Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center

The Rudolph Howell & Son Environmental Learning Center, or Howell Woods, is a unique 2,800-acre natural resource designed to provide excellent educational experiences while fostering environmental stewardship.

What's Happening at Howell Woods?

We have a new campground at Howell Woods. Fox Squirrel Ridge campground is a primitive campground nestled beside Hannah Creek. It is located on Fox Squirrel Ridge Trail near the Hannah Creek overlook off of Diversity Trail. The campground is open 365 days a year. Please call 919-938-0115 ext. 223 or 225 for availability.

Celestial observing dates starting 1 hour after sunset; Nov 26.
Lunar Observing Dates starting at sunset; Dec 3.
Amateur astronomers with their telescopes will help show you the night skies. If you have your own telescope or binoculars bring them out and observe with us. When driving into the parking area try not to shine your lights on the telescope viewing area as this effects the observer’s dark adaptation. Dress appropriately and check the Howell Woods Facebook page to determine if the event is canceled due to clouds or poor weather.

At Howell Woods, you can experience a variety of outdoor programs and recreational activities. Learn how to build a bird box, participate in bird banding, or go on a night safari. Go hiking, camping, canoeing, bird watching, hunting, fishing, and more!

Are you a nature novice or a seasoned outdoor enthusiast? Howell Woods offers educational opportunities and low impact outdoor recreation at different skill levels.

Lift your spirits, challenge yourself, and learn something in the process!

What Makes Us Different?

In 1993, Rudolph Howell donated the property to Johnston Community College with hopes that it be used as an outdoor classroom. Because of its size and variety of activities, Howell Woods has some rare offerings for nature enthusiasts of all skill levels. Nestled in a natural wooded setting between the Neuse River and Hannah and Mill creeks in southeastern Johnston County, Howell Woods incorporates hunting, outdoor recreation, wildlife and forestry management, as well as ongoing environmental research across its professionally maintained hardwood wetlands habitat.

Children, adults, and families can explore and discover native birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, freshwater fishes and numerous plant species in the natural wetlands atmosphere. At Howell Woods, you can find a number of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and biking; ponds and creeks for canoeing and fishing; sites for camping; as well as controlled hunting areas for feral pig, deer, waterfowl, quail, squirrel, and wild turkey.

The Learning Center showcases exhibits of live animals such as turtles, snakes, and several species of owl as well as a natural resource reference library.

Getting Here

Howell Woods is located at 6601 Devil’s Racetrack Road in the Bentonville community of southeastern Johnston County. The environmental learning center is in close proximity to interstates 95 and 40 in central North Carolina and is less than 45 miles from Raleigh, 20 miles from Goldsboro, and 15 miles from Smithfield and Newton Grove.

If you need help finding us, try the map or use the driving directions.

Our Staff

All extensions from main number - 919-938-0115

James Sasser, Director/Wildlife Biologist - ext. 221
Frank Grubbs, Wildlife Technician - ext. 222
Mike Rose, Operations Technician - ext. 223
Katrina McDougald, Education Biologist - ext. 225
Stephen Ashby, Operations Technician - ext. 224
General questions can be emailed to info@howellwoods.org

Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center
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