A Diamond in the Rough
I have heard the phrase, “it’s a diamond in the rough”, used so many times to describe tourism attractions people just haven’t heard of yet. And Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center in Eastern Johnston County is just one of these attractions. I just joined the Howell Woods Advisory Board last year, and I have been writing grants to help develop the site with more boardwalks, a canoe landing on the Neuse River and bridges to help visitors gain access to trails.
Howell Woods is located off I-95, Exit 90, approximately 15 miles down Devils’ Racetrack Road and consists of over 2,800 acres donated to Johnston Community College by local business leader Rudolph Howell. This “outdoor classroom” contains nine natural communities and diverse flora and fauna. Over 25 miles of unpaved roads and trails are ideal for small group horseback riding, mountain biking, non-trace camping, long-distance hiking and fishing. Birdwatching is especially popular starting in April, and the site hosts hunting programs for deer and wild hogs (feral pigs) to manage the wildlife population.
The site has a new reptile habitat exhibit, classroom facilities for 35-50 people, a natural resources library, and a recovery facility for wounded birds of prey. New to the facility are two cabins that sleep up to 16 people with a shared kitchen. For more information on renting the facility or enjoying the great outdoors, call (919) 938-0115 or visit their web site, http://www.johnstoncc.edu/howellwoods/default.htm
This fall on Saturday, October 25, the advisory board is planning an open house event that will appeal to children and families. More information will be available on the Johnston County Visitors Bureau web site, http://www.johnstoncountync.org/ soon.
When the weather turns nice, I encourage you all to get out to Howell Woods and enjoy a walk on several habitat trails and see some “open space” still left in the triangle area.
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You know…I had heard about Howell Woods but I did not realize how much it had to offer. You’ve given me good reason to check it out this spring as the weather gets nicer. Do you know if dogs are allowed? Never mind. I’ll check the official site later.
Thanks for the encouraging article, Donna!