Salem Lake Junior Rangers
On going (2025)
Salem Lake Park
815 Salem Lake Rd
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
The Junior Rangers is an ongoing self-guided program that you can pick up at the Marina Office. It is designed for Children 13 and under, however, anyone can participate. The program will take participants around the park to complete different tasks to earn a Salem Lake Junior Rangers badge. For more information, please call 336-650-7677 or email codyo@cityofws.org.
Guided Tree ID Hike
Saturday March 22, 2025 at 11am - 12pm
Salem Lake Park
815 Salem Lake Rd.
Winston-Salem, N.C. 27101
Come take a step into nature and join us on the Salem Lake tree trail. Uncover fascinating facts about the plants and trees that call Winston-Salem home. From towering oaks to delicate ferns, there’s something to learn with every step. All ages welcome and enjoy a day of exploration and learning. The Salem Lake tree trail where every step brings you closer to the wonders of nature. For more information, please call 336-650-7677 or email codyo@cityofws.org.
A Walking Guide to the Trees of Old Salem
Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 2 p.m.
Old Salem, Winston-Salem
Meet at the parking lot at the intersection of West St. and Salt St., one block from Salem Square. MAP
Take a guided walk through Old Salem and learn to identify native trees while discovering some of their historical uses.
Owing to the soil-retaining properties of their extensive root systems, the value of trees in maintaining water quality cannot be understated. Join Adam Tran, Extension Master Gardener Volunteer for N.C. Cooperative Extension, as he leads a tour of Old Salem’s native trees, discussing their role in the landscape, distinguishing characteristics, and both modern-day and historical uses for the wonderful diversity of trees in the Piedmont. The tour will wind through the beautiful historic setting of Old Salem and the Salem Creek watershed, identifying twenty-seven native trees along the way. Please wear comfortable walking shoes. All ages are welcome, though an adult should accompany youth under the age of 16. Some terrain may not be suitable for strollers. Questions? Contact Rebecca Craps at rlcraps@ncsu.edu or 336-703-2858.
Attendance is limited to 20. Register through Eventbrite COMING SOON.
Water Treatment Plant Tour
Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.
Muddy Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant
4561 Cooper Rd.
Winston-Salem, NC 27127
Come meet the dedicated professionals who ensure the water we flush down the drain is processed and treated in compliance with state permit requirements.
Muddy Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant has been operating in southwestern Forsyth County since 1986 and discharges treated effluent to the Yadkin River. This facility includes a methane cogeneration system that exports power to the electric grid. Recent improvements include a pump station that transfers excess raw wastewater to its big brother, Archie Elledge WWTP.
Guests can win free gifts and prize drawings. No RSVP is needed for this family-friendly indoor presentation and outdoor walking tour with Forsyth Creek Week sponsor Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities, scheduled to last 90 minutes.
Waterways of Reynolda - Family Program
Saturday March 29, 2025 from 10am - 12pm
Reynolda Gardens
100 Reynolda Village Way
Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27106
In conjunction with Forsyth Creek Week 2025, Reynolda Gardens is hosting a free family program exploring the waterways of Reynolda. Visit Reynolda’s Boathouse, wetlands, ponds, and creeks for interactive experiences designed to show children how vital our water systems are to human, animal, and plant life. Interactive stations include Kaladieum educators, who will provide a Creek Crawl experience, and WFU Field Biologists, who will lead a wetlands exploration station. Imprints Cares will offer bilingual stories and activities, and Reynolda will provide a guided tour of the Waterways of Reynolda.
*In the event of inclement weather, this event may be canceled.
Registration is preferred. Registration link coming soon………
Air and Water Discoveries
Saturday March 29, 2025 - 10am - Noon
Salem Lake Park
815 Salem Lake Rd
Winston-Salem, N.C. 27101
Come prepared to learn about our air and waterways, get your feet wet sampling macroinvertebrates in our creek, go on an air quality hike and learn more about how to keep our water and air clean. Cody Orman, outdoor educator for the city of Winston-Salem, will lead an exploration of Salem Creek. Then participants will bring their findings to the microscope lab to examine their findings. Sarah Coffey, an Air quality educator will lead a Lichen hike at Salem Lake. All ages are welcome, families encouraged! Registration required. For more information, please call 336-650-7677 or email codyo@cityofws.org
A Walking Guide to the Trees of Old Salem
Sunday, March 29, 2025 at 2 p.m.
Old Salem, Winston-Salem
Meet at the parking lot at the intersection of West St. and Salt St., one block from Salem Square. MAP
Take a guided walk through Old Salem and learn to identify native trees while discovering some of their historical uses.
Owing to the soil-retaining properties of their extensive root systems, the value of trees in maintaining water quality cannot be understated. Join Adam Tran, Extension Master Gardener Volunteer for N.C. Cooperative Extension, as he leads a tour of Old Salem’s native trees, discussing their role in the landscape, distinguishing characteristics, and both modern-day and historical uses for the wonderful diversity of trees in the Piedmont. The tour will wind through the beautiful historic setting of Old Salem and the Salem Creek watershed, identifying twenty-seven native trees along the way. Please wear comfortable walking shoes. All ages are welcome, though an adult should accompany youth under the age of 16. Some terrain may not be suitable for strollers. Questions? Contact Rebecca Craps at rlcraps@ncsu.edu or 336-703-2858.
Attendance is limited to 20. Register through Eventbrite COMING SOON.
Haw River Assembly: Headwaters Hike!
Sunday March 30, 2025 - 1pm - 3pm
Salem Lake Park
815 Salem Lake Rd
Winston-Salem, N.C. 27101
Grab your hiking shoes and join Haw River Assembly for a hike to Haw River headwaters in eastern Kernersville! The Haw River has its source in the springs arising from the land east of Kernersville in Forsyth County. These small streams join together into a river as it meanders across the top of Guilford County through the wetlands and old beaver dams. Come learn about the Haw River Watershed, connect with other river lovers, and enjoy the beauty of nature! We ask that the participants be 12 years of age or older. Please register using this link: https://forms.gle/xZfsWmEB2DaCgdPv9 or email events@hawriver.org. Additional parking details will be sent to those who register.
Creek Exploration at Gateway Nature Preserve
Sunday March 30, 2025 - 2pm - 3:30pm
Gateway Nature Preserve
1400 Broad St.
Winston-Salem, N.C. 27101
Join us for an exciting and hands-on day of nature exploration at Gateway Nature Preserve! This family-friendly event is perfect for curious minds of all ages to dive into the world of freshwater ecosystems and discover the amazing creatures that call our creek home.
Gateway Nature Preserve Creek Week event description: | Facebook
Event Highlights:
Macroinvertebrate Investigation: Get ready to explore the creek up close! Using nets and magnifying glasses, we'll search for aquatic macroinvertebrates—tiny creatures like insects, worms, and crustaceans—that play an essential role in the ecosystem. Learn how scientists use these organisms to monitor the health of our waterways.
Creek Scavenger Hunt: Embark on an exciting scavenger hunt along the creek! With a list of natural wonders to find, you'll explore the preserve and discover the variety of plants, animals, and geological features that make Gateway Nature Preserve unique.
Water Quality Testing: Ever wondered how clean the water in our creek is? We'll test the water quality using simple scientific tools and methods, measuring factors like pH, temperature, and clarity, and reporting it with NC Stream Watch. Learn what makes a healthy waterway and how we can all help protect local water resources.
What to Bring:
Comfortable shoes (we’ll be walking and wading in the creek)
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Drinking water (it can be hot)
A sense of adventure and curiosity!
Attendance is limited to 50 participants. Registration is required, sign up COMING SOON