CHAPEL HILL - Duke University has announced the acquisition of 41 more acres in the Duke Forest Korstian Division, located in a rapidly growing region of Orange County between Mt. Sinai and Whitfield roads.

The acquisition is an important action in the Duke Forest's efforts to conserve ecologically and historically important land throughout the region, Duke reports on the forest Web site.

The conservation easement will protect a stretch of New Hope Creek, add diversity to the forest's existing stock of old hardwood trees and connect the Korstian Division to the Triangle Land Conservancy's Johnston Mill Nature Preserve a few miles to the west.

The strategic acquisition forms a natural corridor for wildlife between Erwin Road and N.C. 86 and will be used for research and teaching purposes, the Web site says. A guided walk of the forest, offered April 3, filled quickly; however, additional tours and events are planned, including a hike of the Korstian Division in May at a day and time to be announced.

To learn about future events at the forst go to www.dukeforest. duke.edu/events/events.html