~January/February 2025~

Although Beech Bluff is still closed, stay tuned for exciting announcements to come!

Missed last month's newsletter? Click here to read the December/January edition.

Park Progress Update

We are coming ever-nearer to the opening of Beech Bluff County Park! Crews are working on final touches within park structures and features. Safety checks, signage, furniture and permitting are underway.

If you look closely at the picture to the left, you may notice small white dots. These dots cover the glass windows of the Park Center to protect our feathery friends. Bird friendly glass helps birds by creating less confusion because they are able to perceive the surface. This reduces the chance of collision. This way, we can still get maximum natural light and views of the woods while the birds safely fly from tree to tree.

Where's Beatrice Beech?

Were you able to spot Beatrice hiding in last month’s issue? She was trying to open the barn doors!

See if you can find Beatrice in this newsletter and check back next month for a hint at where she was hidden.

Here Comes the Litter Brigade!

A few times each week, Beech Bluff staff becomes the Litter Brigade and spends a while tackling different parts of the park to pick up trash and other debris. Once upon a time, with limited access to convenience centers, landowners would create dump piles on their property to dispose of household trash. Staff have focused on cleaning these areas and are working hard to make this beautiful park ready for our future visitors (we hope that means you!) and wildlife alike.

Upcoming Programs

We are happy to offer some revitalizing and educational programs! Click on the program name to visit the registration page.

Introduction to Forest Bathing (virtual)

Saturday, January 25, 11 a.m.-noon

Explore the enchanting world of Forest Bathing. A certified Forest Therapy Guide will share the ancient wisdom of this practice and offer a sample of this sensory journey. Bring a beverage of your choice, a curious mind, and something from the outdoors or an item made from a tree.

Artifact Exploration (virtual)

Wednesday, February 12, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Have you ever found a cool object from the past? In this interactive program, we will discuss what makes an object an artifact before going on a choose-your-own-adventure scavenger hunt to learn more about some of the artifacts we have found at Beech Bluff County Park! This program is welcome to people of all ages.

Park Feature: Coyote Undercover

This month's park feature comes to you from nature!

Have you ever seen a coyote out and about? You might notice the one we captured above in our trail camera looks quite different. This is a melanistic coyote, a rare find. So rare, in fact, that less than 6% of coyotes in the southeastern U.S. have this distinct genetic mutation—and it is only found in eastern U.S. coyote populations!

Higher production levels of eumelanin, a pigment found in mammals' coats, is responsible for this phenomenon. The genetic mutation in coyotes specifically developed around the 20th century when they interbred with red wolves, a species in which melanism was already common. There is also research to suggest that black coyotes and other melanistic animals prefer shady environments with plenty of canopy cover. In that dark environment, a black coat is perfect for evading hunters. There is still more research to be done, but for now we can enjoy watching our undercover friend from a safe distance!

Learn more about melanistic coyotes!

Beech Bluff County Park

3321 NC 42 Hwy

Willow Spring, NC 27592

beechbluff@wake.gov

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