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Dedicated to restoring Ellerbe Creek and making it an asset for the citizens of Durham, the Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association gained official 501(c)(3) non-profit status in April of 1999. Since then, it has received two matching grants from Durham County to purchase 17 wooded acres along Ellerbe Creek for an urban nature reserve and public trail. Durham's West Ellerbe Creek Trail now links the Reserve to Indian Trail Park and Westover Park, offering a convenient oasis of nature in one of Durham's old city neighborhoods.
In addition to the Reserve, ECWA is working with NC State and NC Wetland Restoration Program watershed specialists to restore sections of Ellerbe Creek, demonstrating ways to utilize storm water in wetland gardens, promoting the creation of a unique wildlife/recreation area on waste ground behind Durham's closed landfill, and working with developers, homeowners and city government to preserve green space and reduce storm water impacts on the creek.
Long-term goals for the organization include the establishment of a watershed-wide volunteer network and completion of an urban trail system linking all parts of the watershed, preservation of Ellerbe Creek's headwaters and other special features, and restoration of the creek's channel and floodplain.
Another goal is to bring back the rich native flora of the Ellerbe Creek valley, much of which survives only in remnants along roadways, in ditches, or here and there along the creek. A remarkable variety of wetland and prairie species once thrived in the watershed, and are being reintroduced to city parks, trail sides and ECWA Urban Nature Reserve.
The ECWA Board of Directors normally meets on the second Tuesday of each month and you are cordially invited to attend these meetings. Please check out the organizational calendar for the latest information on meeting dates and times.