NATURAL RESOURCES

Our Vision: Natural resources are protected, connected, and managed to enhance ecosystem integrity and public health.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Safe and Healthy Ecosystems

Our natural resources provide more than just recreation and beauty. Green space, trees, and trails are important assets to protect our public health and well-being, keep our air and water clean, cool our streets and homes, and create invaluable wildlife habitat. Additionally, plants and trees absorb GHG emissions and other types of air pollution. Cary's Sustainability and Climate Action Strategy builds on our history of thoughtful stewardship to keep our natural resources safe and healthy while ensuring every citizen can enjoy their many benefits for generations to come. 

TREE CANOPY & OPEN SPACE

Access for All

Cary maintains more than 30 public parks and natural areas and over 95 miles of greenways. Connecting parks and trails allows more residents to enjoy these community assets and conserves natural spaces for future generations.

Check out the map below to explore Cary's many parks and natural recreation spaces.

TREE CANOPY & OPEN SPACE

Keep Cary Green

From forested parks to shaded neighborhood streets, more than half of our community is covered by a beautiful, leafy canopy.

Learn more about Cary's trees 

Canopy Tree Plotter, Town of Cary (2022).

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

My Tree, Our Tree

Our community has a special spot in its heart for trees. For several years, Cary has operated a highly successful tree giveaway event called My Tree, Our Tree to encourage citizens to plant native trees on their properties.

Since launching in 2021, 5,902 native trees have been distributed with planting and maintenance guidelines to help citizens green their landscapes. Native trees are indigenous to our region and better suited for our environment, which means they naturally use less water and provide better homes for local wildlife. 

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Help Our Ecosystems Thrive

Discover tips and resources for planting and caring for trees on your own property and learn how Cary is taking steps to protect parks and open space.


Explore tree events and programs.
Stay up-to-date on Cary's Urban Forest Master Plan.
Check out Cary's parks and recreation facilities.
Join us for community events and volunteer opportunities.
NC State offers continuing education programs and professional development.