The Triangle Land Conservancy has officially opened the Old Creedmoor Nature Preserve, a new recreational area located on the Wake-Durham county line near Raleigh. This preserve transforms land once intended for housing development into a protected area featuring hiking and mountain biking trails, as well as connections to the Mountains-to-Sea Trail around Falls Lake.

Community and Conservation

The preserve has been a well-known spot among local mountain bikers for its unofficial trail network. Conservation groups collaborated with trail organizations to enhance and reroute parts of the system, adding bridges and addressing erosion-prone areas before making it accessible to the public. Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell highlighted the preserve’s value as a place to escape urban life and enjoy nature.

Beyond its recreational offerings, the preserve plays a crucial role in environmental conservation. Situated in the Upper Neuse River Basin, it contains streams that feed into Falls Lake, a vital drinking water source for over half a million people in the region. Preserving these forests helps naturally filter runoff before it reaches the reservoir, acting as an ‘unmanned water treatment plant,’ according to Ed Buchan, Raleigh Water’s watershed protection manager.

Permanent Protection

The acquisition of the preserve was supported by the city of Raleigh Watershed Protection Program and Wake County’s Open Space Program. Triangle Land Conservancy assures that the property will remain protected indefinitely. Visitors are advised that trails may close during wet conditions to prevent erosion, with updates available through Triangle Land Conservancy.

The preserve is located at 13509 Old Creedmoor Road in Wake Forest, offering a natural retreat for local residents and visitors alike.

Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.