Umstead Coalition

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

04/10/2026

For nearly 30 years, our Spring Native Plant Sale has been one of the most beloved days of the year for Umstead's community of gardeners and Park lovers. We hope you'll join us on Saturday, April 18 from noon-3pm.

This year's sale features over 20 species – swamp milkweed, blazing star, witch hazel, winterberry, pawpaw, muhly grass, and more – all native to the Piedmont and chosen to support the pollinators, birds, and wildlife that depend on plants indigenous to this region. Some were grown by Ranger Nick himself, right here in Umstead State Park.

Members and anyone who has donated $15 or more since October 1, 2025 get first pick – early entry from 11am to noon, before the public arrives. Not a member? Joining before April 18th is one of the most direct ways to support the Park, and it gets you in first.

See the full plant list and pricing: umsteadcoalition.org/event-6521549
Join or renew your Umstead Coalition Membership: umsteadcoalition.org/join-us

Saturday, April 18 | Noon–3pm | Reedy Creek entrance, 2100 N Harrison Ave, Cary
100% of proceeds support Umstead State Park.

04/08/2026

We shared this photo recently and people were asking about the location. This is on the Loblolly Trail at Umstead State Park. One of our favorite trails at Umstead. Here is our article about walking it: https://thisisraleigh.com/loblolly-trail-umstead/

04/05/2026

12/31/2025

I want to thank you for being a valued part of the Umstead community. Through volunteering, donating, and attending hikes and events, you have helped advance our shared goal of protecting the Park we all love.

As we close out the year, I want to share an update about where things stand with our ongoing fight to stop RDU Quarry and Save RDU Forest, and why your continued support is so important.

This month, Wake County Superior Court Judge Sean Cole ruled in favor of the Umstead Coalition, restoring the original Sunset Clause on the Wake Stone Triangle Quarry permit and ordering the reinstatement of undisturbed protective buffers along Crabtree Creek and Umstead State Park. This ruling confirms that Triangle Quarry operations adjacent to the Park must end by May 2031 and that the buffers intended to protect the Park cannot be weakened.

This was a significant win, and it happened because our members and supporters stayed engaged and helped fund years of legal work. However, despite the court’s clear ruling, the NC DEQ has not yet issued the revised permit ordered by the court, and Wake Stone is continuing efforts to intervene and overturn the decision. We are actively responding in court and prepared to defend the ruling.

The Umstead Coalition is the only nonprofit dedicated to supporting Umstead State Park. As a volunteer-led organization, 100% of your donations go directly to supporting the Park and surrounding open space, ensuring that your generosity has a direct and lasting impact. The Umstead Coalition is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible.

Thank you for your continued commitment to this Park. Your year-end gift helps ensure that we can finish the work we have started and protect Umstead — permanently.

I hope to see you at one of our upcoming events!
- Dr. Jean Spooner
Chair, The Umstead Coalition

PS: Read our full 2025 Year in Review at: www.umsteadcoalition.org/donate

📸 Hand in Hand by Sean Fernandes, Misty Morning at the Company Mill Site by Peter Vandeberg, Barn Owl by Marcelle Kirk, Serenity by Grace Levine, Heron & Friend by Ben Payne