Sunday, January 27, 2008

White Pines Preserve (near Pittsboro, NC)

White Pines Preserve (a Triangle Land Conservancy property) is a fantastic setting for a winter hike. Situated at the confluence of the Rocky and Deep Rivers, the enormous eastern white pines (Pinus strobus) -- giants leftover from the last glacial ice age -- steal the scene. These 200 year old tree-titans were so large that my husband and I could barely reach eachothers hands as we tried to hug them. Other interesting tree species include sugar maples (Acer saccharum) and some good sized river birches (Betula nigra). We also encountered a few winter birds, including the hermit thrush (Catharus guttatus).

3 comments:

dnicholas9 said...

Glad you enjoyed White Pines! We think it's a pretty speceial place, too.
Can I recommend some other places for you to visit?

Doug Nicholas
Dir of Communications
Triangle Land Conservancy

Nicki said...

Hi Doug!

I would love more recommendations on places to visit. I will be sure to check them out and post them on the blog.

Best wishes,
Josie

Unknown said...

i never tried the white pines,

anyway thanks you for the post..


Neuse River North Carolina