It is in the nature parks, state parks, and national parks that history and nature are preserved. We have a chance to enjoy nature in its natural form as surrounding areas become increasingly developed. These lands of preservation are important for wildlife and native flora. A place to thrive while in other areas it is a battle just to survive.
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park through donations and purchases has reached 890 acres in size. As you gaze over the cliffs it becomes easier to imagine what life would have been like in the earlier days of expeditions and settlement in the United States. The area at one time was home to the Tuscarora and Saponi Indian tribes. Their settlement spread across the land between the Neuse and Pamlico rivers. Rivers during that time period were a key source of transportation. The Neuse river was this and much more as it played a role in history. It was the river that provided transportation to the Pamlico Sound and Atlantic Ocean during the Civil War. Another interesting thing to take note of was its use as mineral water cures in the early 20th century.
As I gazed into the water, a bluish reflection captured my attention. Amidst the murky water this blue color made the river beautiful. Nature has a way of teaching us lessons in life. When the waters of life get murky, a ray of blue is just around the corner.
The Neuse River has freshwater fish including striped bass, shad, catfish, blue gill, redear sunfish, and largemouth bass that visitors may fish for.
I wasn’t expecting to see sand, but at the shore footprints marked the sand and raised roots reminded me of fossils. In areas where the rivers ran through, there were mounds rising from the ground that reminded me of stalagmites
Beauty Berry – desert for birds!
After contacting the Cliffs of the Neuse State Park office, I learned that the 11-acre swim lake is devoid of fish because the iron content in the lake is so high that fish cannot reproduce. The good news is that they are adding a canoe/kayak put-in above the park this year to help paddlers.
For those that prefer hiking, they will also have 2.25 miles of new hiking trail coming in this year!
Rose petals scattered across the sand. There must have been a wedding.
Just for laughs…
Bible verse to ponder
Job 12: 7 – 10 (ESV) “But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.”
Extra “Making a Difference”
Conserving nature is important to me, but even more important is helping people. After the market burned down in Bujumbura, Africa many vendors lost there livelihood which deeply effected the families throwing them deeper into poverty. My dad and I worked together to make the video above which shows the fire and talks about the Life Excellence Training Center we want to build. It will help train these individuals in skills that will help them with starting businesses and getting jobs. To learn about this project and donate visit Pure Charity. https://www.purecharity.com/life-excellence-center Together we can make a difference!