Drought 2007 Effects on Middle Crabtree Trail and Creek, Raleigh NC

Drought 2007 effects on Middle Crabtree Trail and Creek
Notes on Raleigh Greenway

The drought of 2007 has placed central North Carolina between storms off the coast and floods in the interior cities. It is not unusual to have a spell of clear dry hot weather. That said, this has proven to be a tough hot year.

Consistent with my love of the greenways, I wondered how the drought is affecting the trails. Middle Crabtree Trail is one of the most beautiful trails, though not as well known to city residents as the lake trails.

This trail has had a hard time as it is easily affected when flooding occurs. The boardwalk, which covers a large portion of the trail, has been affected by both erosion near Capital Blvd. and buckling due to heat near Raleigh Blvd.

Bikers have enjoyed this trail when it is open as a connection between Buckeye trail to the east and a range of trails going westward across the city.

Though I have not seen many bird watchers out on this trail, I have seen a lot of birds. In particular the watery area beside the trail is often the chosen dining area for blue heron, plovers, seagulls and black birds. Occasionally the area's vast swarms of Canadian geese will join them, although usually there is only one or two here.

When the woods are flooded near here it is sometimes possible to spot wood ducks.

Along the wooded trails, song birds and other small birds are plentiful. They tend to be easy to see as they flit from one hiding place to another. It is incredibly difficult to snap a good picture of them.

Hawks and owls can occasionally be seen along the trail. The dense vegetation protects their prey except when it decides to cross the paved trails and boardwalks.

Turtles and small fish are abundant along this trail when the water is high. Sometimes black pools form in the water as small fish are spawning. The birds are quick to take notice of these opportunities.

Visiting the trail on September 9th, I noticed that the drought has had only a limited effect. Crabtree Creek, though it appeared a little sluggish, was flowing within its banks.