Publications

This inventory of the significant natural areas, natural communities, and rare species of Wake County was funded by Wake County and by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Trust Fund. This report identifies the most significant natural areas in the county, describes their features, and documents all of the natural communities and rare species of plants and animals associated with them. Recommendations for management and protection of each of these sites is given. A total of 44 significant standard sites, and four larger “wildlife habitats” are described. Of the standard sites, three are considered to be Nationally significant – Mitchells Mill State Natural Area, and Little River and Swift Creek aquatic habitats. Wake County has a fairly large number– six -- of State significant terrestrial sites, and an additional 12 sites are considered to be of Regional significance. This number of significant sites attests to the great diversity of habitats still remaining in the county and include granitic flatrocks, steep slopes and bluffs, and “Coastal Plain” features such as longleaf pine stands and a stream with bald-cypress. Fortunately, a good number of the these significant sites is already in conservation ownership in the county. However, some of these are not fully protected, and sites on Progress Energy lands at Harris Lake or some sites on Federal lands at Falls and Jordan lakes might not currently be protected from timber harvest. A number of significant granitic flatrocks remain unprotected, the extensive bluff and slope system along Middle Creek is completely unprotected, and the cypress stand along Buffalo Creek and Robertson’s Pond is almost completely unprotected. As development continues at a fast pace in the county, it is imperative that protection efforts continue and remain focused on protecting the most significant remaining natural heritage areas in the county.