Art in parks? Bond project raises natural awarness

A very unique project funded by the 2008 bond measure to raise natural awareness is finally taking shape in several of the district’s most popular natural areas.

Nature Revealed: Discovering Nature through Art funds natural resource art installations at five significant natural areas and parks. The project was conceived to educate patrons about natural history and the environment, encourage them to connect with nature, and foster repeat visitation to our parks.

The first installation was put in place earlier this month at Jordan Woods Natural Area.

“Mossuments,” created by artist Vaughn Bell, consists of three large granite sculptures that focus on the small things in nature (i.e. moss) in a grand, monumental way.

“It was fun for my 8-year-old son,” said Michael Barton, an employee of the Nature Park Interpretive Center who regularly visits park sites with his family.

“I told him there would be things to look for on the trail, and that became his pursuit, to find the installations before I found them.”

The granite blocks aren’t difficult to find; they’re huge.

“Seeing a 9,000 pound granite stone carried town a newly-restored trail is a little nerve-wracking,” said Kristin Atman, interpretive programs supervisor and the project’s manager.

Each stone has appropriate Ph levels to allow moss to grow, which means they will constantly be changed by nature.

“This particular installation is about how nature happens over time, in particular with the growth of moss on structures,” Barton said. “My son got excited thinking about coming back in the future and seeing what changes actually happened.”

Four other installations will take place in the coming months:

• This week: Greenway Park
• Early September: Raleigh Swim Center/Park
• September/October: Hazeldale Park
• October/November: Bethany Lake Park

The scope of the project is vast, Atman said, requiring close cooperation among Natural Resources, Maintenance and Planning & Development staffs.

“We’ve relied on a lot of people across the District,” Atman said. “Tim Bonnin, Keith Watson, John Henshaw, Mike Fontenot, Nick Koch, and numerous other Natural Resource, Planning, and Maintenance staff have all been super helpful, stepping up and lending their expertise to get this done. We have an amazing team of people and I couldn't have done this without their help and support.”