Fenwick-Hollowell Wetlands TrailCOA – Elizabeth City
Absorb the Beauty of the Wetlands
On Feb. 5, 2019, COA reopened the Fenwick-Hollowell Wetlands Trail after renovating 750 feet of its 3,440-foot boardwalk. We encourage the community to visit, take a walk and enjoy the scenery.
Open to the Community
Welcome!
The Fenwick-Hollowell Wetlands Trail is now part of the Kids in Parks Program, a national campaign by the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation to promote children’s health. This addition to the trail provides fun brochures with activities for the whole family.
The COA Foundation is currently raising funds for improvements to the trail. Please help us reach our $50,000 goal by designating a gift to the “Fenwick-Hollowell Wetlands Trail.”
Location
Fenwick-Hollowell Wetlands Trail
COA – Elizabeth City
1208 N. Road St
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
ecoEXPLORE
Earlier this year, the COA Foundation submitted an application with the North Carolina Arboretum, an affiliate institution of the University of North Carolina System, for the trail to become an ecoEXPLORE Hotspot. The Foundation received approval this spring and is proud to announce this wonderful partnership with the North Carolina Arboretum and the additional educational and recreational opportunities on the trail.
The ecoEXPLORE Hotspot provides children with endless outdoor adventures on the trail while piquing their curiosity for discovering new things in the wetlands. Our inclusion as a hotspot location includes our trail location at ecoexplore.net and gives families the opportunity to take photos of their various observations on the trail, uploading them to an online biodiversity database at iNaturalist.org.
Kids In Parks
The Kids in Parks program is an initiative by the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing walking trails. The program aims to get children and families outdoors, engaged with nature, and explore the trails through a series of interactive and educational activities. Here’s how the program works:
TRACK Trails: The program features a network of “TRACK Trails”, which are designated hiking trails that are specifically designed for kids. These trails offer self-guided adventures with interactive features and educational signs along the way.
Adventure Journals: At the beginning of each TRACK Trail, kids can pick up a free adventure journal. These journals contain activity guides, prompts, and space for kids to record their experiences and observations during their hike.
Nature-themed Activities: Along the TRACK Trails, kids will find various activity stations (scavenger hunts, wildlife observation points, nature quizzes, etc.). These activities are designed to engage kids with their surroundings and help them learn about the natural environment.
Online resources: The Kids in Parks website provides additional resources, including printable activity guides and educational materials. Families can access these resources to continue the learning experience at home or as they explore other sections of the parkway.
The Kids in Parks program is a great way for children and families to connect with nature, learn about the environment, and create lasting memories.
Trail Markers
Many thanks to our trail donors!
Arrowwood viburnum
Arrow-arum
Atlantic white cedar
Bald cypress
Bald eagle
Black ti-ti bush
Blue flag
Blue jasmine
Buttonbush
Canada goose
Cardinal flower
Carolina ash
Carolina jessamine
Climbing hydrangea
Common catbrier
Common cattail
Devil’s walking stick
Duck potato
Eastern black swallowtail
“What I Saw”
Art Club at College of The Albemarle to Hold Community-Based Art Project and Exhibition Inspired by the Fenwick-Hollowell Wetlands Trail
“What I Saw” encourages community members of all ages to enjoy a walk on the Fenwick-Hollowell Wetlands Trail, creating a watercolor painting of what they see along the way. Community members can deliver their paintings to Arts of the Albemarle to be featured on an exhibition wall throughout June. Works may be dropped off at Arts of the Albemarle Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. throughout June. A panel will judge the submitted works, announcing the top three paintings that best represent the trail.
Instructions:
First, head to the Fenwick-Hollowell Trail. Once there, pick a spot that you find interesting. What can you see, hear, or even smell? Let your senses guide you and your imagination roam. Look for animals like turtles or plant life that you find interesting. When you are ready, take your supplies out of your kit. Begin painting the scenery however you see fit! These watercolor paintings can be fun, simple, quick, or detailed for someone more experienced. There are no rules to what YOU sense!
We want everyone to see your work, so bring your finished watercolor paintings to the Arts of the Albemarle front desk in downtown Elizabeth City, Monday-Friday from 11:00 am-6:00 pm throughout the month of June. A juried panel will announce three paintings that best represent the trail. We will award prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, so don’t hold back; be creative!
Happy painting!