The basic concept for the North Carolina Science Trail was developed many years ago, but it wasn’t until 2021 that a working group of individuals across North Carolina were brought together to explore the feasibility of an idea that held some real magic. Two years later, the North Carolina Science Trail has 63 inaugural Trail Partners, working together to bring exceptional science education resources to the residents and visitors of our state.
We are proud to be launching during North Carolina’s official Year of the Trail!
Thank You to Our Launch Partners!
Time Line of Developmemt
2015
Hypothesis
Idea Proposed
NC Science Trail concept proposed within the North Carolina Science Network member organizations, but not adopted.
2021
Scientific Reaction Begins
Pilot Project
- The NC General Assembly passed a bill that declared 2023 in North Carolina to be the "Year of the Trail".
- Secretary Reid Wilson of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, rekindled the Science Trail concept and suggested establishing a working group to gauge feasibility.
- The working group explored the Science Trail concept and established a proposal for bringing the NC Science Trail to life.
2022
Critical Mass
Trail Collaboration Begins
- In Situ Explorers, a NC non-profit, proposed to manage the NC Science Trail, carrying it forward with the working groups' outlined goals.
- NC Science Trail funded by the NCDNCR
- Plans made for 30 initial trail sites as a Pilot Project.
- NC Science Network contributed funds to the project doubling inaugural Trail Partners.
- Website development and data collection began.
2023
Official Launch
Science and the NC Year of the Trail
- Preparations for Launch of NC Science Trail in conjunction with NC Science Festival and the NC Year of the Trail
- April 2023: Official NC Science Trail Launch with 18+ events across the state.
- Summer 2023: New Funding allows the NC Science Trail to bring in the remainder of the NC State Parks as partners and begin investigating additional partners for the fall.