STAR PARTIES
Star Parties and stargazing are popular features at the 13th N.C. SciFest in April with three events in Chapel Hill/Durham. Here’s the schedule for April 4: Chapel Hill Public Library, 4-6 p.m.; Fews Ford Access at Eno River SP, Durham, 7-8:30 p.m.; Old North Durham Park, downtown Durham, 7-10 p.m. Pittsboro has a Star Party 4/5 2-3:30 at the Chatham County Library. Events are free.
The UNC Science Expo with 100+ educational booths, will be held Sunday, April 5, 11-4 at Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, Chapel Hill.
NO FOOD FOR WILD ANIMALS
The Hillsborough Board of Commissioners last month approved an amendment to the Hillsborough Code of Ordinances that prohibits the feeding of wild animals including vultures. The amendment includes an exception for the feeding of common backyard birds and pollinators.
WILDFLOWER HIKES
Spring Guided Wildflower Hikes with Eno River Association: March 23, 9-11 a.m., Flat River, register eventbrite.com, fees charged; March 23, 2-4 p.m., Penny’s Bend, Natural Area, eventbrite.com, fees charged.
DROUGHT CONDITIONS
N.C. Drought Monitor reported in early March 41.4 percent of the state was abnormally dry, 43.4 percent moderate drought, 11.4 percent severe drought due to little rainfall. The driest areas are on the SE coast and along N.C. border counties with S.C., leading to enhanced forest fire conditions.
NEW WAKE PARK
Wake County’s newest park, the 300-acre Beach Bluff on NC Highway 42 in Willow Spring, is open. Hours are 8-8 daily for a park that salutes nature and agriculture with ADA accessible trails. They’ll have a Spring Guided Hike (1 mile) Sunday, March 30, at 1 p.m. Free, no registration needed.
