Public Nature Preserves
ECWA’s five public nature preserves are part of a network of preserves and trails for hiking, biking, and walking from the Ellerbe Creek headwaters to Falls Lake. The preserves are a place for adults and children to enjoy the outdoors and the wonders of nature.

​Land Stewardship
Volunteers are responsible for the care and stewardship of our preserves. They manage invasive species, tend to native plants, build and maintain trails, and much more. Each year, we host over 20 groups in workdays led by our staff and volunteer Preserve Stewards.

Nature Education
ECWA offers regular nature walks and educational programs focused on the plants and animals of the watershed. Volunteers regularly document wildlife sightings from hundreds of species of birds to beavers and coyotes.

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Creek Smart Practices
We teach hands-on workshops to help Durham property owners learn how to install and maintain rain gardens, cisterns, and where appropriate, more complex bioretention systems.
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Creek Camaraderie
We encourage fellow creek lovers to share their stories of the creek so that their neighbors can enjoy the nature in their own backyard and become Ellerbe Creek champions. Our work is centered in neighborhoods, where community members can walk together in their neighborhood preserve, learn together on a nature walk, or work together to clean up the creek.