The Town of Cary invites citizens to help celebrate National Trails Day on June 3 by enjoying two free special events: a guided walk along the Black Creek Greenway, meeting at the Old Reedy Creek Trailhead located at 2139 Old Ready Creek Road, or a volunteer workday at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, 2616 Kildaire Farm Road. The hour-long walk at Old Reedy Creek Trailhead begins at 9:45 a.m., while the volunteer workday will go from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

Volunteers who choose to get their hands dirty will help maintain and beautify the site at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve by pitching in with trail maintenance. In the past, tasks have included picking up trash, gardening work, and replenishing gravel. Lunch will be provided by the Friends of Hemlock Bluffs for volunteers.

“Our citizen volunteers are extremely important to us. We welcome citizens, clubs, and organizations to come out and help us celebrate National Trails Day in Cary. With our small staff, we could not keep the trails as well maintained without you. It’s hard work but we use the day to thank and celebrate you,“ said Morgan Bosse, Environmental Program Specialist. She added that a raffle will be held with items donated by REI and Friends of Hemlock Bluffs. Volunteers, ages 6 and older, must register in advance online with EZ-REG or by calling (919) 387-5980.

The guided tour at Old Reedy Creek Trailhead will see members of the greenway committee offering their insights and observations of the greenway system along the winding paths of Black Creek Greenway.

Parking is available at 2139 Old Reedy Creek Rd., for the greenway walk and at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve for the volunteer workday. Leashed pets are welcome on the trailhead, but please do not bring pets to the volunteer workday.

National Trails Day is a celebration of America’s trail system, which occurs annually on the first Saturday in June. NTD features a series of outdoor activities designed to promote and celebrate the importance of trails in the United States. Since 1980, the Town of Cary has been building greenways to bring open spaces that enhance the lives of its citizens within easy walking distance of their homes. Currently, there are 91.6 miles of trails and greenways within the Town, with another 143.4 miles planned. The greenways link neighborhoods, parks, schools, and open spaces while also connecting to the vast Triangle greenway system.

For more information, visit “National Trails Day” at www.townofcary.org.