South Wake Conservationists

There are some cool programs coming up this summer at Dix Park in Raleigh, hosted by the Dix Park Conservancy and its Artist in Residence, Preston Montague. As many of you know, Preston led presentations and activities at two local NCWF Habitat Steward Workshops this year and has also been a featured speaker for one of our SWC webinars. There are several more planned this summer, but here are two coming up right now that you might want to check out, and they are free!

Let Your Curiosity Blossom

• Date: Friday, June 20th
• Time: 9:00-12:00
• Place: The Chapel at Dix Park

Let your child’s curiosity blossom with Muddy Sneakers! This program is designed to connect elementary-aged children with the natural world. Through hands-on outdoor exploration, nature-themed crafts, science activities, and guided play, students develop a deeper appreciation for the environment while building social, emotional, and problem-solving skills. Led by experienced educators and naturalists, this program encourages creativity, confidence, and a lifelong love for the outdoors—all in a safe, supportive environment. Children and their guardians will explore the outdoors at Dix Park and learn about the bounty of nature all around us in the heart of Raleigh.

Traditional Knowledge & Indigenous Engagement in Environmental Programming

• Date: Friday, June 20th
• Time: 1:00-4:00
• Place: The Chapel at Dix Park

This workshop invites you to explore the vital role of Indigenous knowledge in environmental education and stewardship. The session supports Dix Park Artist in Residence Preston Montague’s ongoing work to create grassland ecosystems as living sculpture at Dix Park—an effort rooted in reconnecting people with place, ecology, and ancestral wisdom.

Led by David Rahahę́·tih Webb, Executive Director of Muddy Sneakers, the afternoon will offer an introduction to Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK or IK), examining how it’s shaped by Native Peoples’ long-standing relationships with land and culture. Through guided discussion and hands-on learning, participants will gain deeper insight into how to approach this knowledge with respect and how it can enrich environmental programming in meaningful ways.