Love Earth on Valentine’s Day
Whether you’re planning to celebrate with someone special or you are taking the time to adore yourself, Valentine’s Day is really all about that special four letter word. Spreading love with each and also with our planet, because after all, hasn’t Earth done enough for us? Instead of spending money on cards, chocolates, and cut flower bouquets, how about some ideas that help us truly find love for our local environment? Read along to discover how to do just that this February 14th!
Not much is more romantic than a walk along the side of a river. Luckily, we Greenvillians have just that at our disposal. Take a walk or bicycle ride down the South Tar River Greenway! The trail is fully paved and is parallel to the Tar River and in total the trail is a manageable 3.1 miles in length. Click the link for more information on the greenway.
Next, you could go just 1 hour south to find the beautiful Cliffs of the Neuse State Park. This state park has breathtaking cliff views of the Nuese river, four hiking trails, plenty of secluded fishing spots, rental boats, and a beach area. In addition there are picnic spots and campsites available for reservation any time of the year. Visit Cliffs of the Neuse State Park for a getaway weekend that’s not all that far away from home. Click for more information on Neuse State Park.
Wildwood Park is the newest recreational facility in Greenville. It is located at 3450 Blue Heron Drive. Phase 1 amenities include:
- Parking Lot with 131 spaces
- Shelter Improvements for Outdoor Events
- 1.5 mile Natural Surface Trail
- Sandy Beach
- Kayak Launch
- Floating Dock with 3 Boat Slips
- Waterfront Camping Platform
- Paved entrance on Blue Heron Drive
Sylvan Heights Bird Park is designed to give visitors an unforgettable up-close experience with over 2,000 waterfowl, parrots, toucans, flamingos, and other exotic birds from around the world. Open to the public since October 2006, the 18-acre facility features spacious, walk- through aviaries displaying birds from South America, North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. The aviaries are surrounded by tranquil gardens and lush natural areas, which enhance the beauty of the birds on exhibit and immerse visitors in native North Carolina wildlife habitat. Sylvan Heights Bird Park seeks to advance conservation of waterfowl and wetlands, to act as a local educational resource for avian biology and wetlands ecology, and to serve as an international center for avicultural training and research. Click for more information on Sylvan Heights Bird Park.
Last, but certainly not least, River Park North is an enchanting park located across the Tar River from ECU. River Park North has a bounty of amenities to offer including five ponds, rental fishing and pedal boats, campsites, hiking trails, picnic tables and a sand volleyball court. One of the things that makes this park a delight to visit is how the beginning of the hiking trail is engulfed by overhanging trees to make for a romantic picturesque sunset hike. Click for all River Park North details.