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Property owners in Orange County will get new property values this week, and the county tax administrator is preparing them for big increases in value.

The rise is attributed to the thriving real estate market, where homes are being sold at significantly higher prices throughout the county. These property value increases are unprecedented in Orange County. Home values have risen significantly in the last four years —around 52% countywide.

The grand opening celebration of the Drakeford Library Complex located at 203 S. Greensboro St. will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 21. While the facility has been open to the public, the event to mark its completion is cause for celebration. The grand opening will feature a ribbon cutting, remarks by special guests including members of the Drakeford Family, and tours of the building. Refreshments will be provided by Neal’s Deli and Open Eye Café.

If you can't make the opening, check out this virtual tour.

The 2025 North Carolina Emergency Management Experience (NCEM) is a program designed to encourage young women in grades 9-12 to explore careers in emergency management and public safety. The workshop will take place from June 23-27, 2025 and will be hosted at the NC State Emergency Operations Center in Raleigh. There is no cost for students to participate in the program. Apply by April 21: https://www.ncdps.gov/ncem-management-experience

Orange County Creek Week celebrates the streams, lakes, and rivers that connect our communities. It's a weeklong series of activities like a litter cleanup challenge, community science BioThon, invasive plant removal, green infrastructure tours, and more!  

Weeklong Activities:

Orange County Creek Week BioThon
Discover how water connects us by documenting plant and animal species in your community as part of a countywide community science project. During Creek Week observations logged into iNaturalist will become part of the Creek Week BioThon. Join the BioThon online here.

Orange County Community Scavenger Hunt
Join us for a countywide scavenger hunt during Creek Week, where you'll uncover hidden treasures and explore the wonders of our local creeks. Pick up a scavenger hunt card at a Creek Week event or use the option to print your own.  

Join the buzz this March. 🐝🌸 Let your lawn grow wild and give pollinators a helping hand by participating in 'No Mow March.' You will save money and time, reduce noise, use less chemicals and gas, and help plants and animals! 

This home food preservation session will help you prepare for the season’s bounty using the best and safest methods for canning food at home. The workshop will take place on Wednesday, March 26 from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Bonnie B. Davis Center 1020 US-70 W. Suite 130 Hillsborough, NC 27278 (in front of the DMV).

Registration for 4-H Summer Camp is now open! 🚜🌾 To participate, youth must be between the ages of 5 and 18 as of January 1, 2025. 4-H membership is required, however, membership is FREE.

The Resource Conservation Workshop is a weeklong program where high school students learn about natural resources and conservation through field studies, tours, and hands-on activities. It also includes evening sessions on college and career planning. Students can win awards and scholarships through various programs. Students stay on campus at NC State.

Join the Extension & Community Association (ECA) for an Indoor Yard Sale Saturday, April 5, from 8-12 at the Bonnie B Davis Center located at 1020 US-70 W Suite 130, Hillsborough, NC 27278 (in front of the DMV). ECA members are raising money to provide a yearly Student Scholarship for higher education.

Do you know what to do during times of crisis or disaster? The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program provides members of the community with valuable training on basic disaster preparedness, first aid, fire suppression, and rescue. No experience is needed, and the training is free! Help bring preparedness and resilience to your neighborhood by registering for one of our upcoming CERT Basic training classes. 

Learn about pond maintenance and construction, wildlife management, fish production, and aquatic weeds at the Durham-Orange Pond Clinic on Saturday, May 17. Bring your aquatic weeds to be identified. This clinic is for those who own or plan to own large or agricultural ponds. 

We invite youths aged 5-17 to join the Catch and Release Fishing Tournament. Prizes will be awarded.

Kristin Prelipp: Assistant Orange County Community Relations Director, 919-245-2322, kprelipp@orangecountync.gov

General Questions: webadmin@orangecountync.gov

Website: www.orangecountync.gov

Phone: 919-732-8181

Language Assistance Services: 919-245-2498