Halyburton Park

Halyburton Park is a 60-acre nature preserve located in Wilmington, North Carolina. The park is predominantly undeveloped, with approximately 70% of its area consisting of gently rolling sandhills, a habitat rarely found in the coastal Carolinas. This unique landscape provides visitors with an opportunity to experience a slice of natural North Carolina ecosystems.

The park features a 1.3-mile paved trail that circles its perimeter, offering a handicap-accessible path for walking, jogging, and biking. This trail also connects to the Gary Shell Cross City Trail, allowing for extended excursions. The paved path is complemented by natural surface trails that wind through the park's interior, providing opportunities for nature observation and exploration.

At the heart of Halyburton Park is the Nature and Events Center, which serves as a hub for environmental education and community gatherings. The center hosts a variety of programs, including school field trips, workshops for adults and children, and special events focused on nature and conservation. One notable feature is the Solitary Bee Hotel, which provides habitat for native bee species and serves as an educational tool about pollinator conservation.

In early 2024, the Parks and Recreation Department began a longleaf pine restoration project on 45 acres of the park. This initiative aims to revitalize the native ecosystem through controlled burning, wiregrass planting, and selective removal of competing tree species. The restoration efforts are designed to maintain the open, park-like setting characteristic of longleaf pine forests and benefit wildlife species dependent on this habitat.

Halyburton Park offers a blend of recreational opportunities and natural resource conservation, making it a valuable green space within the urban environment of Wilmington. Its trails, educational programs, and ongoing ecological restoration efforts provide residents and visitors alike with a chance to connect with nature and learn about local ecosystems.