Finding Birds in Guilford County: Piedmont Environmental Center

The Piedmont Environmental Center (PEC) is located at 1220 Penny Road in southwestern Guilford County about 6 miles south of I-40 between High Point and Jamestown. From I-40 take the NC 68 exit south toward High Point. At Wendover/Skeet Club Road turn left, go to Penny Road, turn right, and watch for the PEC sign on the left. PEC occupies 376 acres of property on the western shore of High Point Lake where it features an environmental education building, hiking trails, and a portion of the Guilford County Bicentennial Greenway.
          PEC has an active schedule of organized fee-supported environmental education activities, field trips, and programs, including "owl prowls" and other bird walks on the property. It is not necessary to sign up for an organized bird walk in order to see birds, however. Birders may explore more than eleven miles of nature trails, which are open seven days a week from sunrise to sundown, that give access to a variety of bird habitats, including hardwood and pine forests, marsh, lake edge, and meadow. In addition, about 3 miles of the southern end of the Bicentennial Greenway run through the center.
          Nesting species noted by the staff include Great Horned Owl, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Kingbird, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Eastern Bluebird, and Red-eyed Vireo. However, given the diversity of habitats, it is likely that nearly all the breeding species in the county could be found here.
          PEC offers an annual membership that includes a newsletter, waived fees for canoeing on High Point Lake and Oak Hollow Lake, a discount on items in their nature store, and discounts on program and activity fees. For information about the center, call 336-883-8531, e-mail them at info@piedmontenvironmental.com, or check out their website at www.piedmontenvironmental.com.