to explore opportunities to increase public access to beaches and the waterfront. An article by the National Recreation and Parks Society, "Conservation Leaders in Our Community," states that parks and recreation agencies should take a leadership role in the community to promote conservation. A core mission of public parks is to protect land and water assets and to be stewards of our natural resources. Parks departments should establish a strategic vision for preserving open space and conserving important landscapes and natural features. In an effort to take the first step in this process, the Parks and Gardens Department is establishing several "park preserves" throughout New Hanover County. These spaces will offer an outlet for providing environmental education and nature programs to students of all ages, promote biodiversity and open space preservation, allow us to monitor wildlife populations, restore habitats for endangered and threatened plant species, and conserve natural communities such as the longleaf pine ecosystems, wetlands, maritime forests, and offer passive outdoor recreation opportunities compatible with the protection of the natural area. These spaces will provide great opportunities to learn, explore, and discover what nature has to offer.

Over the past few decades, the County has acquired properties that will be excellent candidates for the preserve program. Some of the sites were purchased through grant resources and have development and use restrictions. Due to these limitations on the development of the parcels, we feel this is the highest and best use for public benefit. Allowable activities at the preserves include hiking, walking, jogging, wildlife observation, bird watching, educational activities, picnicking, fishing, and canoeing / kayaking.