Science-Driven Conservation

Rigorous science provides the foundation for successful conservation. The Durham County Open Space Program supports research to better understand and protect the County’s natural and cultural resources.

Biological Reports

The Open Space Program partners with local organizations, researchers, and citizen scientists to support field-based studies of some of Durham County's most important natural lands. This work has produced hundreds of pages worth of reports and data in just the past decade.

Landscape Connectivity

Wildlife corridors allow wild animals to move between larger blocks of protected habitat and are an essential part of conservation efforts in urban areas. The Open Space Program collaborates with groups like the Triangle Connectivity Collaborative to map corridors and habitat patches across the County.

Watershed Protection

Permanently protecting land around Durham rivers, streams, and lakes has been a core part of the Open Space Program's work for decades, and supports the work done by other local, state, and federal agencies to safeguard our drinking water and conserve important aquatic habitats.

Land Management And Stewardship

Conserving land isn't just about acquisitions, easements, and legal protections - it also requires managing our preserves and parks to safeguard the many benefits they provide to Durham County residents.

Wildlife Cameras

Images and videos from wildlife cameras provide insight into the diversity, range, and behavior of native fauna in Durham County Open Space parks and preserves.