For generations, the historic Mims Property has been one of the quiet natural anchors of Holly Springs—a pocket of mature forest that has remained largely unchanged as the town has grown around it. Many residents remember walking its shaded paths, hearing spring‑fed creeks after a rain, or spotting wildlife moving through the understory. It is one of the last places in our community where you can still experience what this region looked like before rapid development transformed the landscape.

This forest is more than a green space. It is a living remnant of the southeastern habitat that once stretched across Wake County—an intact ecosystem that cools the air, shelters wildlife, protects water quality, and offers a peaceful refuge for people who seek quiet in a fast‑growing town. Under this magical tree canopy is the final resting place of GB Alford and his wife in their historic family cemetery. Losing Mims Forest, even in part, would mean losing a piece of our shared history and sacrificing the last significant forest in the heart of Holly Springs.

The Town’s goal of maintaining a 30% mature tree canopy reflects an effort to balance growth with environmental stewardship. But as our region has changed, so has our understanding of what our environment needs. The southeastern habitat that once flourished here cannot survive on fragmented patches of trees. To keep our air clean, our water healthy, and our community connected to nature, at least 50% of mature forests and connected canopies must be preserved. This is not just an environmental benchmark—it is a commitment to the well‑being of everyone who calls Holly Springs home.

When the Town gathered input in 2012, residents were offered three development concepts, all involving clearing or altering parts of the forest. The option to protect the forest in its entirety was never presented. Only a small number of residents participated, and at that time, the urgency of preservation was not yet clear. Since then, hundreds of acres of mature canopy and wetlands across south Wake County have been replaced by rapid industrial, commercial, and residential growth. What felt optional in 2012 has become essential in 2026.

Today, we feel the difference. Summers are hotter, days are louder, night are brighter, and wildlife have been pushed to the few remaining stands of mature trees as they attempt to escape the destruction. We see less rainfall and fewer species that once moved freely through connected corridors of trees. These changes are the direct result of losing mature, interconnected forests like the Mims Property.

This 17‑acre forest is a living system: spring‑fed creeks, shaded understory, rich soil, and a canopy that cools the air and shelters countless species. Urbanizing it—even with good intentions—would unravel a habitat that is already functioning well. A manicured lawn cannot replace a woodland. A constructed “wetland walk” cannot replicate a natural wetland. Artificial lighting and chemicals to treat the grasses, the ornamentals, and to suppress insects will harm pollinators, amphibians and other wildlife native to Mims. These spaces are already sustaining life and supporting the health of our community.

Residents cannot assume that the most environmentally responsible choice will be made without strong public involvement. Now is the moment for our voices to matter.

Preserving the Mims Property would allow Holly Springs to stand out as a community that chooses foresight over convenience and stewardship over short‑term development. It would show that we value the natural character of our town and understand that once a forest is gone, it cannot be restored.

The Town’s current plan would fragment a rare, intact woodland and wetland habitat that protects us from heat, noise, light, and air pollution. It would damage the very ecosystem that our remaining wildlife relies on. In Mims Forest, mammals find refuge. Pollinators, songbirds, amphibians and fish thrive.

Developers have already been contacted for partnership with conversion of this forest. Without public action, this habitat will be lost. The Mims Property is one of the last refuges for wildlife in an area where development has closed in from all sides. To destroy it now would be a profound loss—not only for nature, but for every future resident who will never know what once stood here.

We therefore ask that the Mims Property be designated as a historic woodland preserve and wildlife habitat. Maintaining the forest and its primitive trails in their natural state would cost far less than constructing and maintaining manufactured entertainment areas, manicured lawns, artificial lighting and chemically treated green spaces. Nature is already doing the work—quietly and at no cost to the Town.

For those who want to see what a developed urban park looks like, downtown Cary provides a clear example: manicured lawns, entertainment‑focused design, and a landscape built for people rather than for the environment. Urban parks like this can be built anywhere. A mature forest cannot.

In Holly Springs, two additional parks are already in the plans. A 56-acre “Eagles Landing” recreation complex and park planned for Cass Holt Road across from Holly Springs High School and an additional 7‑acre urban park planned for the forested corner of Rex Road and Avent Ferry. With these projects, there is no practical or environmental justification for destroying Mims Forest, even in part. Protecting Mims is the responsible, forward‑thinking choice for the health of our ecosystem and the future of Holly Springs.

TLDR:

• Mims is a historic, mature forest in Holly Springs that was donated by the Mims family in 2011. Mims Forest can and should be protected by the town for its mature tree canopy, its natural spring‑fed creeks and its vibrant, functioning ecosystem.
• The Town’s 30% canopy goal is outdated; at least 50% mature canopy is needed to sustain our southeastern habitat.
• The 2012 planning process never offered full preservation and involved limited community input.
• Rapid development since 2012 has removed hundreds of acres of mature canopy and wetlands across south Wake County alone.
• Residents now feel the environmental impact: hotter summers, less rainfall, more noise and light pollution, and displaced wildlife.
• Urbanizing the forest would permanently damage it; manicured and chemically treated parks cannot replace natural woodlands.
• Developers have already been contacted, making public action urgent.
• Designating Mims as a historic woodland preserve would cost less than installing a recreational park and it would protect one of the last intact forests in the area.
• Two additional large urban parks are already planned nearby, eliminating any need to destroy this forest.
• A mature forest cannot be rebuilt once lost.

Town of Holly Springs Plan for Mims Forest: mims-planning

Videos available of Mims Forest and the Mims Nature Trail (2026): @savemimstrailpreserve