Explore the Durant Nature Preserve from Durant Towns
Only 6 minutes away from Durant Towns is the Durant Nature Preserve, a 237-acre oasis consisting of two lakes, a meandering creek, and five miles of wooded trails. Whether you’re looking for a quiet, peaceful getaway; a free place to get some exercise; or a fun place to take the whole family, the Durant Nature Preserve is the perfect place to spend a morning, afternoon, or evening. Best of all, once you’re done, you can head straight home to your contemporary Raleigh townhome, just two miles down the road. Below are just a few things you can do at the Durant Nature Preserve.
Get Active
With over five miles of trails spanning 237 acres, Durant Nature Preserve has plenty of opportunities for you to get your steps in. We like to think of it as the best free gym membership in town! Some Preserve trails can be used for mountain biking, too, as long as park staff deems them dry enough to be safe. While team sports aren’t allowed in the Preserve’s field spaces, you can always play sand volleyball or basketball in one of its outdoor courts.
Learn About Nature
The Durant Nature Preserve is an excellent place to learn about the many jumping, flying, buzzing things that inhabit the world around us. Adults and (supervised) kids can learn about metamorphosis in the Butterfly Garden, or discover the wide variety of birds that call Raleigh home in the Bird Garden. The entire Preserve could also be considered one big educational garden, with countless critters and their tracks just waiting to be spotted. For even more educational fun, you can sign up for one of the Preserve’s many programs and classes that are held throughout the year.
Cast A Line
One type of animal you might be especially motivated to encounter? Fish! The Preserve permits fishing from its upper lake fishing dock only, as bank fishing can be damaging to local wildlife. However, there’s still plenty of fun to be had, as the lake is teeming with bluegill, black crappie, channel catfish, and pumpkinseed fish. While the lower lake is currently drained while its dam is being repaired, it will one day be refilled and stocked with small, native fish species, making fishing in this area even more fun.
Host An Event
Want to host a birthday, retirement party, or miscellaneous get-together for a crowd? Consider reserving a spot at Durant Nature Preserve! The Sassafras Picnic Shelter, Sweetgum Picnic Shelter, and Sycamore Picnic Shelter can all be reserved for 2 hours for a $25 fee. Note, however, that all cakes will have to be candle-less, as open flames are not permitted in the picnic shelters. Fires are allowed at the aptly named Campfire Circle, however, which can be rented for only $15 per 2 hours. Finally, if you require an indoor space that can accommodate up to 200 people, you might consider reserving the Campbell Lodge. At around $200 per hour, this one is a bit steeper, but the gorgeous, spacious interior might be worth it to you.
Make a Kid’s Day
The Durant Nature Preserve is a fantastic place to bring kids, whether you have some of your own or if you’re looking to volunteer with local organizations. In addition to the very kid-friendly Bird and Butterfly gardens, the Preserve also features a Sensory Play Garden designed to delight tiny senses and encourage exploration. Guests can rent a free Discovery Backpack, a learning tool designed to help kids learn about ponds, bugs, birds, and animal tracks. The woodchip surface playground is always a hit with smaller kids, as are glimpses of frogs and turtles spotted throughout the area.
Get Involved
The Preserve is currently undertaking Phase 1 of its dam reconstruction project, which aims to restore the dam in the lower lake and preserve native habitat for wildlife. If you are interested in this project, the Preserve offers a series of Public Open Houses designed to engage and educate the public on its efforts. It’s a great opportunity to get involved in something meaningful that’s happening right in your backyard—and you might learn a few things about environmental conservation, too! You can also get involved with the lake throughout the year by participating in a number of volunteer opportunities.
Escape to Durant Towns Today
Ready to start participating in all these activities and more? The first step is contacting one of our representatives to find out how you can begin living in one of our luxurious North Raleigh townhomes. Our 3- and 4-bedroom townhomes feature light, open-interior construction that’s perfect for entertaining or relaxing, and residents can enjoy a close proximity to Durant Nature Preserve without being too far away from major Oak City hotspots. To learn more about availability at Durant Towns, contact a member of our team today.