CHATHAM COUNTY, NC – The public is invited to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of the George Pauly Nature Trail at Chatham County’s Northeast District Park. The new trail honors the life and legacy of a longtime resident and dedicated conservation advocate.

The George Pauly Nature Trail is a 0.6-mile natural surface trail that winds through upland successional forest and an evolving wildflower meadow. The project was made possible by a donation from the Haw River Assembly in recognition of George Pauly’s contributions to conservation and environmental stewardship in Chatham County.

WHAT: Ribbon cutting ceremony for the George Pauly Nature Trail

WHERE: Northeast District Park, 5408 Big Woods Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27517

WHEN: Friday, May 8, 2026 at 3:00 PM

All are welcome to attend and celebrate the opening of this new community trail.

George Pauly lived near Jordan Lake, adjacent to Northeast District Park, and played an instrumental role in the park’s creation while serving on the Chatham County Recreation Advisory Committee. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Haw River Assembly and led its Highway 64 Bridge River Watch monitoring team. A passionate advocate for sustainability, biodiversity, and native plants, George dedicated his life to protecting the natural environment. He passed away in 2021.