Prairie Ridge Eco-Station Nature Preserve

Raleigh, NC attractions 2009

Prairie Ridge natural science ecological station is a marvelous addition to the preservation of the ecology that once dominated the land around Raleigh,
NC.

Prairie Ridge is located off Reedy Creek Road beside the National Guard facility, about a quarter mile from the NC Museum of Art. The station building itself is a working building and not a museum.

They offer educational programs for school children in the outdoor amphitheater and the class room that sits above it.

Max, with an eye on another good hike, was out there to check out the trails. There are two: the Prairie Trail, which is a good choice for one of limited hiking desire, and the Forest Trail' which followed to its end can give a good one to two mile hike.

Though neither trail would be considered difficult if taken slowly, they both have some hills and neither are paved trails. Unlike greenway trails, they are usually little more than oversized sidewalks in the woods, mostly unpaved paths through either woods or fields.

Because Prairie Ridge is a research station there is plenty to see that goes beyond the usual hike in the woods. The experimental garden area has a real green roof displayed with an excellent water recapture system attached. If you are thinking, as Max is, about experimenting with the technology this is an excellent working example where the bones are visible.

There is a solar grid with metering system that again can be seen up close. You can actually see the changes in the amount of energy being captured as it happens. Again if you are thinking about it this can help you better understand some of what might be needed.

The one problem area Max noticed was a concrete path that was created to allow people to go from the classroom building down to the amphitheater. The walkway is non-permeable for one thing. The other is the concrete it is made of is disintegrating. When nature finds things offensive, like non-permeable paths, it has a way of dealing with it. Perhaps they will find it possible when nature is done with this path to place a nature friendly path in its place.

They have at least two ponds on the property for birds, snakes and other creatures that love water. It was exciting, at least for Max, to see a dozen wood ducks gliding with the more common Canadian geese.

Prairie Ridge isn't going to be everyone's favorite trail. Because the place is so full of natural things to stare at, it might not even be a good place to walk. Max, like some folks, is easily distracted by birds, reptiles, insects, grasses, trees and just a wonderful looking sky. Prairie Ridge is one of those wonderful places that contain so much natural magic that the urge to stare can cause inertia to set in.

If you are a teacher with a need to teach natural science, this is a place that you need to contact to find out what programs they offer. There are, or will be, overnight opportunities for classroom projects at the 'green' classroom and planned dormitory for 40 students. For information call the NC Museum of Natural Sciences at (919) 733-7450.

If you're someone planning a do it yourself project on a small green roof or solar panels this might be a great place to visit.

For walking the trails this would count as a restful walk. The trail surface of earth and grass doesn't lend itself to hurry. It's an excellent walk for the contemplative soul.

Max writes about greenways, rare diseases, timely topics, places to eat, travel and other issues of interest. He encourages you to add your comments.

Link one leads to the Prairie Ridge Homepage.

Link two shows the eco-station green roof example.

Link three shows the architect and 'green' classroom building.