Fall 2025 

At the November 13, 2025, Council Quarterly meeting, Council voted to name the Earnest Jones Property as Bryson Nature Preserve, in recognition of the outstanding contributions of longtime Councilmember Jennifer Bryson Robinson.

Background 

As Cary’s population has continued to grow, there has been a corresponding need to maintain sufficient parkland and open space to meet the demand of Cary’s citizens. In August 2020, the Town of Cary purchased 217.07 acres of former farmland along Earnest Jones Road in Chatham County. The purchase was possible because of $20M in the 2019 Community Bonds, allocated to acquiring land to preserve open space in Cary, with a priority on forestland, farms, and green space. With a continued commitment to preserving an interconnected system of natural resources, Cary recognizes that protecting these lands protects the water supply and reduces flood hazards. The acquisition implements actions in the 2012 PRCR Master Plan to protect ecologically important areas and expand heritage programming.

Overview

The site consists of woodlands, agricultural fields, and a portion of Indian and Turtle creeks within the Jordan Lake Watershed. It is located along Earnest Jones Road, between Yates Store Road and Mount Pisgah Church Road in Chatham County. The site is also adjacent to the Cary-owned New Hope Trailhead and Diavolo Disc Golf Course along the American Tobacco Trail.

Contact

Dial 311 within Cary limits or (919) 469-4000 outside of Cary, or email 311@carync.gov