Altogether, expect several miles of easy walking. All trails will be flat and gravel. Make sure to pack a lunch and wear comfortable shoes.

Moses H. Cone Memorial Park is home to many miles of trails, several lakes, and beautiful scenery. Not to mention, it is excellent for birding. It is home to some of the only public lakes in Watauga County, so Moses Cone always has something to offer.

We will begin at Bass Lake, where our primary focus will be wintering waterfowl. Expected species include Blue-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Wood Duck, and possibly Ruddy Duck along with American Coot and Pied-billed Grebe, but there can always be surprises! Other species of interest are Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Winter Wren. In addition to birds, the cove forests here are home to old-growth Eastern Hemlocks, extensive thickets of Rhododendron, abundant lichens, and several plants special to Southern Appalachia.

Next, we will go to Price Lake. Hooded Merganser, Green-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall are additional waterfowl we might encounter. We will end at Trout Lake where we will scan the lake for any additional waterfowl. Other highlights include possible Fox Sparrow and maybe a salamander or two!