157 acres preserved, +2 miles of natural surface trails, nature play areas, programs for all ages, child-friendly exhibits, free nature craft activity changed monthly. Free loaner equipment: Explorer backpacks for children, Eagle Optics binoculars for adults, kites and other nature play items. Open 10am until dusk Tuesdays-Saturdays and 1pm to dusk Sundays. Closed Mondays.

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We connect the natural world through programs like bird watching, astronomy nights, nature play, and art classes.

Class Info

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Location:

Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Preserve Park, 5229 Awls Haven Dr, Raleigh, NC 27614, United States

See map: Google Maps

Deer Tracking

Nature program for ages 8-14. Where do deer go when we can’t see them? What are some of the signs you can find to tell that a deer has been here? We’ll explore the preserve following the evidence that the deer have left behind for us and get an first hand look at the places deer travel. Pre-registration is required.

Dates:

10/23/2026

Time:

4:30pm - 6pm

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Location:

Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Preserve Park, 5229 Awls Haven Dr, Raleigh, NC 27614, United States

See map: Google Maps

Arachnology

Nature program for ages 7-13. Spiders may be creepy, but they have an important role in our ecosystem! After learning about their neat adaptations, we’ll do a daylight hike to look for orbweaver webs. Then when the sun sets we’ll use flashlights to “spider sniff” for glowing spider eyes in the dark! Pre-registration is required.

Dates:

11/06/2026

Time:

4:30pm - 6pm

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Location:

Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Preserve Park, 5229 Awls Haven Dr, Raleigh, NC 27614, United States

See map: Google Maps

Eager Explorers: Fall Fun Walk

Nature program for ages 3-7. Join us as we explore nature in the preserve! There will be stories, crafts, and nature walks on various themes. These programs are designed for an adult to attend with their child ages 3-7. There is no charge for the adults. Most programs will include an activity along a nature trail that is not stroller accessible. Pre-registration is required.

Dates:

11/10/2026

Time:

10:30am - 12pm

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Location:

Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Preserve Park, 5229 Awls Haven Dr, Raleigh, NC 27614, United States

See map: Google Maps

Fall Nature Walk

Guided nature hike for ages 13+. Join a park naturalist on a general nature walk to see what is happening at the park this fall. Come prepared for trail walking because we’ll visit various parts of the park to discover the peak fall highlights! Pre-registration is required.

Dates:

11/14/2026

Time:

10:30am - 12pm

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Location:

Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Preserve Park, 5229 Awls Haven Dr, Raleigh, NC 27614, United States

See map: Google Maps

Eager Explorers: Big Rock Hike

Dates:

11/19/2026

Time:

10:30am - 12pm

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Location:

Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Preserve Park, 5229 Awls Haven Dr, Raleigh, NC 27614, United States

See map: Google Maps

Beginning Birding

Introduction class for ages 13+. You don’t have to be an expert to enjoy birdwatching! We’ll start with the basic observational skills you’ll need to help you identify the birds at your feeder. After observing a bird feeder, we’ll go on a short walk in search of birds in the park. Bring your own binoculars, or we also have some to borrow. Pre-registration is required.

Dates:

11/21/2026

Time:

9:30am - 11am

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Location:

Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Preserve Park, 5229 Awls Haven Dr, Raleigh, NC 27614, United States

See map: Google Maps

CSI: The Disappearing Deer

Nature science mystery program for ages 9-14. Join us for a dead animal mystery: One day the deer is there, the next day it’s gone! What happened? Where did it go? Who did it? Participants will work together to help park staff find the answers using the clues and evidence collected from the scene in this nature mystery cold case. Bring your best detective skills and join the investigation! Pre-registration is required.

Dates:

11/25/2026

Time:

10:30am - 12pm

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Location:

Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Preserve Park, 5229 Awls Haven Dr, Raleigh, NC 27614, United States

See map: Google Maps

Eager Explorers: Going on a Bear Hunt

Dates:

12/10/2026

Time:

10:30am - 12pm

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Location:

Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Preserve Park, 5229 Awls Haven Dr, Raleigh, NC 27614, United States

See map: Google Maps

Animal Tracks & Signs

Nature program for ages 8-14. Learn how to identify the tracks and signs of common animals that live in or near the preserve, then go on a guided hike to test your skills. Make a plaster cast of an animal track to take home. Pre-registration is required.

Dates:

12/22/2026

Time:

10:30am - 12pm

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