Robertson Creek Nature Preserve Opens
CREEDMOOR – Tar River Land Conservancy (TRLC) and the Granville County Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on November 4 to open the newest nature preserve in southern Granville County. The Robertson Creek Nature Preserve offers visitors 1.9 miles of hiking trails to explore near downtown Creedmoor.
Numerous dignitaries participated in the ribbon cutting event, including NC Attorney General Josh Stein, Creedmoor Mayor Bobby Wheeler, Granville County Commissioner Tim Karan, and Granville County Sheriff John Hardy.
The Robertson Creek Nature Preserve is located at 2185 NC-56, Creedmoor, NC 27522. Visitors can find the property using a phone mapping application or car GPS system. Trails are open to visitors year-round during daylight hours. Trail maps are available at the trailhead parking area. Trails wind through diverse pine and hardwood woodland, across several streams, and along a large wetland.
In addition to offering hiking trails, the 155-acre preserve helps protect streams, floodplain, and wetlands, and safeguards habitat for North Carolina’s wildlife. TRLC purchased the property in 2016 with funding from the NC Attorney General’s Environmental Enhancement Grant program, City of Creedmoor, and City of Raleigh’s Watershed Protection Program. The Environmental Enhancement Grant program began after an agreement between the Attorney General’s Office and Smithfield Foods in 2000. Under that agreement, Smithfield provides $2 million to the state every year to be distributed among environmental projects across North Carolina.
The nature preserve trails were constructed by community volunteers and crews with the Conservation Corps North Carolina, a nonprofit group that helps land trusts and governmental agencies expand trail access across the state. Since September 2021, 122 volunteers contributed 650 hours of service to build trails, construct footbridges, and install benches and signs at the preserve. TRLC received grants and in-kind donations for the trail project from Granville County, City of Creedmoor, Town of Butner, Town of Stem, the Jandy Ammons Foundation, the Universal Leaf Foundation, and Sunrock.
Including the Robertson Creek Nature Preserve, TRLC now maintains 10.8 miles of hiking trails on four nature preserves near Butner, Creedmoor, and Stem.
The following quotes provided by project partners:
“Our goal was to protect the environmental values of the Robertson Creek Nature Preserve while also giving people recreational access. The collaboration between our funding partners, local leaders, and so many dedicated volunteers made that possible.”
Derek Halberg, Executive Director
Tar River Land Conservancy
“The Robertson Creek hiking trails will help preserve North Carolina’s natural beauty at the same time they strengthen the town of Creedmoor and help people stay healthy. My office is proud to have supported this nature preserve through our Environmental Enhancement Grant program, and I’m excited to participate in its ribbon cutting today.”
Josh Stein, Attorney General
State of North Carolina
“The trails at Robertson Creek Nature Preserve will offer residents and visitors nearly two miles of trails to explore, all within a short drive from everyone home in Creedmoor. As a long-time partner of Tar River Land Conservancy, we are grateful for their hard work to open these trails for our community.”
Bobby Wheeler, Mayor
City of Creedmoor
“This is what teamwork looks like. Granville County has partnered with the Tar River Land Conservancy for nearly two decades to conserve our county’s natural resources all while increasing access to recreational opportunities. Projects like the Robertson Creek Nature Preserve shows how teamwork and cooperation between county government, municipal government, and non-profits along with corporate and private philanthropy can make great things happen here in Granville.”
Tim Karan, County Commissioner, District 6
Granville County
“The Chamber is so thankful for the work that Tar River Land Conservancy does in Granville County and the surrounding areas. Every time a new nature preserve and trail opens, they are directly contributing to the physical health and mental wellbeing of residents and visitors. We value their partnership and look forward to continued collaboration!”
Lauren Bennett Roberson, Executive Director
Granville County Chamber of Commerce
“Universal Leaf is committed to making a positive impact in the areas where our employees and growers live. The Robertson Creek Nature Preserve project was a great opportunity for Universal to partner with Tar River Land Conservancy and others to provide a public place where individuals can go to see conservation work first hand. We look forward to seeing Tar River Land Conservancy continue to grow and do great work in our communities.”
Lindsay Efird, Assistant Vice President
Universal Leaf North America U.S., Inc.
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