An Off-Campus Center of Johnston Community College, The Rudolph Howell and Son Environmental Learning Center (Howell Woods) consists of over 2,800 acres containing nine natural communities and a diverse number of flora and fauna. It was donated to Johnston Community College in 1993 by Rudolph Howell whose wish was that it be used as an outdoor classroom. The addition of the learning center building in 1998 brought Mr. Howell's wish to reality.
Programs are offered to organized groups (K-12, 4-H, civic, etc.) and the general public. College continuing education and regular study classes are also held on site. The Learning Center contains live reptiles, amphibians, and injured birds of prey. Several demonstration sites on birdfeeding, native wildflower gardening, organic gardening, composting, and birdhouses are featured around the Center. Every spring a seven day beginner bird banding course and a five day advance bird bander course is offered on the property. The property is actively managed for the benefit of wildlife, educational opportunities and low impact outdoor recreation. Most of the programs offered focus on native wildlife natural history, native ecosystems, training programs for professional natural resource managers, wildlife and forestry management practices for private landowners and general outdoor recreation.
Newsletter
Owl Call
Available on site or by email (contact James Sasser to be added to the email list). All programs and related information can be accessed through our website.
GrEEn Center
Features Include
Native Landscaping
Recycled Building Material
Recycling Program
Water Efficient Landscaping
Energy Efficient Lighting
No impervious paved roads or parking lots.
Main roads are graveled with on-site native rock material.
HealthEE Center
Trails
The Habitat Diversity Trail System consists of 15 seperate trails or portions of much longer roads. The major loop in approximately 2 miles with shorter loops off numerous portions of the trail. There are an additional 15+ miles of more remote roads and trails that at times require staff approval for access. All trails are flat, 6-8 feet wide and unpaved, either gravel or mowed vegetaion. The trails are not wheelchair accesible.
Other Exercise
There is over 15 miles of roads and trails designated for bike or horesback riding. Canoe trips on the Neuse River are offered several times a year.
Lodging Amenities
|
|
MissionTo provide outdoor educational opportunities by promoting the sustainable use of natural resources by fostering understanding of environmental issues and concepts and by creating and enhancing citizens' awareness and appreciation of the conservation, preservation and restoration of North Carolina's natural resources.
Cost of Programs/AdmissionHorseback riding-$10 (must provide own horse), Camping-$5 tent, Fishing-$3kid/$5 adults, Bike riding-$5.
FeaturesThe Learning Center sits on 2,856 acres of land of which 2,606 is forested, mostly mature bottomland hardwoods. The north end of the property is bordered by the Neuse River and the southern end by two brownwater creeks. The property also contains the remnants of a sandhills longleaf pine forest with plans to restore an additional 300+ acres, and many rare plants and birds, and is listed as the most significant terrestrial natural area in the Natural Heritage Report of the Johnston County Natural Areas Inventory. The property contains a very diverse and healthy population of songbirds, raptors, reptiles, amphibians, and wildflowers. Howell Woods is recognized as a NC Audubon Important Bird Area and is a designated site on the North Carolina Birding Trail and Civil War Historical Driving Tour. There is a 25-acre wetland restoration project located on the property.
AccessibilityThe classroom and restrooms meet ADA guidelines for disabled access.
AdditionalControlled hunts are conducted on portions of the property on average 3-5 days a month September-April. Designated hiking trails not affected by hunting activity, for all other activities please contact a staff member for information on closed areas.
Eco Region(s)Southeastern Plains (Ecoregion 65)
River Basin(s)Neuse River Basin
Related Topics
- Biking Trail
- Bus Parking
- Canoeing or Kayaking
- College
- Conference Facilities
- Dogs Allowed
- Environmental Education Center
- Environmental Education Organization
- Exhibits
- Fishing
- Garden
- Hiking Trail
- Lodging
- Permanent Education Staff
- Picnic Area
- Picnic Shelter
- Resource Library
- Restrooms
- Tent Campsite
- Volunteer Opportunities or Service Learning
| Posted |
10/1/2006 10:11 PM |
| Updated |
2/8/2010 |
Under development
The amenities tab is currently only visible to site administrators.
|
