The Preserves of the Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association

Affectionately known as the "Beaver Marsh" by many who have visited this site, the 32.5 acres have for several years been at the top of ECWA’s list of properties to preserve, protect, and make available to the public. The acquisition represents the fifth preserve owned by ECWA and is a key link in realizing our vision of creating a network of preserves and trails along which people can hike, bike, and walk from the Ellerbe Creek headwaters to Falls Lake.

The property, located between Club Boulevard and Interstate 85, just behind Compare Foods off Roxboro Road, provides a beautiful oasis of green in an otherwise highly urbanized environment. Although the site is essentially in downtown Durham and non-native species such as japanese honeysuckle and garlic mustard are common, the site also has a diverse array of native plants. Over 75 species of migratory and resident birds have been spotted at the site as well as 10 species each of dragon and damsel flies and five species of frogs.

Of the 32.5 acres that comprise the site, 25.5 are classified as floodplain and wetland, including a ten-acre freshwater pond. The remaining seven upland acres are covered in mixed pine and hardwood forest. The small drainage area of the site indicates that very little of the stormwater from adjacent impervious areas drains to the pond, limiting the amount of pollutants (oil, heavy metals from tires, etc.) present in the pond. This pond drains directly to Ellerbe Creek and provides one of the few sources of high quality fresh water entering the creek.

Acquisition of the site meets multiple goals including the protection of Ellerbe Creek; the protection of Falls Lake, a drinking water source for over 425,000 people; the protection of valuable open space; the creation of a new public recreation resource; the control of destructive flooding; the protection of important plant and animal habitat and species; and the creation of a fifth link in ECWA’s network of trails and preserves. The site has been placed in a permanent conservation easement with the State of North Carolina that will protect it from development and protect its ecological and water quality values in perpetuity.

Although the property was appraised at $900,000.00, Anthony Dilweg, the landowner and former quarterback for Duke University and the Green Bay Packers, agreed to a “bargain sale” for roughly one-third of the appraised value. Funds for the purchase were provided by the North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund and the Upper Neuse Clean Water Initiative with ECWA providing in-kind services.

The new preserve has long been a treasured location for local residents and a popular destination of birders from throughout the triangle region. ECWA members, community groups and local residents have held dozens of clean-ups at the site with volunteers including ECWA, the Durham County Soil and Water District, Duke University, several neighborhood associations and the Boy Scouts. ECWA expects the recent acquisition to further raise the visibility of the site and draw in more volunteers and visitors. Long term plans for the site include the restoration of native flora, a wildlife viewing platform, educational kiosks, trails, boardwalks and benches.

Needless to say, creating truly usable trails and optimizing the other assets of the preserve will require the help of members, volunteers and beaver lovers everywhere, so please keep your eyes open for upcoming clean-ups and other activities at the site. You can also support the preserve and our other programs by joining us for guaranteed fun at the Beaver Queen Pageant and making a tax deductible contribution to support our work.

-- Diana Tetens, ECWA Executive Director - May 2009