Drought 2007 Effects on Lake Pines, Apex NC

Drought 2007 effects on Lake Pines, Apex NC
Notes on Greenways near Raleigh, NC

The drought of 2007 has place 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 rough year for hot weather.

Consistent with my love of the greenways, I wondered how the drought was affecting the trails. Lake Pines has several popular trails for the residents of Apex and nearby (across the street) Cary.

Lake Pines is a busy and popular trail and park in the town of Apex. One side of the trail borders Cary while the other side is well into Apex.

Of all the greenway trails I have traveled around Raleigh, this one is closest to the ideal greenway trail. It is true that the trail is only a couple of miles around the lake. Though it may not be the ideal trail for a marathon runner or a distance biker, for everyone else that uses a greenway trail it is just about ideal.

The trail is long and flat. It is well marked and has a reasonable amount of signage. It gives people an opportunity to memorialize their memories with trees and benches having nice plaques.

The trail is spotted with benches about a quarter mile apart all the way around the lake on the paved trails, so the small walks and older challenged walkers can make the trip safely and at an enjoyable pace.

It has the traditional water birds like Canadian geese and ducks. But, in addition, it has some beautiful white swans that can create magic moments for old and young alike.

Located on the West side of the lake are a few natural wood unpaved trails for the adventurous. On this side of the lake the town of Apex has also provided facilities and a large picnic area.

For those of us who do not travel well, they even provide one of those blue construction grade places to make us feel comfortable on the Cary side of the park.

Essentially this is a people centric trail and park area. It is a great place to run, to walk, to hike, to bike, to skate, to stroll, to picnic or just sit and enjoy life.

The drought has not been too severe on Lake Pines as of September 10th. Some trees do seem as though they are having a difficult time. The water level in the lake itself is reasonably good. Because the land is nearly flat right on the edge of most of the lake, this may be translating into enough underground water to sustain the nearby forest.

If the drought breaks soon, this lake should come through fine. Let's hope for enough rain to replenish the region's water sources.