The Umstead Coalition
Newsletter Winter 1999 - 2000
In this Issue:
Sediment and Erosion Control Demonstrated in Projects at Umstead State Park Visitor Center
How the Stormwater Controls Work
William B. Umstead State Park Staff News
Mission Statement of the North Carolina State Park System
Umstead State Park History - The Twa Sisters: A Folk-Song
William B. Umstead State Visitor Center Programs
Umstead Coalition Winter Activities
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Sediment and Erosion Control Demonstrated in Projects at Umstead State Park Visitor Center
Three sediment and erosion control practices are being demonstrated at the Umstead State Park Visitor Center. These practices are:
· Level spreaders to prevent runoff to cause gullies and improved pollutant treatment in riparian buffers along streams
· Stormwater wetland
Sediment loss during rainfall runoff events from erosion at construction sites and road ditches can be a problem. The Sediment and Erosion Control Act of North Carolina requires sediment to be kept on site. If sediment is allowed to enter streams and lakes, it can destroy habitat and fill up lakes. At Umstead State Park, the road ditches handling runoff from the new road and parking lot at the new Visitor Center were eroding and the sediment in the runoff had filled the down-gradient sediment basin (trap). Since the best control for sediment loss is to stop erosion from occurring, Martha Woods, Park Superintendent, requested advice on how to stabilize the road ditches and treat stormwater runoff from Mitch Woodward, Neuse Team Coordinator and Bill Hunt, Agriculture Engineer, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering. Bill and Mitch work for the NC Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at NC State University. Their work focuses on pollution control in the Neuse River.
"Rreinforced" grassy swales and a level spreader were installed near the Visitor Center on October 14, 1999. A stormwater wetland is being planned for installation in the spring of 2000. Multiple agencies are cooperating in the effort. The NC Division of Parks and Recreation coordinated the efforts. The NC Cooperative Extension designed and assisted with installation of the stormwater best management practices (BMPs). The Umstead Coalition provided funds raised at the 1999 March for Umstead for the materials. The NC Division of Prisons’ Inmate Community Work Program provided labor. The Umstead Coalition provided volunteers during a subsequent Service Project workday.
Margaret Jordan, Public Information Officer for the NC Division of Parks and Recreation, summed up the importance of this project: "Sedimentation is a particularly sensitive issue at Umstead because it has played a prominent role in the park’s history. In fact, the park was founded in an effort to restore depleted land into productive forests. Since the 1940s, many programs have been established to combat the forces which have brought about erosion and sedimentation at Umstead State Park." (The Steward, December 1999).
The NC Division of Parks and Recreation and the NC Cooperative Extension Service are cooperating on several other demonstration projects including a stream restoration project at Stone Mountain State Park (funded by the NC Wetland Restoration Program). Umstead State Park is evaluating a potential stream/wetland restoration project on Reedy Creek and Reedy Creek Lake at Umstead State Park.
Jean Spooner
How the Stormwater Controls Work
"Reinforced" Grassy Swales
Grassy swales (minor channels that are lined with grass) are used to transport runoff from less developed areas and minimize erosion in the channel. Their ability to remove pollutants can be increased with modifications such as turf reinforcement matting, small check dams, and a shallow underground treatment layer of soil beneath the base of the swale (Hunt, 1999). Turf reinforcements allow the ditches to carry higher flows without eroding as compared to traditional grassy swales. They also are a more aesthetically pleasing (and cheaper) alternative to stabilizing the slopes and provide better pollutant removal efficiencies than using riprap or concrete.
The mat give the grass additional support, holding it in place during heavy storms. The use of mats now allow for grass swales in some steeply sloped or high flow areas that once were unable to support the growth of grass (Hunt, 1999).
At Umstead State Park, the installation in the ditches involved reshaping the sides of the channels and preparing the soil, adding a large quantity of rye, fescue, and Kentucky Blue grass seed, and installing a coconut fiber turf reinforcement mat.
Level Spreader and Riparian Buffers
In North Carolina’s Neuse River Basin, riparian buffers are mandatory along most streams. It is probable that rivers and streams in other parts of the state will also eventually have mandatory riparian buffers. They have been shown to remove all types of pollutants, including sediment, phosphorus, and nitrate. Sediment and phosphorus are trapped when surface flow slows down as it passes through the buffer. Nitrate, found in groundwater, is converted to nitrogen gas by microbes through the process of denitrification. Riparian buffers are often short-circuited by ditches or pipes, which pass through them directly to the stream. This short-circuiting substantially limits the effectiveness of buffers’ ability to treat stormwater runoff.
Instead of allowing the runoff to bypass the buffer, level spreader can be used to spread the flow out, creating a thin sheet of flow to pass through the buffer. Level spreaders can be constructed as shallow rock-lined trenches, which are level from end to end, parallel to the stream. Other level spreaders may be a series of 2-inch-by-6-inch boards that are placed end to end along a similar contour. The latter is the option used at Umstead State Park. It is important that the level spreader is level to produce sheet flow.
At Umstead State Park, the installation of a level spreader was used to prevent gullies upgradiant of the road swales.
Stormwater Wetlands
Land that previously was not a wetland can be constructed to be stormwater wetland. Stormwater wetlands are becoming a popular BMP in some urban environments. Stormwater wetlands are rarely deeper than 1½ feet; therefore, their flood control ability is limited. They are designed to maximize the flow path to increase detention time and pollutant treatment. A stormwater wetland typically consists of a forebay (or micropool) where solids initially settle. The forebay tends to be an area that is easily accessible for removal of settled debris. The main body of the wetland consists of high and low areas, which encourage a variation in vegetation type across the wetland. Wetlands are particularly useful in treated total suspended sediment and nitrate-nitrogen (Hunt, 1999).
At Umstead State Park, the installation of a stormwater wetland is planned for the spring of 2000 to treat runoff from the Visitor Center parking lot.
References and information about stormwater controls are available from your NC Cooperative Extension Service County Office. Useful references include:
• Hunt, W.F., III. 1999. Urban Waterways: Urban Stormwater Structural Best Management Practices (BMPs). AG-588. North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. 8p.
• Hunt, W.F., III, C.B. Mojonnier, and J. Young. 1999. Stormwater Management for Homeowners. Home*A*Syst – Environmental Stewardship for Homeowners Fact Sheet #6. AG-567-6. North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. 12p.
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| "Reinforced" Grassy Swales at Umstead State Park, three weeks after installation. | Bill Hurt of the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service discusses solutions to erosion in the gully behind him with Martha Woods, Umstead State Park Superintendant. |
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| Bill and a Park staff member install a turf reinforcement mat | Another view of the turf reinforcement mat. |
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| Installation of level spreader. | Gully erosion prior to installation of level spreader. |
The Coalition Supports Flood Control, Crabtree Creek Greenway Connection to Umstead State Park, Opposes Quarry Pit
The Umstead Coalition, along with citizens, neighbors, Wake County, and the City of Raleigh ALL support a greenway connectivity along Crabtree Creek to Umstead State Park and flood control structure 25Q for Crabtree Creek. At least two viable greenway alternatives exist that the Umstead Coalition SUPPORTS.
Linking the greenway connectivity and flood control to a new quarry pit on the south side of Crabtree Creek is not necessary and the Umstead Coalition remains OPPOSED to quarrying on the south side of Crabtree Creek at Duraleigh Rd.
Utilizing the north quarry pit for flood control and completing the greenway along Crabtree Creek to Umstead State Park is not a new idea. The flood control Structure 25Q has been studied as a viable option since 1986 and was adopted as part of Wake County’s official Crabtree Creek watershed flood control system in January 1992. Concurrently, the connectivity of Raleigh’s greenways along Crabtree Creek has been suggested and supported by Raleigh citizens. The neighbors gave easements on the north side of Crabtree Creek (1990-1991) to assist with the protection of this greenway connection.
The only impediment to completing the greenway connectivity is the Crabtree Quarry property. In fact, the City of Raleigh formally requested greenway connection along Crabtree Creek through quarry property in 1998 and was denied by Ward Nye, Counsel for Hanson Carolina Aggregate, through a memo written by Don d’Ambrosi on December 30, 1999.
The quarry’s desire to expand its pit operation south of Crabtree Creek has been opposed by citizens and the Raleigh City Council. (City zoned the land south of Crabtree Creek R-4 in 1973; Council voted in July 1985, October 1992, November 1994 to reconfirm that zoning and deny quarry assertion that it is "grandfathered" south of Creek).
We firmly believe that a proposal to push for a new quarry pit on the south side of Crabtree Creek is in direct conflict with the desire to have a greenway along Crabtree Creek. A greenway adjacent to an active quarry pit is incompatible and would not likely be granted in a Mining Permit Modification issued by the NC Department of Natural Resources – Land Quality Section because of public safety and liability concerns. A greenway along an active quarry pit and under a stone conveyor belt is incompatible. Thus, the endorsement of a greenway south of Crabtree Creek in exchange for quarrying south of Crabtree Creek may be in conflict.
The City of Raleigh is in a good legal position to enforce its zoning; patience is needed for that process to be completed. Meanwhile, the greenway can be routed around the quarry property. When Wake County takes the north pit for flood control structure 25Q, a greenway in closer proximity to Crabtree Creek could be negotiated on the north or south bank.
Take it Outside was written by outdoor enthusiast and News & Observer columnist, Joe Miller. This book focuses on all the great hikes highlighted over the past three years in the N&O's outdoor recreation column, "Take it Outside." This 5.5 x 8.5" spiral-bound collection is designed to fit in your daypack and features important information on each site as well as maps and resources. From paved greenways out your back door to rugged hiking trails -- even weekend backpacing trips, we think you'll be surprised at the variety of trails in the region.
The table of contents lists four categories of information.
• Parks, Trails, and Greenways
• Novelty Hikes -- bird hikes, night hikes, barefoot hikes (!)
• Resources -- safety tips, getting involved in outdor groups, books
• Maps and Locators
The Resources section lists "Take it Outside's" Top Ten Hikes.
• Company Mill Trail, Umstead State Park.
• Sycamore Trail, Umstead State Park.
• Frances Liles Interpretive Trail, Schenck Forest
• Cox Mountain Trail, Eno River State Park
• Occonneechee Mountain Trail (Orange County)
• Black Creek Greenway (Cary Greenways)
• Hill Forest (Durham County)
• Raleigh Greenway
• Falls Lake Trail, Falls Lake State Park
• Clemmons State Forest
The book is available at the Great Outdoor Provision Company in Raleigh and Cary, The Regulator in Durham, Townsend Bertram & Co. in Carrboro, Quail Ridge Books in Raleigh, and Main Street Books & More in Roxboro. You can also order from the News and Observer Web page:
http://www.news-observer.com.bookstore
William B. Umstead State Park Staff News
Ranger Keith Nealson will complete his Basic Law Enforcement Training at Wake Technical College on December 9. Congratulations, Keith!.
Department of Corrections inmates haven early finished repairing the bridges that were damaged in Hurricane Floyd, and the Sycamore Trail will open along its full length by December 4.
The Park staff has developed two brochures listing all the wildlife (excluding bugs) for which reliable sightings in the Park are known. The first brochure lists birds; the second, mammals, fish, reptiles and amphibians. These brochures are available at the Park Visitor center and at information stations in the Park.
Mission Statement of the North Carolina State Park System
The North Carolina state parks system exists for the enjoyment, education, health and inspiration of all our citizens and visitors. The mission of the state parks system is to conserve and protect representative examples of the natural beauty, ecological features and recreational resources of statewide significance; to provide outdoor recreational opportunities in a safe and healthy environment; and to provide environmental education opportunities that promote stewardship of the state’s natural heritage.
Umstead State Park History
The Twa Sisters: A Folk-Song
There was an old lady, she lived on the hill,
Bow down, bow down,
There was an old lady, she lived on the hill,
Bough have bent for me,
There was an old lady, she lived on the hill,
She had some daughters, two or three.
I’ll be true, true to my love,
Love, be true to me.
There was a young man who came to see them,
Bow down, bow down,
There was a young man who came to see them,
Bough have bent for me,
There was a young man who came to see them,
Fell in love with the youngest one
I’ll be true, true to my love,
Love, be true to me.
[The sisters] walked down by the salty brim,
Bow down, bow down,
They walked down by the salty brim,
Bough have bent for me,
They walked down by the salty brim,
The oldest pushed the young one in.
I’ll be true, true to my love,
Love, be true to me.
"I’ll neither lend you hand nor glove,
Bow down, bow down,
I’ll neither lend you hand nor glove,
Bough have bent for me,
I’ll neither lend you hand nor glove,
All I want is your true love."
I’ll be true, true to my love,
Love, be true to me.
"The Twa Sisters," excerpted from "The
Folk-Songs of Ebenezer Community," a master’s thesis by
Mercedes Steely, 1936. Sung by Mrs. Robert Goodwin, who is
pictured here, April, 1935. Ms. Steely's thesis, for a master's
degree in folklore at UNC Chapel Hill, contains dozens of folk
songs as performed by people who once lived in the Umstead State
Park area.
William B. Umstead State Visitor Center Programs
Dec 4th : HIKE WITH A RANGER
Join a Ranger for a hike on Sal’s Branch Trail along with a discussion on Urban Sprawl. The hike will take place rain or shine and will last 2 hours. Wear appropriate clothing and foot wear. Meet at the Visitor Center at 9:00am. Please call 571-4170 for more information and reservations.
Dec 11th : WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
Take a walk with a Ranger through the lesser known parts of William B. Umstead State Park. Proper clothing and footwear are necessary. Be sure to bring water so you have it available. Meet at the Bike and Bridle trail head parking area at 10:00am. The program will last 1 ½ hours. Please call
571-4170 for more information and reservations.
Dec 12th : WILDLIFE HIKE
Join a Ranger for a 1 hour nature hike to learn about the park animals and fauna of William B. Umstead State Park. Meet at the Visitor Center at 11:00am. Please call 571-4170 for more information and reservations.
Dec 24th : WOODS WANDER
Join a Ranger for a short hike, on and off trail, to discuss natural forest processes and wildlife habitat. Meet at the Observation Deck located at the back of the picnic area off the Oak Rock trail head parking lot at 1:00pm. The program will last between 1 to 1 ½ hours. Please call 571-4170 for more information and reservations.
Jan 1st : NEW YEAR’S DAY HIKE
Start off the New Year with a hike to shed those holiday pounds. Hike Sal’s Branch Trail, approximately 2.5 miles, with a Park Ranger. Wear appropriate clothing and foot wear. The hike will take place rain or shine and last approximately 1 ½ hours. Meet the Ranger at the Visitor Center at 1:00pm. Please call 571-4170 for more information and reservations.
Jan 2nd : NATURE HIKE
Join a Ranger for a 1 hour nature hike. Meet in the last parking lot off the Hwy 70/Glenwood Avenue entrance at 11:00am. This parking lot is approximately 2 miles in from the entrance. Please call
571-4170 for more information and reservations.
Jan 14th : LUNCH HIKE WITH A RANGER
Join a Ranger for a short hike, to ask questions or discuss nature, William B. Umstead State Park or the North Carolina State Park system. Meet at the Oak Rock trail head parking lot located off the Hwy 70/Glenwood Avenue entrance at noon for this 1 hour hike. Please call 571-4170 for more information and reservations.
Jan 22nd : BIRDING FOR THE YOUNG
Parents, bring your children to learn about the feathered creatures of William B. Umstead State Park. Bring binoculars also to help spot the birds. Meet the Ranger at the Oak Rock trail head parking lot located off the Hwy 70/Glenwood Avenue entrance. The program will last 1 hour. Please call 571-4170 for more information and reservations.
Feb 12th : ROT SQUAD
Join a ranger for a short hike down Oak Rock Trail to discuss how a forest will recycle itself. Meet in the small parking area at the Oak Rock trail head. This 1 hour hike will start at 1:00pm. The program will last 1 hour. Please call 571-4170 for more information and reservations.
Feb 19th : WONDERS OF WATER
Clean water - we cannot live without it. Learn about various forms of water that are naturally found on earth and why we must keep it clean. Hike the Pott’s Branch Trail with a Ranger, rain or shine. Wear appropriate footwear and clothing. Meet at 2:00 in the last parking area that is located approximately 2 miles in from the Hwy 70/Glenwood Avenue entrance. Please call 571-4170 for more information and reservations.
Feb 26th : CREATURE FEATURE
Learn about the variety of wildlife found in the park. Meet at the Visitor Center at 1:00pm for this discussion with a Park Ranger on park animals and their habitats. The program will last approximately 1 hour. Please call 571-4170 for more information and reservations.
Feb TBA : WILDLIFE BY CANOE
Bring your binoculars and identify waterbirds as you paddle along the 55 acre lake. Dress for the weather and wear dull colored clothing. Meet the Park Ranger at the boathouse where canoes, life jackets, and paddles will be provided. Spaces are limited so reservations are required for this program. Call 571-4170 or stop by the Visitor Center to be added to the reservation list or for additional information. Program begins at 8:30am and will last approximately 1 ½ hours. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
March 4th : BIRDING FOR THE YOUNG
Parents, bring your children to learn about the feathered creatures of William B. Umstead State Park. Bring binoculars also to help spot these birds. Meet the Ranger at the Oak Rock trail head parking lot located off the Hwy 70/Glenwood Avenue entrance. The program will last 1 hour. Please call 571-4170 for more information and reservations.
March 11th : LEAVE IT TO BEAVER
Join a ranger for a short hike to learn about nature’s engineers. You’ll see signs of the beaver’s presence at William B. Umstead State Park and learn more about their habits and habitats. Meet in the picnic area off the last parking lot at 11:00am. The parking lot is approximately 2 miles in from the Hwy 70/Glenwood Avenue entrance. Please call 571-4170 for more information and reservations.
March 18th : ROT SQUAD
Join a ranger for a short hike down Oak Rock Trail to discuss how a forest will recycle itself. Meet in the small parking area at the Oak Rock trail head at 1:00pm. The hike will last 1 hour. Please call 571-4170 for more information and reservations.
March 25th : PADDLING ON BIG LAKE
Join a Ranger for a leisurely canoe trip around a portion of Big Lake. Experience spring season from the water’s edge. Meet the Park Ranger in the Big Lake parking lot where canoes, life jackets, and paddles will be provided. Dress in appropriate clothing that you won’t mind if it gets wet. Spaces are limited so reservations are required for this program. Call 571-4170 or stop by the Visitor Center to be added to the reservation list or for further information. Program begins at 8:30am and will last approximately 2 ½ hours. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE &
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
CHECK OUT THE WEB SITE FOR WILLIAM B. UMSTEAD STATE PARK AT:
http://ils.unc.edu/parkproject/wium.html
Umstead Coalition Winter Activities
For information on where and when to meet, call the activity leader listed. Activities are free; ask activity leader about bringing dogs, children. Note: For all Rod Broadbelt's hikes, Call 363-6611 before 8:00 p.m. for details.
Dec. 11 Twelve mile walk, Rod Broadbelt.
Dec. 11 Trails Workday for Volunteers. 9:00-noonish. Meet at New Visitor Center (take U.S. 70 park entrance). Tom Weber, 463-0104
Dec. 12 (Sunday) Winter Flora and Fauna. Mark Johns, 852-5124. Meet at Reedy Creek entrance parking lot at 10 a.m. for a two hour walk.
Dec. 19 History Hike in North of Park, Tom Weber, 463-0104
Jan. 15 Trails Workday for Volunteers. 9:00-noonish. Meet at New Visitor Center (take U.S. 70 park entrance). Tom Weber, 463-0104.
Jan. 22 Seventeen mile hike. Rod Broadbelt.
Jan. 29 Winter Birds. Tom Howard, 556-7494
Feb. 5 Exploring in the Park. Bushwhack with Frank Briden, 844-1566
Feb. 12 Trails Workday for Volunteers. 9:00-noonish. Meet at New Visitor Center (take U.S. 70 park entrance). Tom Weber, 463-0104
Feb. 19 Twenty mile walk, Rod Broadbelt.
Feb. 26 History Hike on East Side of Park, Tom Weber, 463-0104
March 11 Stream Watch. Help us monitor the health of Richland Creek. Meet 10:00 at Richland Lake on Reedy Creek Road (off Blue Ridge). For information: Jean Spooner, 828-5859 (h) or Uli Gratzl, 828-2625.
April 22 - 2000 CELEBRATION FOR UMSTEAD - Earth Day (30 year anniversary). For Information call Jean Spooner 828-5859; to volunteer call Tom Weber 463-0104.
June 17 Stream Watch. Help us monitor the health of Richland Creek. Meet 9:30 a.m. at Richland Lake on Reedy Creek Road (off Blue Ridge). For information: Jean Spooner, 828-5859 (h) or Uli Gratzl, 828-2625.
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The Umstead Coalition meets the first Thursday of each month, September to May, at 7:00 p.m. in Bldg 7330 of the Chapel Hill Road Office Complex, on Hwy. 54 just east of the intersection of Hwy. 54 and Trinity Road. Go up the stairs on the outside of Bldg 7330, enter the building, and go to the N.C. Recycling Association suite.
The Umstead Coalition
B.W. Wells Association
Capital Group Sierra Club
Conservation Council of North Carolina
Eno River Association
Friends of State Parks
Headwaters Group Sierra Club
Neuse River Foundation, Inc.
New Hope Audubon Society
North Carolina Herpetological Society
North Carolina Wild Flower Preservation Society
North Carolina Wildlife Federation
Orange-Chatham Group Sierra Club
Raleigh Ski and Outing Club, Inc.
Rockingham Naturalist's Club
Society for the Preservation of Jockey's Ridge
Wake Audubon Society
The Umstead Coalition is dedicated to preserving the natural integrity of William B. Umstead State Park and the Richland Creek Corridor.
rev. 3/13/00