News and Observer Property Status - Option Signed for Transfer to Park
Widening of Existing Duraleigh Road
RDU Try's Runway Deicing Alternative to Urea
Marketplace of Meaningful Gifts
CAMPO: Bad Roads We Don't Want Are Being Evaluated
The Beauties of Umstead State Park Photo Montage
Summer Umstead Activities for Two
Charles Stott and the Preservation of Umstead State Park
Umstead Visitor Center Programs
Umstead Coalition Hikes & Service Activities
GREAT NEWS!!
#1 Land Protection Priority: The N&O Tract by the Reedy Creek (I-40)
Park Entrance may be part of UMSTEAD STATE PARK
We are excited to tell you that an option has been signed between the News and Observer and the State of North
Carolina to sell the N&O lands next to William B. Umstead State Park at Harrison Avenue/I-40 for Park lands!!
It's not official yet, approvals and signatures are still required from the various parties assisting with the
sale: The Town of Cary, Joint Legislative Commission on Government Opperations (NC Legislature committee that approves
Park land transactions over $25,000), NC Council of State, NC Park Trust Fund, private donors, and NCDOT (they
will use the front ~10-12 acres for an improved I-40 interchange). The 2000 sale price is $6,000,000 for ~54.8
acres.
Interestingly, in 1984 a then newley-formed Landmark Associates of NC III purchased the property for $826,025,
rezoned the property from residential to O&I and Business (wih numerous restrictions), and sold to the N&O
for $3,858,220 in 1988. Before this, in 1982, the property was sold for $324,623. (If we had only had the Park
Trust Fund in 1982 !).
Look for more details at http://umsteadcoalition.org and in our next
newsletter. Many thanks to the NC Division of Parks and Recreation staff for making this happen!
The City of Raleigh Council approved the widening project for Duraleigh Road on June 6, 2000. The widening will
complete the widening of existing Duraleigh Road to 4-lanes from Ebenezer Church Road to U.S. 70. The widening
will be on the current alignment. Two new bridges will be installed over Crabtree Creek - both 8 feet higher in
elevation than the current bridge and with better drainage. This bidge design should decrease the road slope and
eliminate the water and ice ponding that currently occurs on the bridge. One of the bridges will be downstream
from the current bridge with about 10 feet space between the bridges and will be built first. Then, while traffic
is diverted to the new 2-lane bridge, the existing bridge will be replace. Finally, both bridges will open with
2-lanes in each direction.
The anticipated construction timeframe is 2001-2002. The widening of existing Duraleigh Road was part of the alternative
set of projects that The Umstead Coalition recommended as the alternative to the proposed Duraleigh Road Connector.
We are optomistic that the widening of existing Duraleigh Road will take some pressure off of Ebenezer Church Road
and will cease any desire to build the controversial Duraleigh Road Connector through Umstead State Park. The Duraleigh
Road Connector is not on anyone's planning or funding documents (good), but remains on the Thoroughfare Plan (the
map) (bad), dispite Raleigh's request to get it removed from the map. (See roads, p. 2 for bad roads being "evaluated.."
)
Jean Spooner
REI hosted a trail workday at Umstead State Park as part of the June 3 National Trails Day events. 123 volunteers
worked on various trail needs. Also, REI donated $500 to be used for tools and other trial maintenance supplies.
We are happy to report that the RDU airport has decided to try acetate-based de-icing material for future ice removal
on the runways. Hopefully, they will phase out their use of the high nitrogen content urea that they had been using.
Unfortunately, algal blooms in Big Lake and Sycamore Lake at Umstead State Park have been severe this year concurent
with the large amount of nitrogen applied from this year's snow storm by the airport for deicing the runways.
Support the Umstead Coalition and Holiday Shop at one place
9th annual Marketplace of Meaningful Gifts sponosred by Comminity Unitied Church of Christ.
Looking for a meaningful way to support the work of the Umstead Coalition and 30 other charitalbe, service and
peace organizations in the Raleigh area? By attending this holiday fair you can give a gift in the name of a friend,
relative or yourself. In return, you'll receive a gift card to send in place of, or in addition to, a git. Second,
you'll also find an exciting array of beautiful crafts, cards, jewelry, books, ornaments, and other gift items
to purchase. Third, you can learn about the worthwhile work these agencies are performing simply by visiting the
various exhibits (including The Umstead Coalition!).
When: Sunday, November 19 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Where: Community United Church of Christ
(corner of Dixie Trail and Wade Ave)
Also: The Marketplace Cafe will offer light refreshments for sale
FREE child care will be provided for children under 5.
The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) and the Town of Cary are currently evaluating the long
rang Transportaton Plans for Wake County and Cary, respectively.
Some roads detrimental to Umstead State Park are included in the roads being studied. These 'bad' roads include:
What YOU can do (action items):
The Company Mill Area on Crabtree Creek. In the foreground, stones from the ruined dam; downstream the water rushes over rocks.
A fungus grows delicately on a downed log on the mill dam.
Light and shadows on Crabtree Creek, looking upstreeam from the dam site. The footbridge donated by CP&L
crosses the stream at top of picture.
She was from Florida, he was from Cary, N.C., just down the road from Umstead State Park. He'd visited her in
her tropical clime, so she traveled to experience the Eastern Deciduous Forest with him right here in Wake County.
Together they strolled, camped, picnicked, learned about Park area history from a wise oldtimer, and served the
Umstead Coalition both at the annual summer picnic and at the Coalition's booth at Cary's Lazy Daze festival.
Entering the Park from Graylyn Road at Dusk
They walked past the Warren graveyard to the giant oaks over the road. He showed her the chimney stumps of the
Warren home hidden in the brambles.
He said, "The woods are lovely, dark, and deep, but (WHAP!), I wish I'd brought some mosquito spray."
She said, "T.C., you're so forgetful you're lucky you didn't put your shorts on backwards today!! Yes, the
woods are lovely, peaceful & quiet. The butterflies are absolutely gorgeous - beautiful yellow and blue ones.
The remains of the structures belonging to the people who used to live here are haunting; makes one think of what
life was like back then. Someone should write a book about it. It would make for interesting reading, don't you
think?"
Visiting the Company Mill Site on Crabtree Creek
He said, "This is about my favorite spot in the park. I love climbing the dam ruins in the shade."
She said, "It is very beautiful by the water, sitting on the rocks listening to the water flow downstream.
I love the wooden bridges that cross the water, they remind me of the scenes in the Indiana Jones movies."
Enjoying the Coalition's Annual Picnic at the Sycamore Entrance Picnic Shelter
He said, "What great eats, what a great turnout!
She said, "It was a great picnic! I met some wonderful people, dedicated to the care and preservation of this
beautiful park. Charles Stotts' spellbinding story of the history of Umstead Park and the tale of how it was almost
demolished and developed as an amusement park was fascinating (and disturbing)!. Due in large part to the efforts
of Mr. Stott, the land was preserved, to be enjoyed as a natural area. It's a good thing that the Coalition is
continuing his efforts to keep the park the way it is, and make it bigger and better!"
Mr. Charles Stott, former Camp Craggy Boy Scout and Assistant Superintendent of State Parks, talks to the Umstead
Coalition summer picnic audience about his experiences visiting and working to preserve Umstead State Park.
Charles Stott and Coalition Chair Jean Spooner at the Coalition's summer picnic.
Tent Camping in the Family Campground
He said, "This is roughing it. I'm glad we went to Kmart and got picnic chairs to sit in, a shiny new cooking
pot and pan to cook on our new metal grill, and inflatable air mattresses in the tent. Just like the pioneers.
Could you please hand me another Diet Coke from the Playmate cooler? Thanks."
She said, "T.C., you're just a real rough & tough back-to-nature guy, aren't you?
"Camping out here was a lot of fun. The rangers in the park were very nice, stopping to see if we were alright.
I loved building the fire and roasting marshmallows. Are you SURE there aren't any bears around here?"
Staffing the Umstead Coalition Display at the Lazy Daze Festival in Cary
He said (to visitors to the booth), "Would you like a free map of the Park and an Umstead Coalition newsletter?"
She said (to visitors to the booth), "Would you like a free map of the Park and an Umstead Coalition newsletter?"
"And T.C., is it really too much trouble for you to get out of that one chair we have once in a while? It
is a neat festival. So many nice things to look at, eat, and buy. I wish someone would tell me why every other
person there bought one of those long weathervanes though."
Manning the Umstead Coalition booth at Cary's Lazy Daze festival. Thoughtful pose inspired by recent visit to Rodin
exhibit.
He says they had a good time both being in the Park and serving the Coalition.
She says, "Umstead Park is a real treasure. Its good that the people of the Coalition are so concerned with
keeping it the way it is, a place of natural beauty, trees and wildlife, that everyone can enjoy."
-- "T.C." and Raizel
Charlie Stott remembers his week at Camp Craggy in 1927. His stay inspired him to pursue a career in park service.
He was to become the first Assistant Director of North Carolina State Parks and, as a private citizen, a champion
protector of Umstead State Park.
"In 1927 our troop went to Camp Craggy for six days," Charlie writes. "The camp was on an old abandoned
farm near the Company Mill. The layout was typical of camps of that period: a half circle of cabins, a flag pole,
council ring, dining hall and a lake. (11)
"Many fun activities took place that week. The 'sky hook' and 'snipe hunt' pranks were orchestrated by the
older scouts. I couldn't find the sky hook in the old Company Mill, nor did I catch any snipes. I did earn the
Red Cross Junior Lifesaving certificate and merit badges in swimming, rowing and canoeing that week. Our troop
helped build one of the four sections of the stone council ring.
"Fun and fellowship around the campfire were among the highlights of the week. An old abandoned farm house
was the site for ghost stories two nights.
"My achievements at Camp Craggy motivated me to pursue the Eagle rank. The older I get the more I reflect
and relive the week at Camp Craggy. The interaction with the role models and the skills and leadership training
in scouting provided the launching pad for my career."
Editors Note: As an adult, Charles Stott successfully fought a proposal to develop the Park area as an amusement
park and golf course, risking his job as a state employee.
- Tom Weber
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.
Please call the Park Visitor Center at 571-4170 for more information and reservations.
ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. MORE PROGRAMS WILL BE ADDED. PLEASE LOG ONTO PARK WEBSITE FOR CURRENT
INFORMATION:
http://ils.unc.edu/parkproject/wium.html
October 14th 8:00am : PADDLING ON BIG LAKE
Join a Park Ranger for a leisurely, morning canoe trip on Big Lake and enjoy nature from the water's edge. Meet
at the large parking lot above Big Lake for this 2 hour program. Dress for the weather. Reservations are required
for this program, so call 571-4170 or stop by the Visitor Center to be added to the reservation list. Children
under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Life jackets, paddles, and canoes are provided.
October 15th 1:00pm : CREATURE FEATURE
Come to the Visitor Center and join a Ranger to learn about the wildlife that inhabit the park. Mounted specimens
will be shown. Please call 571-4170 for more information and reservations.
October 21st 9:00am : BIG LAKE WILDLIFE
Join a Park Ranger for a morning canoe trip on Big Lake to observe wildlife. Meet at the boat house for this 1
½ hour program. Dress for the weather. Reservations are required for this program, so call 571-4170 or stop
by the Visitor Center to be added to the reservation list. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Life
jackets, paddles, and canoes are provided.
November 4th 1:00pm : WILLIAM B. WALKABOUT
Join a Ranger at the Reedy Creek Parking lot for a 1 mile hike along Inspiration Trail. We will focus largely on
mammals and other bigger critters that may be roaming William B. Umstead State Park. This program will last approximately
1 hour. Please call 571-4170 for more information and reservations.
November 12th 1:00pm : DISCOVERY HIKE
Join a Ranger for a leisurely hike to discover the sights and sounds of William B. Umstead State Park. Meet in
the picnic area by the large parking lot off the Glenwood Avenue/Hwy 70 entrance. Please call 571-4170 for more
information and reservations.
November 18th 8:00am : PADDLING ON BIG LAKE
Join a Park Ranger for a leisurely, morning canoe trip on Big Lake and enjoy nature from the water's edge. Meet
at the large parking lot above Big Lake for this 2 hour program. Dress for the weather. Reservations are required
for this program, so call 571-4170 or stop by the Visitor Center to be added to the reservation list. Children
under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Life jackets, paddles, and canoes are provided.
November 25th 10:00am : BIRDING FOR THE YOUNG
Parents, bring your children to learn about the feathered creatures of William B. Umstead State Park. Meet the
Ranger at the Visitor Center for this 1 hour program. Please call 571-4170 for more information and reservations.
December 9th 2:00pm : WHAT WILL THE LAND SUPPORT?
Meet a Park Ranger at the Visitor Center for a brief talk about how the land is important to us and how much it
does for us. We will play a short game and take a 2 mile hike. Please call 571-4170 for more information and reservations.
December 16th 9:30am : PARK HIKE
Hike with a Ranger to hopefully observe wildlife and talk about the history of William B. Umstead State Park. Meet
at the Bike and Bridle trailhead for this 1 ½ hour program. Please call 571-4170 for more information and
reservations.
December 17th 8:00am : PREPARING FOR WINTER
See how plants, trees and animals are preparing for winter. Join a Ranger at the Visitor Center for this 1 hour
hike. Please call 571-4170 for more information and reservations.
December 30th 12:00 Noon : AFTER CHRISTMAS HIKE
Hike away those holiday calories. Join a Ranger for a leisurely walk and learn about some of the park's interesting
features. Meet at the Visitor Center for this 1 hour hike. Please call 571-4170 for more information and reservations.
For information on where and when to meet, call the activity leader listed. Activities are free; as activity
leader about brining dogs, children. Note: All Rod Broadbelt's hikes start at 8:00 a.m. at the Reedy Creek Entrance
parking lot off I-40 (Harrison Ave. exit.), For Rod's hikes bring lunch and water; call 363-6611 before 8:00 p.m.
for details on his hikes
October 21 12 Mile Hike For information: Rod Broadbelt 363-6611 before 8:00 p.m.
November 4 General Nature Hike. For info call Tom Howard at 556-7494
November 18 12 Mile Ruins Hike For information: Rod Broadbelt 363-6611 before 8:00 p.m.
December 2 Richland Creek Stream Watch. Help us monitor the health of Richland Creek. Meet 9:00 a.m. at
Richland Lake on Reedy Creek Road (off Blue Ridge). For information: Richard Tibbs 787-4387 or Jean Spooner, 828-5859
(h).
December 16 Around 11 miles, miles 2 and 3 off-trail; Long pants recommended. For information: Rod Broadbelt
363-6611 before 8:00 p.m.
January 13 Around 17 miles. For information: Rod Broadbelt 363-6611 before 8:00 p.m.
April 21, 2001 - 2001 Celebration for Umstead
Two classes in 2001 to choose from: January 20-21 and April 7-8.: An eighteen-hour class in Wilderness First Aid
will be conducted in Raleigh, NC. The course includes classroom study, hands-on practice, and results in a two-year
certification. $140.
Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. For additional information phone (703) 836-8905 or visit http://wfa.net.
Wilderness First Aid is a program of the Wilderness Safety Council and meets ACA standards for 60 minutes or more
from definitive medical treatment. For information, call (703) 836-8905 or email Christopher Tate chris@wfa.net.
rev. 11/29/00