Umstead Coalition

06/24/2026

06/19/2026

05/14/2026

04/20/2026

Ever find yourself on a walk wondering, "What is that plant? That bird? That mushroom?" iNaturalist is a free app that can tell you — and your observations help scientists in the process.

On Tuesday, April 21 from 7-8pm, join local naturalist and NCMNS Collaborative Science Specialist Julie Hall to learn how iNaturalist works and why it's become the go-to tool for nature identification.

Every sighting you log contributes to the world's largest biodiversity database, helping researchers track invasive species, monitor population changes, and study ecosystems.

You'll also get the details on the City Nature Challenge, a worldwide event happening April 24–27 where communities compete to document as much local wild flora and fauna as possible. Find out how to join the local team and put your new skills to use.

We hope you can join us for this Zoom presentation! Get the login details at: www.umsteadcoalition.org/event-6664943

📸 Slow & Steady by Ariel Randolph

04/18/2026

What a day in Umstead! Thank you to everyone who came out to our Spring Native Plant Sale — it was wonderful to see so many people genuinely excited about native plants and supporting the Park.

A special thank you to our 20+ volunteers who gave their time yesterday and today. It takes a lot of people to put a sale like this together, and we had the best — setup crew, plant experts, merch sellers, talliers, and takedown team all showing up and pitching in. Thank you all! (That's our volunteer team in the photo this morning, before the crowds arrived.)

We still have a few plants left: purple coneflower grown right here in Umstead State Park by Ranger Nick, winterberry, and witch hazel. If you had your eye on any of these, come early. They'll go quickly.

We'll be back at the Reedy Creek entrance tomorrow April 19 from 9am - 1pm with the remaining plants, Umstead merch, t-shirts, hats, and the popular Piedmont month-by-month gardener's guide from the NCSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers of Wake County. All proceeds support the Park.

We hope to see you tomorrow!

2100 N Harrison Ave, Cary


View pricing at: www.umsteadcoalition.org

04/18/2026

Tomorrow is the day. The plants are ready, and we can't wait to see you at the Park.

Saturday, April 18 | Noon–3pm
Early entry 11am for members and donors (it's not too late to join or make a $15 donation to get early access!)

Reedy Creek entrance, Umstead State Park
2100 N Harrison Ave, Cary

Free milkweed seed packets while supplies last. 100% of proceeds support Umstead State Park.

See you tomorrow!

Plant list and pricing at: www.umsteadcoalition.org

04/16/2026

Our plant sales draw hundreds of people every year, and they happen because of volunteers who show up and make them work. If you've ever wanted to be part of one of our community events, this is your chance.

We need volunteers for Friday, April 17 setup and Saturday, April 18 sale day (there are multiple shifts available both days). It's a wonderful way to connect with fellow Park lovers, get a behind-the-scenes look at how the sale comes together, and directly support Umstead State Park .

Sign up to volunteer: https://umsteadcoalition.org/event-6521550

The sale itself is Saturday, April 18, noon to 3pm at the Reedy Creek entrance to Umstead State Park. 100% of proceeds support the Park. We hope you can join us!

View the plant list and pricing: https://umsteadcoalition.org/event-6521549