Home Care In Reedy Creek, NC

The Pulse

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture has been cited for four water quality violations related to its clear-cutting of 19 acres for a State Fair parking lot, according to environmental documents. The fair operates under the Agriculture Department.

Policy Watch reported last September that State Fair officials had exploited legal loopholes to timber the land at 5900 Chapel Hill Road in Raleigh, which abuts the residential Westover-Mt. Vernon neighborhood.

A November 2021 letter addressed to David Smith, deputy agriculture commissioner, from the NC Department of Environmental Quality described how on Oct. 4, inspectors found 10 feet of an unnamed stream had been illegally filled with dirt and rock.

The unnamed stream feeds Richland Creek, which in turn flows into the Neuse River. Richland Creek is classified as Nutrient Sensitive Water; that means its health is vulnerable to contaminants in runoff.

Waterways within the Neuse River Basin are subject to special rules to protect its riparian buffers that extend 50 feet on either side of a stream.

The fill occurred as part of an illegal construction of a plastic culvert on the property.

Nor had the State Fair paid DEQ compensatory mitigation fees for the legally permitted damage to two-thirds of an acre of buffer. That money was due to DEQ before any land disturbance could occur. DEQ did not provide an exact dollar amount of the fees by deadline. Rates vary by type of impacts and the watershed.

The Department of Agriculture did not respond to an email seeking more information.

A DEQ spokesperson said the agency is still waiting for verification that the agriculture department received the notice of violation. There is no record that the Agriculture Department has paid the mitigation fees.

The State Fair parking lot was part of a $30 million land deal between Bandwidth, a publicly traded tech company, and the NC Department of Administration.

Bandwidth bought DOA-owned property at Edwards Mill and Reedy Creek roads for its headquarters. But the State Fair had used that land for parking, so in return for eliminating those thousands of spaces, Bandwidth and its developer, Athens Development Partners, agreed to improve “parking capacity and function” for the Fair, according to the purchase agreement.

Athens Development Partners is a collaboration between East West Partners and Capitol Broadcasting; they paid for the parking lot and oversaw the land clearing. The Department of Agriculture, though, owns State Fair parking lot. It also applied for and received the state and federal water quality permits. That’s why the Agriculture Department was cited, and not East West Partners, according to the DEQ spokesperson.

On Oct. 12, the day before the 2021 State Fair began, a DEQ inspector returned to the site with a representative of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which had granted the project a federal permit. DEQ had received a call on Oct. 11 from East West Partners, “self-reporting” that it had illegally filled 200 linear feet of stream with two to three feet of sediment, documents show. That amount of sediment would likely kill any aquatic life buried underneath.

Another 130 feet of buffer area had been filled in with sediment and gravel, three inches deep, also a violation.

On Oct. 25, two days after the State Fair ended, the plastic culvert had been removed, state documents read, and workers were removing the sediment.

DEQ told Smith in the letter that all sediment and gravel had to be removed from streams and buffers with “shovels and buckets” — not heavy equipment. The Agriculture Department is responsible for ensuring other restoration occurs, including erosion control and reseeding.

The Charlotte Observer Service Journalism desk is committed to providing answers to questions that matter to you and your community. In this space, reader-submitted inquiries -- such as the one below -- will be investigated each day by our team of reporters.

Living in a growing city like Charlotte can sometimes feel like a double-edged sword. On one hand, the city shows promise as a ceaselessly burgeoning hub for culture, tourism, and business. However, such exponential growth does not come without sacrifice.

More high-rises, parking garages, and breweries typically mean less room for outdoor activities in open spaces.

Even with expanding roads and biking lane initiatives, it’s possible that residents who bike and hike might feel less comfortable in crowded areas. Many Charlotteans have experienced an increase in traffic that poses a variety of safety concerns for pedestrians and cyclists.

Here are some of the best spots in and around Charlotte that hiking and biking enthusiasts might want to explore:

McDowell Nature Preserve

The McDowell Nature Preserve is free and open to the public, however, camping on the premises may require a fee from visitors. Located at 15222 York Rd., the grounds include a lake, a nature center, designated campgrounds, and various trails for walking or biking. The preserve is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve

The Reedy Creek Preserve boasts 927 acres of forested habitat and over 10 miles of hiking trails, making this easily navigable terrain a perfect destination for those who enjoy hiking with a view. Cyclists are required to remain on paved roads and gravel trails within the preserve and are not allowed on natural surface trails. You can visit the preserve at 2986 Rocky River Rd. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Visiting the Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve is free..

Evergreen Nature Preserve

The Evergreen Nature Preserve sits on 77 acres of undeveloped land surrounded by urban development. The hiking trails at the preserve stretch for nearly two miles and are relatively flat. The preserve is located just 10 minutes from the heart of Charlotte at 1336 Norland Rd. and is open from 7 a.m to 7 p.m. daily. The Evergreen Nature Preserve does not require an entry fee from visitors.

Lower McAlpine Creek Greenway

The Lower McAlpine Creek Greenway provides a vibrant safe haven from the hustle and bustle of Charlotte. The trails are wide, well-maintained, and allow visitors to traverse through nearly six miles of lush marshland and forested greenway. Located at 12001 Shandon Cir., it is perfect for bicyclists and those who want to stroll through the scenic territory. Admission is free.

Sherman Branch Mountain Biking Park

If you’re ready for a more vigorous biking experience, Sherman Branch Mountain Biking Park, located at 12435 Rocky River Church Rd., might provide you with the thrills you seek. A perfect starting point for beginners and an escape for established mountain biking enthusiasts, this forested biking park provides nearly 12 miles of trails for cyclists. The trail’s various slopes, ramps, and jumps make it quite the workout for novice riders and experts alike. The Sherman Branch Mountain Biking Park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., free of charge. Visit the official Tarheel Trailblazers website to check the status of the trail before making a trip.

Renaissance Park

Renaissance Park is a forested biking park managed by the Tarheel Trailblazers and hosts four miles worth of invigorating cycling trails. Berms, jumps, and climbs ensure an optimized mountain biking experience for intermediate riders. The park is open daily from 7:00 a.m to 7:00 p.m. and admission is free . You can visit Renaissance Park at 1536 W. Tyvola Rd. in Charlotte, but be sure to visit the official Tarheel Trailblazers website to check the status of the trail as closures due to muddy conditions are not uncommon.

Anne Springs Close Greenway – Fort Mill, SC

Including nearly 2,100 acres of lakes, ponds, forested land, and pastures, Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill provides plenty of space for outdoor activities. Included in its many amenities are trails for biking and hiking, kayaking, and horseback riding. Each trail at the greenway is conveniently marked with a specific color to indicate the usage of the trail. Yellow trails are reserved exclusively for hiking, purple trails are used for horseback riding and hiking, while red and green trails are used for mountain biking and hiking. Trails are open daily from 7 a.m to sunset. Daily usage fees include a cost of $12 per visitor ages 13 and older and $6 for ages 5 to 12. The trails and almost all amenities at Anne Springs Close Greenway can be used free for registered members.

Colonel Francis Beatty Park – Matthews

Open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Colonel Francis Beatty Park offers nearly six miles of trails for walking and leisurely bike riding. The park’s main trail features very little elevation and can be completed in one single loop. You can visit the park at 4330 Weddington Rd. in Matthews, is free.

North Mecklenburg Park – Huntersville

North Mecklenburg Park, located at 16131 Old Statesville Rd., is a 98-acre area used primarily for recreation. The park hosts nearly three miles of trails for walking and biking and is considered moderately populated by fellow visitors. The trail features a variety of twists, turns, roots, and jumps for bikers and is considered simple and non-strenuous for those who choose to hike instead. North Mecklenburg Park is free of charge and is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

This story was originally published February 10, 2022, 7:00 AM.

Community gardens aren't just a way to beautify cities; they foster relationships and teach life skills. This special report explores how community gardens are giving back to Charlotte, plus area farmers markets to visit and gardening tips to try yourself.

Mecklenburg County’s community garden program didn’t start during the COVID-19 pandemic. But it’s safe to say that what was already a very popular program has become even more in demand since 2020.

Tim Turton, who leads the county’s community garden efforts, says their 20 gardens were about 80% full two years ago.

Now? Closer to 99%.

“I think during the pandemic, people wanted to get out, they wanted to have some serenity, they wanted to have the wonderful ability to grow something,” Turton said. “So yes, I think it’s taken off since the pandemic.”

Turton understands why. He’s been gardening for about 40 years, and has “always had an attraction to that, the ability to eat fresh and grow things and watch them grow and produce. That’s always been an exciting thing for me.”

About 600 gardeners use Mecklenburg County community gardens, renting plots for about $15-20 per year, and each is led by a garden captain. Interested gardeners must fill out an application, which can be obtained by emailing [email protected]. Although most gardens are filled, there’s a waiting list for openings.

Turton loves to see the variety of people who garden and the crops that they grow at each of the sites.

“We have gardeners from Cameroon who grow ornamental perennials that I didn’t know were edible,” he said, “and they’re eating them and they have a particular way of gardening where they mound things up real high. We have people who love to grow the hottest peppers in the world. People grow all kinds of things.”

Mecklenburg County’s Community Garden Sites:

This story was originally published May 20, 2022, 6:00 AM.

Jodie Valade is a former Planning and Enterprise Editor at The Charlotte Observer. She has also worked at WFAE as a digital editor, and freelanced for publications such as The Athletic, The Washington Post and The New York Times. She was a longtime, award-winning sports features and enterprise reporter at The Plain Dealer in Cleveland, Ohio. She also worked at The Dallas Morning News covering the Dallas Mavericks — where she became Mark Cuban’s lifelong email pen pal — and at The Kansas City Star.

No matter the season in Charlotte, we’re at the park or on the greenways. Freedom Park, of course. Or Romare Bearden. Reedy Creek. McMullen or McAlpine. Whitewater Center.

Yes, yes, we know about those places already, you’re probably thinking. If you’ve been in Charlotte for more than five minutes, you have been to these outdoor spots — and for good reason, they are staples here.

But what about lesser-known outdoor spots around the Queen City, its hidden gems? We’ve got a few of those, too! Here are three of our favorite parks and greenways that are off the beaten path:

Location: 4200 Redwood Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205

Howie Acres Neighborhood Park has three entrances, subtly tucked away on neighborhood streets. The biggest surprise, however, is when you get there by taking a walk through NoDa. Turn left at the Fitness Factory, walk past Sugar Creek station and under the bridge.

You’ll think you’re past the residential parts of your walk — and then you’ll find Bearwood Avenue a sweet surprise. The street, part of the historic Black neighborhood Howie Acres, is lined with cozy houses — including residents sitting on front porches waving hello as you walk by. At the end of the street is the park. Mosey through it — it’s not big, with winding sidewalks and playground equipment — and come out of it on Howie Circle.

Take the loop either way to stop at Eastway Drive — you’ll spy Roses and Bojangles across the street, and you might wonder how you got there so quickly from NoDa.

Magic, that’s how.

Location: Poplar and 9th Street, Charlotte NC 28202

Blink and you’ll miss the Secret Fountain in Fourth Ward — but it’s got a park sign and even has posted hours. It’ll take just a few steps to get from one side to the other. I’ve heard it called the smallest park in Charlotte — and I’d be shocked if that weren’t true.

The park even has a small fountain in the middle.

Enter at North Poplar Street, and then once you’re out the other side, you’ll be facing Alexander Michael’s — the perfect spot to sit down with a brew and some comfort food after all that walking through the park you just did!

Location: Park at 17820 Marvin Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277; greenway begins just across Patterson Road.

Here’s the real secret: Despite its name stating otherwise, Six Mile Creek Greenway is less than one mile long (.92 miles).

Because it’s so short, if you go at the right time you might get the whole trail to yourself. When I was training for my first marathon, I used to ride my bike to the trail and then run up and down as many times as it took to get my miles in. It’s beginner friendly — both flat and paved (with wooden bridges). It can get a little muddy if it’s been raining a lot, so keep that in mind.

And the one time I saw a copperhead out there, I realized how truly isolating it is without other people around — so make sure to bring a buddy. (For the record, the copperhead didn’t even blink as I sprinted past it to my bike at top speed that day!)

This story was originally published April 13, 2023, 5:00 AM.

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Enjoy a short hike to 200-year-old ruins along Reedy Creek. This area of the park is fairly isolated, so prepare for solitude. BY MATT CLAPP

Trip Stats Distance: 4.3 miles Time: 1.5 hours Distance from Uptown Charlotte: 20 minutes More Info: Best Hikes Near Charlotte by Jennifer Pharr Davis

Prepare 1. Enter “Reedy Creek Park” into Google Maps 2. If you play disc golf, bring a disc and play a round on the way back.

Explore Mile 0.0: From parking lot at the dog park, which is on your left if you’re facing the kiosk, walk south along the fence (to your left). 0.15: Cross the asphalt road and continue left at the fork immediately after the road. The baseball diamond will be on your right. 0.3: At the fork, veer left to stay close to the soccer field on your left. After a hundred feet you reach another fork, stay left. 0.4: At the concrete slab for hole 14 of the disc golf course, turn right to stay on the trail. 0.6: At the picnic pavilion, continue straight, as if you walked directly through the pavilion. A few hundred feet later, upon reaching the restrooms, turn left down the wide dirt road. 0.9: Upon reaching the T junction with the sign for the Sassafras Trail, turn left. 1.0: Upon reaching a junction with the Sierra Loop Trail, turn left and begin following the blazes of the red triangle with the white hiker. After a few hundred feet, ignore the faint spur trail to you left and stay on the main trail to the right. 1.3: Cross a wooden bridge and immediately turn right. 1.9: Upon reaching the Robinson Rockhouse Ruins Trail sign, just before the bridge, turn left. 2.2: Arrive at Robinson Rockhouse Ruins. Explore and return the way you came. 2.5: At the Robinson Rockhouse Trail Luo turn right onto the Sierra Trail. 3.1: Cross the bridge 3.5: At the Sierra Loop Trail, turn right. 3.6: At the Sassafras Trail, turn right. 3.65: At the restrooms, turn right towards the pavilion. At the pavilion, continue straight to the trail past it on the right. 3.85: At the fork, veer left staying close to the disc golf area. 4.0: At the soccer field, you may see people playing cricket on the weekend. Sit and watch a match. 4.1: At the baseball diamond, stay right and walk a semi-circle round it, keeping it to your left until reach the asphalt road. 4.3: Cross the asphalt road.

Reward 1. Play a round of disc golf if you brought a disc. 2. Watch a cricket match on the weekend on your hike back. 3. On your drive home, stop by New Century Oriental Food Supermarket at Asian Corner Mall. Buy a bunch of frozen dumplings and invite friends over later for dim sum by steaming them in a pot or rice cooker. 4. Grab some tacos or a burrito at Phat Burrito.

My Day Weather: 43 and sunny Drink: Homemade ginger tea with honey Song: Indi Groove by Chinese Man Water: 16 oz.

Robinson Rockhouse Ruins

Barren Forest

Bridge Over Troubled Waters

The Trail’s the Thing

Felled Tree

Trail Facts